Very often, partly because of the misleading name, the public may confuse the cabin—or, as it is incorrectly called, the infrared sauna—with the traditional Finnish sauna, or consider them to be similar.
Heat therapy is one of the oldest therapeutic traditions that has survived to the present day. From the earliest steam baths of antiquity, we have now reached a market rich in options and solutions for physical and mental well-being. Among these, the so-called “infrasauna” is a recently developed product that has nothing to do with the centuries-old tradition of the Nordic sauna. Let’s explore its main features together.
The infrared sauna is a dry heat bath that harnesses the radiant power of infrared radiation: it consists of a wooden cabin heated by radiant panels. Here, temperatures do not exceed approximately 50°C, and the benefit to the body stems precisely from the healthy radiation that penetrates directly through the skin without heating the surrounding air.
In fact, the body absorbs infrared radiation much more easily than external heat, which is why the environment does not need to reach high temperatures, as is the case in a traditional sauna. Inside the cabin, it is therefore not necessary to sweat excessively to obtain the beneficial effects of the heat bath; and its effectiveness is guaranteed regardless.
Infrared saunas are emerging as a modern evolution of the ancient practice of heat treatments. Unlike traditional saunas which heat the air to high temperatures, infrared saunas are installed with special panels that emit infrared radiation which penetrates the body’s tissues directly. This deep heat stimulates sweating, helping detox the body and relax muscles, without exposing your organism to extreme temperatures. And because energy consumption is reduced, a home infrared sauna really is the ideal combination of technology, health and sustainability.
Infrared saunas use infrared wave emitters that generate heat similar to that of the sun but without ultraviolet rays. The rays gently penetrate the tissue up to 4-5 centimetres below the skin, heating the body from the inside instead of increasing the temperature of the air in the cabin. This stimulates blood circulation, helps detox the body, relaxes muscles and has a beneficial effect on stress, tension and joint pain. The heat in an infrared sauna is gentler and deeper than that of a traditional sauna, thus making it ideal for frequent use.
The best thing to wear in an infrared sauna is a towel in natural fibre to let your skin breathe. Avoid synthetic clothing, jewellery and metal accessories that could overheat. Before entering the sauna, drink plenty of fluids and take a warm shower to prepare your skin. Once inside the infrared cabin, breathing deeply and relaxing heightens the benefits. A cool shower and rest when you come out help restore balance to your body. Remember these simple rules and your home infrared sauna will become a complete, regenerating wellness experience.
Before entering an infrared sauna, there are a couple of things you shouldn’t do to prevent reducing its efficacy or jeopardizing the safety of your experience. Large meals and alcohol should be avoided as they can slow down digestion and alter your blood pressure. Strenuous exercise is also not recommended just before a sauna: wait at least 30 minutes to give your body a chance to get back to normal. Don’t apply creams or oils as they can clog pores and stop the skin from breathing properly. Lastly, make sure you don’t become dehydrated: drinking water or mild herbal teas before and after an infrared sauna will enhance your overall wellbeing
Saunas have always offered rejuvenating and relaxing experiences. This is precisely due to the effect of heat, which dilates the blood vessels, increases blood flow and triggers the release of endorphins; in doing so, it alleviates feelings of pain, tiredness and stress, and provides excellent relief for bruises and sprains, whilst also proving to be a valuable ally in the prevention of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and in the treatment of muscular and joint conditions.
But the real benefit comes from sweating, which purifies the body by eliminating toxins and impurities, through a proven detox effect that ‘filters out’ substances harmful to health. Sweating also brings aesthetic benefits, primarily for the skin and hair. As for the alleged slimming properties of the infrared sauna, however, a clarification is needed: the warming of the body by infrared rays certainly leads to a temporary increase in metabolism: but, as mentioned, this is a short-lived effect which, whilst it certainly does not contribute to burning fat for the purpose of weight loss, does help to eliminate excess fluids, thereby helping to combat water retention.
Using an infrared sauna may be beneficial if you are trying to lose weight, because the heat penetrates deep into the tissues, stimulating your metabolism and promoting profuse sweating. When in the sauna, your body needs more energy to maintain its core temperature, burning calories in a more natural way. An infrared sauna also improves blood circulation and helps flush out toxins and excess liquids, reducing water retention and enhancing skin tone. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, an infrared cabin canhelp maximizeresults over time.
Infrared saunas have lower energy consumption than traditional saunas, averaging between 1 and 1.5 kW per session, making them suitable for both domestic and professional use. To optimise costs, new technologies offer low-energy infrared panels, smart temperature control systems and programmable timers. Integration with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or heat pumps, allows for a further reduction in energy consumption and running costs. With these solutions, a home infrared sauna becomes not only an investment in wellbeing, but also a sustainable and efficient choice.
