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Infrared Sauna Overview
If one must know, the popularity of saunas has come a little too late to the party. Since it got introduced by the Finnish people decades ago, only a fraction of its benefits has only come into the spotlight.
But thanks to gymnasiums and other fitness platforms, the numerous advantages of relaxing in an infrared sauna room have surfaced.
However, one type of sauna, the recently-introduced infrared saunas, hasn’t gone to that realm. This article is specially written to reveal the benefits of infrared sauna therapy on our skin and health.
If you’re new in town and just trying to know whether an infrared sauna will do you good, consider this discussion a godsend.
But before we get into the nitty-gritty of its benefits, let’s discuss first what an infrared sauna is!
Infrared Sauna in a Nutshell
For someone like me, who is almost uninitiated in this fitness regimen, I have often wondered how this type of sauna operates. For you to know how it functions, it’s crucial that you understand what infrared light is.
Essentially, this is what we technically experience as heat, the invisible part of the sun’s spectrum. This ray of heat cannot be seen but can be felt as the warmth of sunshine on our skin.
In infrared saunas, the far-infrared wavelength is the component that penetrates right into our very tissues to induce a rejuvenating, detoxifying sweat.
Unlike the traditional and wet saunas, which use heated air to warm our bodies, infrared saunas subject your body to a more comfortable, relaxing temperature. [1]
Infrared Sauna Types
Infrared saunas are divided into three types near, middle and far-infrared saunas. Far infrared saunas use radiant heat in which the radiant energy is redirected from an emitting heat source into a specific object or our bodies, for example. [2]
On the other hand, a near-infrared sauna utilizes infrared light sauna therapy contained within the spectrum of natural sunlight. The sun emits almost half of its total energy in the near-infrared range.
Both of these saunas have their corresponding benefits, each of them equally tested and proven.
But if you’re gunning to gain all these benefits without choosing between the two, dive into the nearest middle infrared saunas, you have in your neighborhood!
Are These Saunas Safe For My Skin?
That’s a resounding yes! One of the defining features of infrared saunas is that they won’t and can’t burn yourself as it only operates below 130F, a temperature deemed more comfortable and much safer by most users.
In addition, there are no known reports or dangers associated with infrared saunas.
Now, while this sounds utterly pleasing, I’d still recommend that you see your doctor before indulging in this regimen.
And while you’re at it, verify from your physician that you’re not under any type of pre-existing conditions as these ailments might complicate them further.
Now onto the big reveal…
What are the Benefits of Infrared Sauna on Skin?
1. Infrared Sauna and Metabolism
When relaxing in a far infrared sauna, the generated heat is absorbed deeply into your body. During this, a significant increase in heart rate, along with your body’s cardiac output and metabolic rate, is expected.
Your body expends energy when it sweats; it can burn up to 300 to 500 calories within a 30-minute session. This also equals the released sweat when you’re running a 10-15 km.
Moreover, your basal metabolic rate is expected to elevate, indicating that you should burn calories at a heightened rate for hours after your session ends. All in all, you’re shedding a staggering 800 calories within just a single session. [3]
2. Infrared Sauna and Detoxification
While our bodies are already perfectly capable of detoxing alone, our body’s detoxification systems still need support. One known support is through infrared sauna therapy, which should require just a little effort from yourself.
As per [Dr. Rhonda Patrick], who has a Ph.D. in biomedical science, our sweat containing the hydrophilic and lipophilic components should make it a pathway to eliminate numerous toxins. Some of these include xenobiotics like BPA, often absorbed through your store receipts, PCB, and phthalates. Also included on her list are arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
Meanwhile, it has also been found that sweating removes electrolytes. It is a must that you replace calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The simplest and safest way to replace this is using water and a hefty sea salt pinch.
Another way to replenish your electrolytes is by consuming kale, a concentrated form of electrolytes.
3. Infrared Sauna and that youthful skin
Ever wonder why everyone sports such a glow on their faces right after their infrared sauna sessions? Blame it on the collagen!
Accordingly, far infrared wavelengths increase the production of collagen and elastin fibers, making your skin supple and elastic. [4]
On the other hand, your infrared sauna session is bound to improve the delivery of nutrients to your skin through a high blood flow.
4. Infrared Sauna, Relaxation, and Stress Reduction
And while we’re discussing stress, let’s hover over the opposite of the good kind of stress chronic stress. This type of stress interrupts almost all systems in our body. It has the power to shut down your immune system and generally disrupt other methods such as the digestive and reproductive ones.
Chronic stress can also induce a raised blood pressure, an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and propel your aging process to a skyrocket. On top of that, it also makes you vulnerable to many mental issues like depression and anxiety.
Thankfully, you don’t have to head back to a cave and become a shaman to achieve nirvana and that much-needed relaxation! All you need to do is perform infrared exercise. And yes, infrared sauna therapy is also one of the alternatives.
