When we started looking into buying our first sauna, we had a ton of questions. There are so many things to consider that it can be tough to get answers to in one place. We took a stab at answering the most burning questions people like you may have about infrared saunas, traditional steam saunas and saunas in general. So buckle up because we’re going to answer as many questions as we can.
Oh, and if there’s a question you want an answer to that you don’t see on this list, hit us up on Instagram, Twitter or shoot us a message on our contact page.
Table of Contents:
- General Sauna Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Infrared Sauna Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Steam Sauna Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Traditional Dry (Finnish) Sauna Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Sauna FAQ
A sauna is an enclosure designed for relaxation & relaxation. Saunas typically come equipped with a heat source & benches or seats for people to sit on. They are usually small rooms, enclosures or standalone buildings that can be used for different types, such as infrared & steam saunas. The practice of using saunas is believed to offer numerous health benefits such as relaxation, detoxification & improved circulation.
A sauna heats the air inside to high temperatures, with infrared saunas heating up to around 130-150 degrees Fahrenheit (50-60 degrees Celsius). Dry saunas tend to operate between 160-190 degrees Fahrenheit (70-85 degrees Celsius). Heat causes perspiration, which is believed to help the body eliminate toxins & improve circulation. Some saunas use a wood-burning stove to heat the air, while others use electricity or in rare cases, natural gas or propane.
Some benefits of using a sauna include relaxation, improved circulation, improved skin health, and relief of muscle soreness and tension.
1. A feeling of relaxation
2. Improved circulation in the body
3. Detoxification
4. Lower blood pressure
5. Improved overall skin health
6. Relief of muscle soreness
7. Improved sleep
Saunas may also help to alleviate the symptoms of certain health conditions, such as arthritis, high blood pressure & asthma. Check out our article on the benefits of infrared saunas here & steam saunas here.
The frequency of sauna use depends on individual needs & goals. It’s recommended to start with a lower frequency of use & gradually increase it as your body becomes accustomed to the heat.
Check out our sauna session calculator to see long your next sauna session should be based on a number of health factors.
Saunas are generally safe for most people when used as directed. However, it is important to use caution, especially if you have certain health conditions or are pregnant. Consult with a healthcare provider before using a sauna to ensure it is safe for you.
Saunas are unlikely to cause significant calorie burn during a session. However, there is evidence to suggest they can help boost metabolism, which can lead to long-term weight loss. However, there is evidence to suggest saunas can help boost one’s metabolism, which can help with weight loss long term.
Check out our sauna calories burned calculator to see how much you’d actually burn based on your age, health and a number of other factors.
The length of time should be gradually increased as your body gets accustomed to the heat. Stop using the sauna if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or uncomfortable. It is generally recommended to start at 10-20 minutes at a lower temperature (around 130 degrees Fahrenheit or 48 degrees Celsius).
Check out our sauna session calculator to see how long your next sauna session should be.
It is generally not recommended to consume alcohol or cannabis before or during a sauna session.
Generally speaking some side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or dehydration may be experienced. Side effects can usually be avoided by drinking plenty of water before and after hopping in the sauna & listening to your body.
It is generally not recommended for pregnant women to use saunas as the high heat and humidity can be harmful to the developing fetus, and the increased heart rate and blood pressure caused by the heat may be dangerous for the mother. Consult with a healthcare provider before using a sauna if you are pregnant.
If you have an underlying health condition like high blood pressure or heart disease, we highly recommend consulting with a healthcare practitioner before using a sauna. The high heat & humidity of a sauna can cause a temporary fluctuation in blood pressure, change in blood sugar levels or interaction with medications. We even wrote an article all about it!
If you have a heart condition, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using a sauna. The high heat and humidity of a sauna can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which may be dangerous for some individuals with heart conditions.
If you have diabetes, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using a sauna. The high heat and humidity of a sauna can cause changes in blood sugar levels, which may be dangerous for some individuals with diabetes.
If you are taking medication, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using a sauna. Some medications may interact with the heat and humidity of a sauna, and the high heat may affect the body’s ability to metabolize certain medications.
It is generally safe to use a sauna if you have tattoos, but USE CAUTION! The high heat & humidity can cause tattoos to fade.
