Radiant heat therapy
Infrared sauna: what it does, what to expect & where to try it
Infrared sauna uses infrared light to heat the body directly rather than warming surrounding air first, as a traditional Finnish sauna does. The infrared spectrum includes near-, mid-, and far-infrared wavelengths; far-infrared (FIR) — the most common in wellness studios — is absorbed by the skin and upper tissue layers, raising core temperature and inducing a deep sweat at lower ambient temperatures (120–150°F) than traditional saunas (170–200°F).
Infrared sauna uses infrared light to heat the body directly rather than warming surrounding air first, as a traditional Finnish sauna does. The infrared spectrum includes near-, mid-, and far-infrared wavelengths; far-infrared (FIR) — the most common in wellness studios — is absorbed by the skin and upper tissue layers, raising core temperature and inducing a deep sweat at lower ambient temperatures (120–150°F) than traditional saunas (170–200°F). This lower air temperature makes infrared saunas more accessible for people who find conventional saunas too intense. Studios offer single- or two-person cedar cabins, often with optional chromotherapy lighting, audio, and precise temperature controls. Infrared sauna is the most widely available recovery modality in the US — found in standalone sauna studios, full-service recovery lounges, and luxury gyms. People use it to support post-exercise recovery, relaxation, cardiovascular conditioning, skin health, and stress reduction. Sessions run 30–45 minutes; most studios offer drop-in bookings and monthly memberships.
How infrared sauna works
Infrared heat raises core body temperature, triggering a physiological cascade similar to moderate cardiovascular exercise: elevated heart rate, vasodilation, and profuse sweating. Research suggests repeated sauna use may improve vascular function and reduce arterial stiffness, supporting cardiovascular health. Heat exposure also stimulates heat-shock proteins, which help protect and repair cellular proteins under stress. Early evidence links regular sauna use to reductions in inflammatory markers, though optimal frequency, temperature, and duration protocols are still being studied.
Typical cost: $30–$70 per session.
Is infrared sauna right for you?
A quick, goal-based fit guide — who tends to get the most from infrared sauna, and when it's worth a word with a professional first. This is wellness guidance, not medical advice.
Often a great fit if…
Infrared sauna appeals broadly to athletes, office workers with chronic stress or tension, and individuals managing mild chronic pain or stiffness. People who find traditional steam saunas too hot or claustrophobic often prefer the lower ambient temperature of infrared cabins.
Worth a quick check first if…
People who are pregnant, have cardiovascular conditions, uncontrolled blood pressure, or take medications that affect heat regulation should consult a clinician before using an infrared sauna. Those feeling acutely ill, with active skin infections, or who have consumed alcohol should avoid sessions.
What a first session feels like
Sessions typically run 30–45 minutes at 120–150°F. You'll sweat noticeably within the first 10–15 minutes; studios provide towels and water is strongly recommended before, during, and after. Many people feel deeply relaxed immediately afterward, with energy and mood often improving over the following hour.
Studios offering infrared sauna
404 verified studios across 159 cities.
Float RI
5 modalitiesWarwick, RI
4.9· 82 reviews
Exotic Tans & Red Light Sauna Spa
5 modalitiesWarwick, RI
Innovative Health Seattle
4 modalitiesSeattle, WA
4.8· 131 reviews
Pause South Bay
6 modalitiesEl Segundo, CA
4.9· 194 reviews
Recovery Oasis
4 modalitiesSt. Petersburg, FL
Equipment & brands for Infrared sauna
The equipment brands that power infrared sauna at studios in our directory.
Renu Therapy
Cold plunge & sauna
Renu Therapy makes cold plunge tubs and infrared sauna cabins designed for home and light commercial use. Cold plunge units use stainless steel construction with integrated active chilling, and the product range includes models suited to indoor and outdoor installation. The sauna line adds infrared options, allowing the brand to serve customers who want contrast therapy pairing in the same purchase. Renu Therapy targets health-focused consumers and small commercial operators, positioning itself in the mid-to-premium tier of the home recovery equipment market.
