Infrared Saunas: The User’s Guide

What’s the hottest thing you can add to your home? An infrared sauna, of course (no pun intended)! Infrared saunas are the easiest way to transform your bathroom or home gym into a cozy, personal spa. Enjoy all the benefits of a relaxing luxury spa getaway without leaving your home! If you’re new to saunas or if you’re about to add a sauna to your home, we’re here to prepare you for the best sauna experience possible.

Infrared saunas are ready for use in about 10 minutes. The quick warm-up time is the perfect amount of time for a shower and to get your relaxation playlist queued up. The ideal temperature for infrared saunas is between 120° and 150°F, with a maximum temperature of 160°F. Start with your sauna at the lowest setting and increase the temperature gradually to find your comfort level. New sauna users should limit their sessions to 5-10 minutes. Accustomed sauna users can safely use the sauna 3-4 times a week, for up to 20 minutes at a time.

Sauna Basics 

• Maintain a hygienic environment by showering or bathing before stepping inside the sauna. This will also remove any lingering oils, perfumes, or lotions that can become more potent in the heat.
• Bring a small towel into the sauna with you to wipe sweat from your face.
• Hydration is extremely important for sauna use. Drink plenty of water before and after your sauna session.
• Pay attention to your body. If you don’t feel well or are dehydrated, skip the sauna and come back when you’re feeling better.

Although saunas are low-risk for most people, look out for symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or light-headedness so you know when it’s time to step out of the sauna. If you have an open wound, it’s best to wait until you’re completely healed to enjoy your sauna time. Elderly people, pregnant people and children should avoid sauna use.

After the Sauna

• Rinse off in a lukewarm shower and have a glass of water or juice.
• A yummy salty snack, like pretzels with hummus, is great to replace the salts lost from sweating.
• Once you cool off, it’s safe to enjoy another short session in the sauna. Just pay attention to your body’s signals that it’s getting overheated or dehydrated!
• Relax! Reap the benefits of your sauna bath by relaxing with your favorite activities like reading, some gentle yoga, a walk, or even a nap.

Bonus Sauna Tips

• Take deep breaths inside the sauna for maximum relaxation and benefits.
• Use the sauna after tough workouts to help muscle recovery.
• Try dry brushing before stepping into the sauna to exfoliate dead skin and reveal your glowing, healthy skin.
• Since infrared saunas are dry, you can use your phone inside to track your time but we do recommend that you use electronic devices with caution when inside of the sauna.
• Add a mindfulness meditation to your sauna time to enhance your experience.
• Once you’re familiar with how your body reacts to the sauna, try a cold plunge or cold shower as an invigorating treat for your body that can help improve circulation.

Prepare to relax and recuperate with your new infrared sauna. Did you know that saunas have been in use for thousands of years? Infrared saunas are the latest update on a long held tradition in health and wellness. Enjoy our free shipping on all our saunas, and find your perfect home sauna today.