The optimal temperature range for a traditional sauna is typically 150-175°F (65-75°C), while for an infrared sauna, it is around 120-130°F (48-54°C). However, the best temperature for a sauna ultimately depends on personal preference and comfort level. It’s important to pay attention to your body and take breaks if you feel overheated or uncomfortable.
Infrared Sauna FAQ
An infrared sauna uses infrared light to directly heat your skin rather than heating the air around you like traditional saunas. Infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular in North America and across the world for the low cost of operation and numerous health benefits it provides.
Infrared saunas use electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. The (unharmful) radiation is absorbed by your skin, raising your body’s temperature and producing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
During an infrared sauna session, you’ll sit or lie down in a heated room. Infrared heaters emit electromagnetic (EMF) radiation that penetrates your skin, causing you to sweat & raising your core body temperature. These sessions offer a range of health benefits such as improved circulation, reduced muscle pain, increased detoxification, and improved skin health.
A typical infrared sauna session lasts between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the person’s tolerance & preferences.
Infrared saunas have a wide range of benefits, from boosting your circulation to helping your body detoxify. Check out our article on the 5 most important benefits of infrared saunas here.
Yes, infrared saunas are generally safe to use as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines. However, if you have any concerns or medical conditions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.
The vast majority of people can use infrared saunas without any issues. However, those with pre-existing health conditions should talk to a licensed healthcare practitioner before using an infrared sauna. Check out our sauna session calculator for more info.
The recommended length of time varies depending on the specific sauna & manufacturer guidelines. It’s always a good idea to start with shorter sessions & gradually build up a tolerance. Check out our Sauna Calculator to get the recommended time for your next sauna session.
It’s not recommended to use an infrared sauna if pregnant. The increased heat and humidity puts extra strain on your body, which may not be safe for you or your baby. We highly recommend consulting your doctor for their expert medical opinion.
How often you should use an infrared sauna will depend on a few different factors. We wrote an entire article dedicated to this question but a few things to consider include:
1. Sauna tolerance – how experienced are you?
2. Health risk factors – do you have any underlying health concerns?
3. Health & wellness goals – what are your trying to accomplish?
4. LISTEN to your body!
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer and it’ll depend on a combination of all four factors listed above. We recommend starting slow (10-20 minute sessions at 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit) and going from there!
In general, it’s safe to use an infrared sauna every day. But like anything, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid overdoing it. Start with shorter sessions and gradually build up your tolerance. If you experience any adverse effects, such as dizziness or muscle cramps, stop using the sauna and consult a
Yes, you should drink water in your infrared sauna to avoid dehydration! Your body can lose a lot of water due to the sweating caused by exposure to infrared heat. So it is important to stay hydrated before, during and after your infrared sauna session. And throughout the day in general.. a friendly reminder to drink water everyday.
Yes, infrared sauna is anti-inflammatory, often in a matter of mere minutes. There are numerous health benefits to using infrared sauna, including improved circulation, relaxation, detoxification, reduced stress and improved sleep, among others.
It is better to do infrared sauna sessions either first thing in the morning or before bedtime for maximum relaxation and enjoyment. However pretty much anytime is a good time to relax and unwind in the soothing heat. When you first start using your infrared sauna, it’s best to take it slow and gradually build up your tolerance. After you start to sweat, aim for 15-20 minutes per session for maximum benefits.
A full spectrum infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared light to heat the body, rather than traditional methods such as hot rocks or steam. Infrared light is a type of energy that is invisible to the human eye, but can be felt as heat.
In a full spectrum infrared sauna, the heat is generated by special infrared heaters that emit light at different wavelengths. Those different wavelengths are known as “near”, “mid” and “far” infrared wavelengths, which when combined are known as “full spectrum.”
We wrote an entire article on full spectrum infrared saunas that you can read here.
Far infrared (FIR) refers to the use of specific wavelengths of infrared light to heat the body. FIR saunas use heaters that emit FIR light to warm the body directly, rather than heating the air around the body as traditional saunas do. This type of sauna is thought to be beneficial for various health conditions such as detoxification, pain relief, and weight loss. Read our full article on full spectrum infrared saunas here.