JNH Lifestyles
Infrared & traditional saunas
**What they sell.** JNH Lifestyles is a value-leading sauna manufacturer (founded 2006, Southern California) offering far-infrared cabin saunas in 1-to-4-person sizes with carbon-fiber low-EMF heaters, plus traditional Finnish electric-heater saunas and outdoor barrel saunas. Direct-to-consumer and a long-running top-selling sauna brand on Amazon. **Positioning.** Competes on affordability and accessibility for the home-wellness buyer — entry-price infrared cabins, lifetime/limited warranties, easy self-assembly. For studio operators it is the budget option when outfitting an infrared sauna room without the premium spend of a Sunlighten or Clearlight. Sits at the value end of the same infrared-sauna category as those flagship brands. Channel-partner data for the Praxium equipment-vendor catalog. Source: jnhlifestyles.com, accessed 2026-06-29.
HigherDOSE
Infrared sauna & red light
HigherDOSE is a consumer wellness brand that makes infrared sauna blankets, red light therapy masks, PEMF mats, and related home recovery devices. Founded in New York, the company focuses on compact, home-friendly formats that approximate studio modalities without requiring dedicated space or professional installation. Product lines are sold direct-to-consumer and through retail partners. HigherDOSE targets wellness-aware consumers who want accessible versions of infrared and red light modalities for personal use at home, at a price point below full-size commercial equipment.
Clearlight Saunas
Infrared saunas
Sun Home Saunas
Infrared saunas & cold plunges
Sunlighten
Infrared saunas
Shop infrared sauna equipment
Real infrared sauna products from the brands studios run — and biohackers buy for home.
Infrared saunaSun Home Saunas
Sun Home Equinox 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
The Equinox is a 2-person full-spectrum infrared sauna delivering near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths, built from eco-certified kiln-dried eucalyptus with EMF/ELF shielding.
Infrared saunaClearlight Saunas
Clearlight Premier 2
The Premier 2 is a far-infrared sauna for up to 2 people, built from Eco-Certified Mahogany or Basswood with tongue-and-groove construction and True Wave far-infrared heaters.
Infrared saunaSunlighten
Sunlighten mPulse
The mPulse collection is powered by PulseIQ technology, which delivers red light, near-, mid-, and far-infrared wavelengths separately with preset programs and built-in app control.
Infrared saunaSunlighten
Sunlighten Amplify
Amplify is a full-spectrum infrared sauna using patented SoloCarbon heaters that blend near-, mid-, and far-infrared and is engineered to run hotter than the brand's far-infrared lines.
Infrared saunaSunlighten
Sunlighten Signature
The Signature collection is a far-infrared sauna line built around the patented SoloCarbon heating system, positioned as the brand's simpler, more affordable option.
Infrared saunaSunlighten
Sunlighten Solo System
The Solo System is a one-person portable far-infrared sauna with patented SoloCarbon panels and a foldable, lightweight design for small spaces.
Frequently asked questions
Is infrared sauna different from a regular sauna?
Yes. A traditional Finnish sauna heats air to 170–200°F, warming you via convection. An infrared sauna uses light waves to heat your body directly at a lower ambient temperature (120–150°F), which many find more comfortable while still inducing significant sweating.
How long should you sit in an infrared sauna?
Most studios recommend 30–45 minutes. New users should start at 20–25 minutes at a lower temperature and build up gradually. Staying well-hydrated before and after is essential.
How often should I use an infrared sauna?
For general wellness, 3–4 sessions per week is commonly recommended. Research on cardiovascular benefits often involves 4+ weekly sessions; many people see recovery benefits with just 2–3 per week.
Can you use an infrared sauna every day?
Daily use is practiced by many enthusiasts and appears safe for healthy adults provided sessions stay at a reasonable duration and hydration is maintained. Individual tolerance varies — listen to how your body responds.
Does infrared sauna help with detox?
Sweating removes small amounts of sodium, lactate, and trace minerals. The liver and kidneys are the body's primary detoxification organs. Infrared sauna supports healthy circulation and sweating as part of a wellness routine, but dramatic heavy-metal detox claims exceed what the evidence currently supports.
Keep exploring infrared sauna
Infrared sauna for your goal
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