Infrared saunas are an excellent tool for promoting health and well-being, provided they are used correctly. Regular sessions in an infrared sauna can enhance relaxation, support recovery, and promote skin health.
To maximise the benefits, it’s essential to prepare properly, listen to your body, and follow some aftercare practices. This guide will walk you through the best practices for using your infrared sauna effectively and safely.
How to Prepare for a Sauna Session?
Before your session, it’s essential to drink plenty of water. Proper hydration ensures that your body has enough fluids to support natural sweating and maintain stable circulation. Ideally, drink at least one glass of water one to two hours before your session.
Light stretching or breathing exercises can also help prepare your body for the sauna. Gentle movements, such as yoga or stretching, activate circulation and loosen muscles, enhancing both sweating and relaxation during your infrared sauna session.
What to Do During a Sauna Session?
While in the sauna, follow these guidelines to make the most of your session:
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Comfortable positioning: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position to ensure even heat distribution. Pay attention to your breathing and let the gentle warmth of the infrared rays envelop you.
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Know your limits: Adjust the duration and temperature to suit your needs. Beginners should start with 10-15 minutes at a moderate temperature, gradually increasing as they acclimatise. Avoid pushing your body to discomfort or overheating.
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Special features: Clearlight's Yoga Sanctuary Infrared Sauna offers a unique experience combining infrared therapy with the benefits of yoga. For a closer look, check out the product video for inspiration.
What Should You Do if You Feel Dizzy or Unwell?
If you feel unwell, nauseous, or dizzy during a sauna session, it’s important to act quickly.
- Carefully exit the sauna, sit down, and allow your body to cool down gradually.
- Drink some water and take deep breaths.
- A slow cooldown helps stabilise circulation and quickly alleviates these symptoms.
How Long Should You Stay in the Infrared Sauna?
The ideal duration of a sauna session depends on your experience and health goals.
For beginners, we recommend starting with 10 to 20 minutes to acclimate to the heat. Experienced users can extend sessions to up to 40 minutes.
On average, 20 to 30 minutes is sufficient to enjoy the deep relaxation and health benefits of an infrared sauna.
For maximum health benefits, stay in the sauna until you feel it’s time to leave. Take three deep breaths and exit the sauna. Avoid staying longer, as this can potentially lead to negative effects, such as headaches or reduced sleep quality.
What to Do After an Infrared Sauna Session?
After your session, it is essential to give your body time to recover.
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Take a moment to rest: Give yourself a few minutes of quiet time after your session to let the beneficial effects fully settle in.
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Cool down slowly: Exit the sauna and allow your body to return to normal temperature gradually. Spending a few minutes in fresh air or taking a lukewarm shower is ideal for a gentle cooldown. If you enjoy cold therapy, you can follow up with a cold shower or an ice bath, but be mindful that this may add additional stress to your body.
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Rehydrate: Sweating in the infrared sauna leads to fluid loss. Drink plenty of water to restore hydration. A light herbal tea can further contribute to relaxation.
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Skincare and mineral replenishment: Your skin requires care after a sauna session. Apply a moisturising lotion to soothe your skin. Replenishing minerals like magnesium and potassium can also help restore balance to your body.
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Promote circulation: Gentle stretching or a short walk helps stimulate blood flow and enhances the beneficial effects of the sauna.
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Rinse away toxins: Shower after your session to wash off toxins and sweat. This leaves you feeling refreshed and allows your skin to breathe freely.
By following these simple steps, you can maximise the benefits of your sauna session and support your recovery.
How Often Should I Use the Sauna?
The frequency of sauna use depends on your personal goals. Two to three sessions per week are ideal for general relaxation and well-being. If you are targeting specific health benefits, such as muscle relaxation or improved skin, you can use the infrared sauna more frequently. However, always ensure your body gets adequate rest between sessions to recover fully.
What Is the Optimal Temperature Range of Infrared Saunas?
Infrared saunas operate at a comfortable temperature range of 40 to 60 degrees Celsius, which is milder compared to traditional saunas. This makes them particularly suitable for individuals sensitive to high heat.
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Beginners: Start with lower temperatures to acclimate gradually.
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Experienced users: Higher temperatures within the range can also offer added benefits.
The 40 to 60-degree Celsius range gently warms the body, promoting sweat production without placing excessive strain on circulation.
Safety Precautions for Sauna Use
Safety is a priority when using a sauna:
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Ensure you are well-hydrated before your session.
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Adjust the duration and temperature to match your needs.
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Listen to your body and take breaks if necessary.
While infrared saunas provide gentle heat therapy, it’s important to avoid overly long sessions or high temperatures, especially if you are new to sauna use.
What Are the Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas?
Infrared saunas offer numerous scientifically supported health benefits:
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Detoxification: The deep-penetrating heat promotes sweating, aiding in the elimination of impurities.
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Improved circulation: Infrared heat stimulates blood flow, supporting cellular regeneration.
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Muscle relaxation: Regular use of infrared sauna helps relieve muscle and joint tension, assisting in post-activity renewal.
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Enhanced skin health: Many users report improved skin texture and reduced blemishes.
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Stressed reduction and improved sleep: Infrared sauna sessions promote deep relaxation, reducing stress levels and support maintaining restful sleep patterns.
The deep heat penetrates tissues effectively, easing tightness and supporting the removal of toxins, leaving you feeling revitalised.
Is It Better to Use the Infrared Sauna in the Morning or Evening?
The best time to use an infrared sauna depends on your personal preferences and goals:
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Morning: Boost your circulation and energy levels to start your day.
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Evening: Promote relaxation, reduce stress, and prepare for restful sleep.
Many users find evening sessions particularly soothing as they gently prepare the body for a good night’s sleep.
How Does the Infrared Sauna Differ from a Traditional Sauna?
The main difference lies in how heat is delivered and how the body responds.
Traditional saunas heat the air around you, raising the room temperature to 70–100°C, which then warms your body. This creates a hot, humid environment that encourages sweating through overall exposure to heat.
Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared light to heat your body directly without significantly warming the air. Temperatures typically range from 40–60°C, making the experience more tolerable for people sensitive to heat or with cardiovascular concerns. Despite the lower temperature, infrared saunas can produce a deep, cleansing sweat and are often more energy-efficient.
In summary, traditional saunas heat the air; infrared saunas heat you. The result is a different thermal experience tailored to different preferences and needs.
Conclusion
Using an infrared sauna correctly can significantly enhance your well-being and provide numerous health benefits. Whether for relaxation, recovery or as part of your wellness routine, proper preparation and aftercare ensure you get the most out of every session.
Make infrared sauna therapy an integral part of your lifestyle and enjoy its transformative impact on your health and relaxation.
Ready to experience the benefits for yourself? Browse our full catalog of infrared saunas and find the perfect model to match your wellness goals.