The heat stress provided once you’re in an infrared sauna also benefits your brain’s cognitive function. As such, it increases the norepinephrine levels, a hormone that supports focus and attention. In addition, it elevates prolactin levels, a hormone that houses the growth myelin, and gauges how swiftly your brain operates.
5. Infrared Sauna and Ageing
Sitting in an infrared sauna creates heat stress, which is a good kind of stress. At this point, it causes your body to beef up the production of heat shock proteins which aid in repairing the damaged proteins while protecting your DNA. This process alone can optimize your biological age, or the rate at which you’re aging, depending on your cellular level.
Does sauna tighten skin?
A sauna allows the temporary occupants to experience dry and wet heat sessions. Many people view sauna sessions as a social occasion. Participants disrobe entirely (some may keep a towel covering their more private areas) and sit or recline in temperatures between 70 and 100 degrees. It promotes sweating and relaxation.
There are two different styles of saunas. Conventional saunas are warmed with infrared heat that can warm objects, and infrared saunas may use various materials in their heating, such as charcoal, active carbon fibers, and other materials.
Unfortunately, no one can escape wrinkles. It is a normal part of the aging process; even those who manage to avoid them for a very long time will eventually have to face the music. Genetics and lifestyle choices, as well as genetics, play a significant role in when wrinkles will pop up and how extensive they will be for you.
Saunas are often used after an exercise session to help revitalize and relax. One school of thought is that a sauna session may also help reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. The downside is that the effects are temporary.
A sauna heats a small room to a very high temperature while lowering the humidity levels. Sauna is the natural way to deal with wrinkles. You may also look for eye creams that limit the lines and creases around the eyes.
The humidity levels are lowered to make the high heat bearable and safe. Infrared sauna treatments can help rid your skin of toxins that contribute to wrinkles. The infrared steam sauna will penetrate your skin, which helps plump up wrinkled areas. This can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The best time to use infrared sauna treatments to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles naturally. The downside is that you must undergo continuous treatments to see long-term benefits. Taking a cold shower or bath after each sauna treatment is a good idea to help revitalize your skin.
You should also be using a good moisturizer all over your body after each session. Your pores should be open, which is an excellent time to put moisturizer on. Lotion helps seal in moisture, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines. You may also want to try baby oil.
You are not recommended to spend more than 10 to 12 minutes in a sauna. Your skin can dry out if you spend too much time in it, and studies have shown that dry skin is more likely to develop and show wrinkles and fine lines. Since you lose a certain amount of body moisture while in a sauna, it is essential that you drink plenty of water after your session. [5]
You need to replenish the fluids you lost through sweating. Keeping your body well-hydrated is also an essential part of anti-aging.
Another tip is to try a coffee facial after each sauna treatment. The caffeine in coffee can help firm and plump your skin, which can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. To do this, dip a clean cloth into a cup of cooled coffee.
Apply directly to your face and allow it to dry on your skin completely. Rinse with warm water. You can repeat this daily regardless of whether or not you have visited a home sauna. Be sure to avoid coffee with sugar or cream. You will need to use plain, black coffee to achieve the best results.
You may also consider Simply Flawless Cream, which may help you to get rid of wrinkles & fine lines.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of an infrared sauna don’t only revolve around our skin. They go beyond that and notch them up even more for our general health and well-being.
From its physiological effects on our metabolism, all the way to improving our mental health, all of these are very much enhanced as its temperature is more comfortable and safer than traditional saunas.
Of course, it is still crucial that you talk with your doctor first before jumping right into the nearest infrared sauna in your place, as this form of relaxation also poses some risks.
Do you have an infrared sauna experience that you’d like to share? Sound them in the comment section below!
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5 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[1] Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:1857413. Published 2018 Apr 24. doi:10.1155/2018/1857413[2] Vatansever F, Hamblin MR. Far infrared radiation (FIR): its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics Lasers Med. 2012;4:255-266. doi:10.1515/plm-2012-0034
[3] Knab AM, Shanely RA, Corbin KD, Jin F, Sha W, Nieman DC. A 45-minute vigorous exercise bout increases metabolic rate for 14 hours. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011 Sep;43(9):1643-8. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3182118891. PMID: 21311363.
[4] Lee JH, Roh MR, Lee KH. Effects of infrared radiation on skin photo-aging and pigmentation. Yonsei Med J. 2006;47(4):485-490. doi:10.3349/ymj.2006.47.4.485
[5] Kowatzki D, Macholdt C, Krull K, Schmidt D, Deufel T, Elsner P, Fluhr JW. Effect of regular sauna on epidermal barrier function and stratum corneum water-holding capacity in vivo in humans: a controlled study. Dermatology. 2008;217(2):173-80. doi: 10.1159/000137283. Epub 2008 Jun 5. PMID: 18525205.