Top Ten (Okay fine, 11!) Most Frequently Asked Questions about Infrared Saunas

JESSICA LIS, WELLNESS EDITOR

Jessica Lis is the Wellness Editor for The Wellness Refinery’s online blog. She graduated from Temple University with an English Degree and a concentration in Creative Writing. When she’s not writing for the blog you can find her cozied up next to a book or riding her bike around the city. 

Here at The Wellness Refinery, we are all about infrared saunas. Wanting to learn more about your favorite self-care ritual? We’re answering your top ten (ehhh, 11!) questions about the coveted heated cabin.

  1. What is an infrared sauna? What are the benefits of infrared saunas?

    • An infrared sauna is a sauna that emits wavelengths of infrared energy to heat the body’s core temperature. The wave lengths are absorbed by the body to help cells turn over and regenerate quicker.  Benefits of an infrared sauna session include: a more restful sleep, relief from joint pain and sore muscles (who doesn’t love a post workout sauna?!), strengthening of the immune system, skin purification, and detoxification of the body to name a few.

  2. What should I wear in the infrared sauna? What should I do to prep for the sauna? Can I workout before?

    • Most people wear little to no clothing - wear what feels best. It is safe to wear workout gear or a bathing suit but if you do choose to go commando we require you to have one towel between you and the bench. While it is safe to work out pre-sauna, it’s so important to HYDRATE before your sauna but the infrared heat can aid in muscle recovery and help to alleviate muscular pain.  

  3. Is infrared heat safe?

    • Yes. Infrared saunas use harmless infrared light (the same kind emitted by the sun) so they do not pose a health risk. The light used in our infrared saunas do not contain harmful ultraviolet rays!

  4. What’s the difference between infrared saunas and traditional saunas? 

    • A traditional sauna heats the air around you using a physical source: a wood fire stove, or hot stones. A traditional sauna creates steam and heats up to about 160 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. An infrared sauna is generally 100 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Infrared saunas create heat using infrared lights. In addition to the infrared lights our saunas contain chromotherapy which is a vibrational technique used to stabilize ailments in the body. The colored lights trigger a response in the cells and organs to promote healing. Different colors promote different benefits! It is very similar to the soothing and warm feeling of sunlight on your skin without the damaging effects of exposure. 

  5. How do you clean infrared saunas?

    • Each sauna is thoroughly cleaned with an organic wood safe cleaner and diluted vinegar solution for the glass surfaces. The sauna rooms are reset by wet mopping floors, disinfecting all touched surfaces (table, auxiliary cord, chromotherapy remote, stools and door handles) clean towels, towelettes and a fresh glass and carafe of water.

  6. Can I bring my phone in the sauna?

7. How can I make the most of my sauna experience?

  • Make sure you’re prepared: hydrate! Wear loose fitting clothing so your body still feels like it can breathe afterward.

  • Pro tip: try dry brushing beforehand.

  • Wait thirty minute to an hour after your meal to start your sauna: you want your body to focus on detoxing and not digesting. But then, of course, treat your body to a delicious meal post-sweat! Nourish your body with drinks from our Tonic Bar full of antioxidants; our oh so spooky flavors of the month are:

    • Dracula’s Smoothie: strawberry, banana, cacao, chocolate tahini, activated charcoal, date, strawberry beet chia jam

    • Apple Pie Smoothie: banana, spiced apples, oats, camu, cinnamon, vanilla, oat milk

8. What temperature should the sauna be?

  • The saunas are set to 158 degrees. The sauna will fluctuate anywhere from 130-158 degrees throughout your session. The infrared heat heats the body before it heats the air to encourage a longer session.

9. How long are the sessions?

  • We offer 30 and 45 minute sessions, do not exceed 45 minutes.

10. Who can use an infrared sauna?

  • Infrared saunas are generally safe for everyone, however discuss with your doctor before use if you are: pregnant, under 12, have a heart condition, or someone who cannot handle temperature extremes.

11. What after care should I be doing post-sauna?

  • We recommend showering about thirty minutes to an hour after your sauna to wash the toxins and sweat from your skin. On top of hydration, replenish your body with electrolytes, potassium, and calcium. Stop by our tonic bar to replenish!

Ashleigh Stewart