Near infrared (NIR) refers to the use of specific wavelengths of NIR light to heat the body in a sauna. NIR saunas use heat lamps that emit NIR light to warm the body directly, rather than heating the air around the body as traditional saunas do. Read more here.
Steam Sauna FAQ
A steam sauna is an enclosed type of sauna that uses a water heating system to produce steam, which heats the air in the room. Steam sauna sessions are typically between 105-120 degrees Fahrenheit (40 to 50 degrees Celsius).
A steam sauna is good for many things & has numerous health benefits. The steamy sauna environment opens up your pores, allowing for a deep cleanse that leaves your skin feeling refreshed & revitalized.
Here are a few things a steam sauna is good for:
1. Deep cleaning of the skin
2. Improved appearance of the skin
3. Lower blood pressure
4. Dilate blood vessels for improved circulation
5. Relaxation
6. Improved sleep
7. Detoxification
We wrote at length about the health benefits of steam saunas, which you can read here.
A steam sauna works by heating water to produce steam, which is then circulated through the sauna room. The heat and humidity of the steam help to relax muscles and open up the pores, leading to a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation.
The temperature in a steam sauna can range from 110 to 118 degrees Fahrenheit (43 to 48 degrees Celsius).
Steam saunas can be beneficial for overall health and well-being. They can help to improve circulation, clear congestion and aid in detoxification. Steam saunas can also help to relieve muscle soreness and tension, as well as improve skin health by opening up pores and promoting sweating. Further reading about the benefits of steam saunas can be found here.
Steam rooms can provide benefits such as clearing the pores and reducing recovery time after physical activity. However, it is important to keep in mind that the high heat can lead to excessive sweating and therefore increase the risk of dehydration. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the duration of each steam room session to no more than 15-20 minutes.
However, more experienced users can stretch their sessions longer. Always remember to listen to your body!
Steam saunas aren’t a particularly good way to burn fat. While sweating it out in the steam room may feel like a quick fix for weight loss, any weight you lose in there is just temporary water weight. So, while you’re feeling like a sauna-sweat superhero, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated and avoid any possible dehydration.
However, it is important to note that steam saunas can help improve circulation and cardiovascular health, and it has been associated with higher metabolism, so indirectly steam saunas could be associated with burning fat. More research is needed in this area to truly understand the effects of steam sauna.
Traditional Dry Sauna FAQ
A dry sauna, also known as a Finnish or “traditional” sauna or sometimes traditional Finnish sauna, uses dry heat (as in not steam) to raise the temperature inside a sauna room. Dry saunas typically radiate heat at a much higher temperature than either infared or steam saunas.
More on dry saunas here.
Dry saunas work by generating heat using a stove or heater that warms up rocks, which then radiate heat back into the room. Unlike steam saunas, there is no humidity in a dry sauna. As a result, the air inside the sauna is dry and hot, making it easier to breathe.
More on dry saunas here.
Dry saunas differ from infrared and steam saunas because dry saunas rely on an external heat source, such as a wood-fire stove or electric heater, to drive heat into the sauna room. This process requires a higher room temperature than either infrared or steam saunas.
An infrared sauna uses infrared light to warm up the body directly, rather than heating the air.
Steam saunas use steam to create a humid and moist environment. The heat in a steam sauna is generated by a steam generator, which heats water to create the steam.
Typically, the temperature ranges between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit (65 to 90 degrees Celsius), with the ideal temperature for most people being around 170 degrees Fahrenheit (77 degrees Celsius).
Dry saunas offer a number of health benefits, similar to infrared and steam saunas. Some of these benefits include:
1. Improved cardiovascular health
2. Increased circulation from artery dilation
3. Improved sleep patterns
4. Reduced stress levels
5. Clearer skin
6. Detoxification
7. Pain relief
We recommend against doing so as the typical temperature range of a dry sauna is between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit (65-90 degrees Celsius). Phone manufacturers recommend phones not be exposed to temperatures higher than 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).
It is generally recommended to not wear clothes in a dry sauna, as the heat and dry air can cause clothing to trap sweat against the skin and make the sauna experience less comfortable. Additionally, the heat and humidity can cause clothes to shrink or become damaged. Many people prefer to use a towel or sauna sheet to sit on instead of wearing clothes.