Infrared Sauna vs. Steam Sauna: Which Offers Better Health Benefits?
Which Is Healthier: Steam Sauna or Infrared Sauna?
When considering sauna therapy, two popular options often come to mind: steam saunas and infrared saunas. Each type has unique health benefits that cater to different needs. But when it comes to choosing which sauna type is healthier and more beneficial for regular use, the answer lies in understanding their differences, how they work, and what each offers in terms of health outcomes.
How Steam Saunas Work:
Steam saunas use a heating element to heat stones, which in turn heats the surrounding air. By pouring water over the heated rocks, a burst of steam is created, increasing both temperature and humidity in the sauna.
The intense humidity in steam saunas reaches temperatures between 150°F to 190°F (65°C to 90°C), but the body experiences less core heat due to the superficial nature of steam. While it can feel intense, the heating effect primarily affects the surface of the skin.
Benefits of Steam Saunas:
Detoxification and Skin Health: The high humidity helps open pores and promotes sweating, allowing the body to eliminate toxins like heavy metals, similar to the body’s natural detoxification process.
Improved Respiratory Health: The moist air can alleviate symptoms of asthma and bronchitis by opening airways, improving breathing, and even aiding the clearance of mucus from the lungs.
Circulatory Boost: Steam sauna use leads to vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which can temporarily lower blood pressure and improve blood flow.
However, steam saunas have a few drawbacks, such as:
Limited Heat Penetration: While steam saunas elevate skin temperature quickly, the heat doesn’t penetrate deep into muscles or tissues.
Higher Operating Costs: Steam saunas are energy-intensive and require more maintenance due to the high moisture levels, which can also contribute to mold and mildew growth.
How Infrared Saunas Work:
Infrared saunas use infrared light waves to heat the body directly rather than heating the surrounding air. Infrared radiation, a form of energy just beyond visible light, penetrates up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) into the skin, providing heat from the inside out. This form of heat allows for lower ambient temperatures (ranging from 120°F to 150°F or 48°C to 65°C) while still producing an intense sweat.
Benefits of Infrared Saunas:
Deeper Detoxification: Infrared saunas increase the core body temperature, encouraging a more profound sweat that can help excrete toxins like heavy metals (arsenic, lead, mercury) and organic compounds like BPA. Studies have shown that infrared saunas can help reduce endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery: By penetrating deeper into the muscles, infrared heat improves circulation and relieves soreness, making it an ideal choice for athletes and those recovering from injury. It also stimulates mitochondrial activity, which promotes cellular repair.
Boosted Cardiovascular Health: Regular use of infrared saunas can mimic cardiovascular exercise, improving blood vessel function and reducing blood pressure. Studies have shown that infrared sauna therapy may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and improve heart health by stimulating endothelial function (the lining of the arteries).
Metabolism and Weight Loss: The increased body temperature from infrared heat can stimulate the body’s metabolic rate. Research suggests that a 30-minute session can burn between 300-600 calories, depending on body weight and heat tolerance.
Infrared saunas are also energy-efficient, using less electricity and requiring less maintenance compared to steam saunas. They are especially suited for home use, where convenience and space can be considerations.
Scientific Comparison: Which Sauna is Healthier?
The key differentiator between steam and infrared saunas is the depth of heat penetration. While steam saunas primarily affect the skin surface, infrared radiation penetrates deeper into muscles and tissues, providing greater therapeutic benefits. Infrared saunas are also better at inducing hyperthermia (an increase in core body temperature), which helps with:
Enhanced detoxification: Infrared saunas have been shown to remove more toxins due to the deeper, more consistent sweat.
Pain relief: Infrared heat is used in physical therapy and rehabilitation for its ability to reduce inflammation and ease joint and muscle pain.
Circulatory health: Studies have demonstrated that the use of infrared saunas can enhance vascular endothelial function, a critical component of maintaining healthy circulation.
Which Sauna Should You Choose?
For those looking for a modern, therapeutic sauna experience with long-term health benefits, the infrared sauna emerges as the clear winner. Its ability to promote detoxification, aid in muscle recovery, improve heart health, and boost metabolism makes it ideal for regular use. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more traditional sauna experience focused on skin hydration and respiratory health, a steam sauna might be more your style.
Ready to experience the benefits of infrared therapy? Purchase the HOT HAVEN Infrared Sauna Wrap today or book an appointment at our San Diego sauna studio. Visit us and take the first step towards a healthier, more relaxed you.