No harmful effects have ever been observed from using an infrared cabin: when used correctly and in moderation, it actually offers numerous benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. After all, the infrared rays in a sauna are similar to those used to heat incubators for newborns in hospitals. Of course, certain precautions must be taken to avoid unpleasant side effects: you should therefore avoid heat therapy if you are unwell, during your period, whilst recovering from illness, or if you have any medical conditions, are pregnant or are taking medication; you should always seek medical advice before undertaking any sauna sessions, whether traditional or infrared.
One of the key factors for a beneficial infrared sauna session is undoubtedly the duration: on average, a 30-minute session is recommended, though this can be extended to 45 minutes. In the latter case, it is best not to repeat the session in the infrared cabin later in the day, although this is acceptable if the session is shorter. Generally speaking, the ideal would be to repeat the sessions 2–3 times a week, so as to regularly enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the heat bath.
The post-session period is also important; during this time, it is not advisable to consume very hot or very cold foods or to engage in intense physical activity.
The cost of an infrared sauna depends on a number of factors, including its size, the materials used and the technology employed in the radiant panels. The elements that have the greatest influence on the price include the design, the quality of the wood, the infrared heating system, the cabin’s capacity and any technological extras. Carefully assessing these features enables you to choose an infrared sauna that is efficient, durable and perfectly suited to your wellbeing needs, whether for domestic or professional use.
Maintaining your infrared sauna is essential to ensure efficiency, safety and longevity. It is advisable to clean the wooden surfaces regularly with damp cloths and mild detergents, avoiding harsh products that could damage the material. Checking the operation of the infrared panels and electronic systems periodically helps prevent malfunctions. The cabin should be ventilated after each use to prevent damp and odours. Scheduled maintenance, ideally every 6–12 months, includes inspecting the electrical connections and checking the technical components.
The Finnish sauna is heated by a heat generator; the heat is dry, and normal operating temperatures range from 80° to 90° C. As we have seen, this is where the main difference lies compared to an infrared cabin, where temperatures remain significantly lower.
This difference in operation therefore gives rise to two distinct scenarios. In the first case, infrared rays help to heat the body directly without raising the air temperature, whilst in the method inherited from northern countries, it is precisely the uniform heat pervading the cabin that acts on the body, stimulating the beneficial effects of sweating and the elimination of toxins.
The duration of sessions also differs: with infrared saunas, it is in fact possible to enjoy the heat treatment for up to 20–30 consecutive minutes, whereas the traditional method is known for its cycle of alternating short sauna sessions with cold showers.
But whilst this might seem to be entirely to the advantage of the infrared sauna, it is also important to bear in mind that the radiation has a very localised effect, particularly at the points where the rays are emitted, whereas with the Nordic sauna, the treatment affects all areas of the body and the environment inside the cabin equally. The perception of the treatment also differs.
When exposed to high temperatures, the human body begins to adapt by gradually increasing the heart rate and expelling toxins and impurities through sweat. The ultimate effect, experienced by ‘listening’ to one’s own body, is a state of general physical and mental wellbeing, cardiovascular exercise, deep cleansing of the skin and a sense of regeneration.
Infrared saunas can use either carbon or ceramic panels, each with its own specific characteristics. Carbon panels provide a more even and gentle heat, covering large areas whilst consuming less energy, making them ideal for long sessions and consistent comfort. Ceramic panels generate a more intense and penetrating heat, stimulating perspiration more quickly, and are suitable for those seeking energising and more targeted effects.
On the one hand, a new, cutting-edge system; on the other, a centuries-old tradition: is there really an answer to the question of whether an infrasauna or a traditional sauna is the better choice?
First of all, it must be said that the two systems are not mutually exclusive: they represent different philosophies and origins that are not alternatives, but rather, at best, complementary. And whilst the underlying philosophy may differ, there is no doubt that both treatments offer health benefits, albeit with different effects. At this point, the choice will come down to personal preference, one’s individual ability to adapt to high temperatures, and the desired effects on the body.
As a manufacturer of Finnish saunas, Effe is keen to emphasise that in even the oldest spa resorts, in modern wellness centres and, more generally, in public spaces dedicated to body care, the products used are often the traditional sauna for dry heat and the Mediterranean-style hammam for steam.
The Finnish method is as natural as it gets, which is why, at Effe, we have decided to embrace this historic tradition, offering design solutions featuring cutting-edge technology; products that are truly innovative, just as the state-of-the-art infrared cabins are.
For those who wish to have an infrared sauna within their own sauna, Effe offers the option of adding infrared stations to their bespoke sauna.
