Infrared saunas and red-light therapy are two emerging industries that have made waves over the last few years. But, what’s the difference between the two and what role do they play in holistic health?
At Rimba Sweat, it’s a common question that we field from new and existing clients, so we’ve taken the time to pen our thoughts and put together a definitive guide for infrared sauna vs red light therapy treatment.
What is an infrared sauna?
An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that relies on light to make heat. Sometimes rereferred to as a far-infrared sauna where the “Far” describes where the infrared waves fall on the light spectrum. Where a regular sauna uses heat to warm the air in the room, an infrared sauna heats your body directly – without the need to warm the air around you.
While the process is different from a traditional sauna, infrared saunas elicit the same response in the body – vigorous sweating, increased heartrate, and the general sensation of feeling as though you are involved in a moderately difficult exercise activity.
Infrared saunas are quickly becoming a popular sauna option for those that do not like the heat of a regular sauna. Just like a regular sauna, infrared saunas have been linked to treating long-term health issues including high-blood pressure, dementia, Alzheimer’s, headache, type 2 diabetes, arthritis – and much more.
If you’re looking for a way to relax without visiting a traditional heat sauna, an infrared sauna could be a great addition to your normal health routine.
What is red light therapy?
Red light therapy is a new technology that has been developed to improve overall health and physical appearance. Red light therapy uses low-level red and near-infrared light to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin in the body, whilst also improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
Red light therapy is a popular treatment option for youth-seeking men and women that are looking to improve their overall appearance. Red light therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, and more.
Red light therapy can also be used to improve overall skin health by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin tone and texture, and increasing collagen production in the body.
Is red light therapy the same as infrared saunas?
No, red light therapy and infrared saunas are not the same. Despite the fact that both procedures use infrared light, red light therapy uses lower-energy infrared light, while infrared saunas use higher-energy infrared light.
Key use cases of red-light therapy:
- Reduce the appearance of fine line and wrinkles
- Reduce the appearance of acne scars
- Reduce inflammation associated with arthritis
- Effective pain treatment for a range of conditions
- Improve overall skin appearance
Key use cases of infrared saunas
- Induce relaxation
- Detoxify the body
- Encourage weight loss
- Improve overall well being
- Boost metabolism
As you can see, both infrared saunas and red-light therapy can play an important (albeit very different role) in overall health and wellbeing.
Should I go to an infrared sauna or seek red light therapy treatment?
There are many (although very different) benefits to infrared saunas and red-light therapy, so it really depends on your specific needs and goals. If you’re looking for general detoxification, relaxation, and skin purification, then an infrared sauna may be the right choice for you. Conversely, Red light therapy is often used for more targeted purposes such as pain relief, anti-aging, skin therapy, and wound healing.
Ultimately, choosing between red light therapy and an infrared sauna will come down to what you are looking to achieve. Both serve very different purposes and there is no reason that you cannot use both concurrently to achieve different health goals.
Final thoughts
There are a wide range of benefits associated with both red-light therapy and infrared saunas, so it can be hard to choose with option is right for your specific needs. If you’re after a treatment that provides deep tissue heating and muscle recovery, then an infrared sauna may be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for treatment that can boost collagen production and help with skin conditions like acne or psoriasis, then red light therapy may be the best option for you.
Ultimately, the decision between and infrared sauna vs. red light therapy will come down to what you’re looking to achieve. Remember, you don’t have to choose – both can be used as part of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.