Infrared vs. Steam sauna: Which Heat Therapy Is Right for You?

In today's wellness landscape, infrared saunas are emerging as a popular alternative to traditional steam saunas! It's exciting to explore the key differences between the two.

Join us as we delve into the benefits of infrared saunas for your health, essential factors to consider when choosing a sauna, and tips for finding the best options available. Your journey to enhanced well-being starts here!

What Is the Difference Between Steam Sauna and Infrared Sauna?

Steam saunas, or saunas in themselves, have been part of traditional medicine for several centuries. People have participated in this treatment for thousands of years, realizing its benefits for the mind, body, and soul. For instance, according to a study published in ScienceDirect, saunas have been used as a lifestyle practice to extend a person’s lifespan. 

Meanwhile, infrared saunas, invented only in the 1960s in Japan, are usually wooden cabins equipped with infrared heaters that work to relax, detoxify, and, overall, heat the body. Learn more about their differences as you read on.

Heating Method

This is the main difference between infrared saunas and traditional steam saunas. Classic steam saunas use a sole heater that is responsible for heating the air, heating you. 

In contrast, infrared saunas focus more on the quality of the infrared heat than on the air temperature. As your body absorbs this infrared heat, it increases in thermal energy, encouraging a deep and relaxing sweat.

Temperature and Humidity

Regarding infrared vs. steam sauna in terms of temperature and humidity, the latter must have air temperatures up to 80 degrees to induce sweat, while the ideal infrared sauna temperature to be effective should be up to around 60 degrees. 

Meanwhile, regarding humidity, infrared saunas function in low humidity, while traditional steam sauna rooms work in high humidity. 

Health Benefits

Some of the steam sauna benefits for your health are:

• Respiratory relief
• Skin hydration
• Better sleep

Meanwhile, the benefits of infrared sauna for your well-being are:

• Concentrated detoxification
• Weight loss
• Decrease in cellulite
• Comfortable to use
• Costs

Infrared saunas cost less than steam saunas since the former operates at lower temperatures, so they take less time to heat up and use less electricity per session. 

On the other hand, how much your traditional sauna session costs depends on the price per kilowatt-hour, which you will see on your electricity bill. It also banks on your heater’s kilowatt rating and how frequently you use your sauna. Let’s get down to the figures to help you understand this better.

On average, using an infrared sauna thrice a week requires you to spend around $10 monthly on electricity. Meanwhile, using a traditional sauna at the same frequency costs $20 monthly.

Steam sauna equipment costs between $10,000 and $30,000, while infrared saunas cost between $2,500 and $10,000.

Maintenance

Infrared saunas are easier to maintain because they provide dry heat, so they only produce moisture from sweating. This reduces the chances of mold or mildew accumulation, paving the way for a cleaner and healthier environment. 

In contrast, traditional steam saunas are hot, steamy spaces that can attract dirt more easily than infrared saunas. This means more cleaning is needed to keep them free of mold and mildew.

Overall, saunas are relatively low maintenance, but some require more cleaning.

User Experience

Infrared or steam sauna? The sauna user experience also makes all the difference. Traditional steam saunas are perfect for around only 20 minutes at a time since their heat is generally tolerable despite its high levels.

Also, you might want to take a cold shower or plunge in cold water after a sauna session. In contrast, infrared saunas let you enjoy their heat for 40 minutes. 

Safety Considerations

Steam saunas may pose risks due to high humidity and intense heat, which can cause dehydration, overheating, or fainting. It's essential to stay hydrated and limit time inside. 

Infrared saunas, with lower humidity, pose less risk of dehydration but still require caution, especially for individuals with heart conditions or skin sensitivities. Both types should be used in moderation, and proper hydration is essential for safety in either environment.

Pros & Cons

Steam Sauna Pros

• Helps improve breathing
• Detoxification
• Relaxation
• Benefits for the skin

Steam Sauna Cons

• Uncomfortable high humidity
• Dehydration risk
• Heat intolerance

Infrared Sauna Pros

• Lower humidity
• Deep tissue treatment
• Energy efficiency
• Best for better circulation

Infrared Sauna Cons

• Higher initial cost
• Less intense heat
• Effects are limited compared to steam

What Type of Sauna Is Best for Health?

The best type of sauna for your health depends on your goals. Traditional saunas, such as steam saunas, use high heat and low humidity to promote cardiovascular health, detoxification, and muscle relaxation. Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures and penetrate deeper into the skin, making them ideal for improved circulation, pain relief, and stress reduction with less intense heat exposure.

Here is a table comparing the health benefits of the two saunas:

Infrared or Steam Sauna: Considerations Before Choosing the Right Sauna for You

Whether you decide to invest in a steam sauna or an infrared sauna, it is important first to consider the following:

• Personal preferences: Consider the heat, humidity, and sauna experience you want
• Health goals: Which sauna aligns with your health objectives?
• Budget and space considerations: Do you have enough space to accommodate the equipment?
• Cost of purchase and installation: Should you install them independently or seek help from a professional?
• Space requirements for each type: Does my space’s design match the look of my equipment?
• Health conditions: Consider suitability based on any existing health concerns.

Looking To Purchase a High-Quality Steam Sauna Room?

While infrared saunas seem to be the clear winner in cost and low maintenance, the traditional steam sauna room still overshadows the former because of its profoundly immersive experience. Steam saunas' high humidity offers unique benefits, such as enhanced skin hydration, respiratory relief, and muscle relaxation. Choose the sauna type that best suits your individual needs and preferences.

What is an infrared sauna?

This is a sauna using infrared light to heat the body directly, not air.

How much is an infrared sauna?

Depending on size and features, prices typically range from $1,000 to $5,000.

What does an infrared sauna do?

Infrared saunas promote detoxification, pain relief, improved circulation, and relaxation.

Which sauna is better, infrared or steam?

It depends on personal preferences, health goals, and desired sauna experience.

Which is best for your skin, sauna or steam room?

Steam rooms hydrate and open pores; saunas stimulate circulation, promoting healthier skin.