Saunas have been getting a lot of attention in the wellness space recently. And while the practice of sitting in saunas has existed for centuries originating in Finland, it is the newer, more high-tech infrared saunas that are gaining traction at the moment. Though the infrared sauna has been available to the public since the 1980s, it seems that every day it’s becoming more common.
With the increasing popularity and availability of them, more and more people are finding the infrared sauna to be the holy grail to solving skin issues. But are these claims valid? Does using an infrared sauna really give you perfect skin, and if so, why? Keep reading to find out what infrared saunas are, and if they might help solve all of your skin woes.
What Are Infrared Saunas?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to create heat.” Unlike traditional saunas which heat the air inside causing your body to get warm in turn, “An infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you.”
In the infrared sauna, the “heating up of the body happens gradually,” Well and Good reports. “That’s what’s responsible for that dewy, #wokeuplikethis glow you’re seeing all over your IG feed.” In addition to being less heat-intensive, infrared saunas are also said to be more beneficial. “Infrared saunas are apparently more effective than regular saunas because of the way the infrared waves penetrate the skin, which activates the sweat glands,” Bustle reports. “When the waves are applied to the water molecules that make up 70 per cent of our body, the molecules start to vibrate which breaks them down and allows toxic materials to be released.”
When you break it down, infrared saunas are said to have the same benefits of traditional saunas, but in a more effective way. So are the rumours true then: Could going to an infrared sauna session give you the glowing complexion of your dreams?
Are Infrared Saunas Good for Your Skin?
Dermatologists seem to think that the answer is “yes”. Dermatologist Keira Barr told Well and Good that using an infrared sauna falls into the category of “low-level light therapy,” which is sometimes used to treat acne, psoriasis, and eczema.” The glowing skin is also a natural byproduct of sweating out toxins Dr Jeannette Graf told Style Caster. “Infrared heat can help benefit the skin by flushing out toxins…by doing so, the skin will have a glow to it.”
While in the sauna, your body’s circulation also increases. In turn, this benefits your skin as well, Mind Body Green confirms. With more blood flowing, you can expect to see “clearer, softer, and healthier-looking skin” after an infrared sauna session.
If you’re thinking of giving it a try, just ensure that you go in prepared. While the temperature of the sauna doesn’t increase, chances are you will feel quite hot during the treatment. Not to fear: If you get uncomfortable at any time, you can always open the sauna door, or take a short break. Make sure to bring a water bottle, so that you can hydrate before, during and after your session. Cost-wise, you can expect one session to average at about $40 and last for one hour.
Some of our favourite places to visit are La Porte Wellness and Shelter.