Infrared vs Traditional Sauna: Which One Is Right for Your Wellness Goals?
If you're looking to add a sauna to your home wellness space, you're probably deciding between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna. Both offer a wide range of health benefits—from stress relief and detoxification to improved circulation and muscle recovery—but they work in different ways and cater to different wellness needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between infrared and traditional saunas to help you choose the best option for your health, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
How Traditional Saunas Work
A traditional sauna heats the air around you using a stove or heater, which in turn raises your body temperature. The room typically reaches temperatures between 70°C and 100°C, encouraging the body to sweat heavily in response.
This type of sauna offers an intense, immersive heat that many people associate with classic spa or steam room experiences. It’s great for those who enjoy deep sweating, high heat, and a more social, steamy atmosphere.
How Infrared Saunas Work
Infrared saunas use infrared light waves to warm the body directly, rather than heating the air. The light penetrates the skin and raises your core temperature more gently, allowing for deeper tissue heating at much lower air temperatures—usually around 40°C to 60°C.
The result is a more tolerable, less overwhelming heat that still promotes intense sweating, detoxification, and muscle recovery—without the heavy, humid environment of a traditional sauna.
Key Differences Between Infrared and Traditional Saunas
Temperature and Comfort
Traditional saunas offer high temperatures that create a full-body heat experience but can feel too intense for some. Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, making them more comfortable for longer sessions and ideal for those sensitive to high heat.
Heat Method
Traditional saunas heat the air first, which then heats your body. Infrared saunas heat your body directly, allowing deeper penetration into muscles and tissues without overheating the space.
Health and Recovery Benefits
Both types support cardiovascular health, detoxification, and stress relief. However, infrared saunas tend to be better suited for muscle recovery, pain relief, and reducing inflammation, thanks to the deep tissue heat. Traditional saunas may be preferred for enhancing circulation, improving respiratory function, and creating a more social, spa-like experience.
Setup and Maintenance
Infrared saunas are generally easier to install, energy efficient, and require less maintenance. Traditional saunas may need more robust ventilation and often use more power due to higher heat demands.
Which Sauna Is Right for You?
Choose an infrared sauna if you:
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Want deeper muscle and joint recovery
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Prefer gentler heat that’s easier on the body
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Are looking to reduce inflammation and pain
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Want a low-maintenance, energy-efficient sauna
Choose a traditional sauna if you:
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Enjoy intense heat and heavy sweating
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Want the classic steam room experience
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Are looking for social sauna sessions
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Prefer a more traditional spa setup at home
Still unsure? Our team at Revamped Living can help you decide based on your wellness goals and available space.
Final Thoughts
Both infrared and traditional saunas offer impressive wellness benefits. The right choice comes down to how you like to relax, recover, and support your health long term.
If you’re aiming for muscle recovery, reduced soreness, and daily relaxation, an infrared sauna is likely the best fit. If you enjoy the intensity of a steam-filled room and the ritual of a more classic spa experience, a traditional sauna may be right for you.
👉 Explore our full collection of saunas to create your own recovery sanctuary at home.
Your health. Your heat. Your choice.