Infrared saunas and red light therapy are both popular treatments that utilize light to promote health and wellness, but they are not the same thing. Real Relax will talk about the differences and similarities between the two, and clarify whether infrared saunas can be considered a form of red light therapy.
Red light therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), uses low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular function and regeneration. It operates in the red (630–700 nanometers) and near-infrared (700–1200 nanometers) spectrums, penetrating deep into tissues to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance cellular energy production.
Real Relax two person indoor sauna
Infrared saunas use infrared light waves to penetrate the skin and raise the core body temperature. This heat triggers sweating, which supports many of the benefits associated with infrared saunas. Infrared saunas typically use far infrared wavelengths, which are longer than those used in red light therapy, to penetrate deeper into the tissue and elevate the body's core temperature.
The short answer is no. While both treatments use light to promote health, they operate on different principles and have different effects on the body.
Wavelengths and Energy Type. Red light therapy uses visible red light and near-infrared light, which are non-ionizing and do not harm cells. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use radiant heat from longer wavelengths to elevate body temperature and promote sweating.
Effects on the Body. Red light therapy does not induce sweating or significantly raise body temperature. It is more targeted for skin and surface-level benefits, whereas infrared sauna benefits are more focused on whole-body wellness, relaxation, and detox.
Usage and Experience. Infrared saunas are designed to increase body temperature and induce sweating, providing a full-body experience. Red light therapy panels, on the other hand, emit near-infrared light but do not aim to increase body temperature or cause sweating. They are more focused on localized treatments.
Real Relax 2 person infrared sauna
Some infrared saunas combine red and infrared light for a dual treatment effect, providing surface-level skin benefits while delivering deeper warmth. However, this does not mean that all infrared saunas are the same as red light therapy. The presence of red light in some saunas adds an additional layer of benefits, but the primary mechanism of an infrared sauna-raising body temperature and inducing sweating-remains distinct from red light therapy.
Red Light Therapy. It is often more targeted for skin and surface-level benefits, supporting collagen production to help smooth skin, reduce fine lines, and potentially even out your complexion. It can also help with conditions like inflammatory acne, hair loss, signs of aging, chronic wounds, and psoriasis.
Infrared Saunas. They are known for their ability to boost circulation, promote sweating, which helps release toxins, and provide relaxation and circulation benefits. Infrared saunas can also aid in pain relief, particularly for muscle and joint pain, and improve cardiovascular health.
In summary, infrared saunas and red light therapy are not the same, but they can complement each other. Infrared saunas provide a full-body experience with heat and sweating, while red light therapy offers more targeted, surface-level treatments. Some infrared saunas may incorporate red light for additional benefits, but the core experiences and purposes of the two treatments remain distinct. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right treatment for your specific needs and preferences.
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