Infrared sauna health benefits

11 Minute Read

An infrared sauna offers several health benefits using red light therapy. Stress relief, muscle recovery, and skin conditions can improve with red light therapy. If you’ve considered an infrared sauna for relaxation as well as the health benefits, you’ve come to the right place.

This article will help you understand how an infrared sauna can improve your life and your well-being through soothing relaxation. As you read on, you will learn about the specific benefits infrared sauna use can provide. You will also learn specifically about the enhanced features of a Jacuzzi® infrared sauna that can take your sauna sessions to the next level of blissful enjoyment.

What does an infrared sauna do?

When you step into an infrared sauna, you’re not just giving yourself a moment of peace—you’re offering your body and mind the chance to recharge, repair, and reset, if only temporarily. Unlike traditional saunas, which rely on high temperatures and steam, infrared saunas use gentle red light therapy to promote wellness in emerging and exciting ways. From skin rejuvenation to stress relief, the potential benefits of red light therapy are being actively studied and appreciated by people worldwide.

But what exactly is red light therapy, how does it work, and who might benefit from it? Next up, you can explore the science, the possibilities, and the health-enhancing reasons why an infrared sauna could become an essential part of your self-care routine.

What is red light therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) is an emerging wellness treatment that uses low-wavelength red light to promote potential healing and rejuvenation. It is being studied for its ability to improve skin health, support pain management, and even enhance recovery after exercise. According to the Cleveland Clinic, small studies suggest that RLT may reduce wrinkles, acne, scars, redness, and other skin conditions.

Unlike UV light, which can damage the skin, red light is considered safe at controlled levels and is thought to energize your cells rather than harm them. By targeting your mitochondria—the “powerhouses” of your cells—red light therapy may accelerate repair and regeneration, helping your body undo some of the visible and invisible effects of stress, aging, and inflammation.

How does red light therapy work?

Researchers believe the benefits of red light therapy begin at a cellular level. The mitochondria in your cells absorb red light and near-infrared wavelengths, which may:

Stimulate energy production (ATP)
Enhance blood circulation
Reduce oxidative stress
Accelerate cell repair and regeneration

In other words, when your cells receive more usable energy, they can work more efficiently to repair tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote rejuvenation. This underpins many of the wellness benefits people experience from infrared sauna sessions.

For example, a study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that infrared sauna use enhanced post-exercise muscle recovery. This suggests that RLT doesn’t just feel relaxing—it may actively support your body’s healing process.

Who should consider red light therapy?

Because red light therapy is non-invasive and generally safe, it may be appealing to a wide range of people looking to boost their wellness routine. You might consider adding infrared sauna sessions if you’re interested in:

Skin rejuvenation: If you’re looking to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, or redness, red light therapy is being studied as a promising option.
Pain relief: For individuals living with conditions like arthritis or chronic joint pain, the soothing heat combined with red light therapy may help reduce discomfort.
Weight management support: Infrared sauna use has been associated with modest weight loss benefits. A 2021 scientific study showed that infrared sauna sessions, when paired with exercise, may improve body composition compared to exercise alone.
Stress and relaxation: If your goal is stress relief, the gentle warmth and light exposure create an environment of calm and mental restoration.

Health benefits of infrared saunas with red light therapy

People seek infrared sauna use for its many perks, including:

Skin rejuvenation

Infrared saunas may help reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and signs of aging. By stimulating collagen production and improving circulation, RLT can give your skin a smoother, healthier appearance. It’s also being studied for acne management and reducing redness associated with conditions like rosacea or psoriasis.

Symptom relief for skin conditions

Individuals with psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea may find relief from flare-ups. By calming inflammation and promoting cell repair, red light therapy supports skin health in ways that traditional topical treatments may not fully address.

Weight loss potential

Infrared saunas increase core body temperature, mimicking the effects of moderate exercise. Combined with red light therapy, this process may help support metabolic function and calorie burn. Research, including a study from ScienceDirect, suggests that infrared sauna use can complement weight loss efforts.

Detoxification

Sweating is your body’s natural detox process. Infrared saunas encourage a deeper, more productive sweat, which may help flush out impurities and support your overall wellness. Many people describe the experience as refreshing and cleansing—both physically and mentally.

Pain relief and arthritis support

If you live with chronic pain or stiffness, infrared saunas may provide soothing temporary relief. The heat relaxes muscles and joints, while red light therapy may reduce inflammation at the cellular level. Together, this combination can ease arthritis-related discomfort and support mobility.

Muscle relaxation and recovery

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often use infrared saunas for post-workout recovery. The warmth temporarily soothes sore muscles, while the light therapy enhances circulation and cell repair. A clinical review published on NIH confirmed that sauna use supports relaxation and may improve recovery time.

Stress relief and relaxation

Infrared saunas provide a calming environment that encourages deep relaxation. The gentle, penetrating warmth combined with soft red light helps temporarily reduce stress hormones, calm the nervous system, and promote better sleep. Many people consider it a meditative, restorative part of their day.

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The emerging science: What we know and what’s under review

It’s important to note that while red light therapy shows great promise, it is still considered an emerging field. Clinical studies are ongoing, and more research is needed to validate every claim fully. For now, the science supports potential benefits in areas such as skin health, muscle recovery, and stress relief—but results can vary depending on the individual.

What makes infrared sauna use so appealing is its holistic approach. Even as researchers continue to study red light therapy’s effectiveness, the combination of gentle heat, relaxation, and possible cellular benefits makes it a powerful wellness tool worth exploring.

Jacuzzi® infrared saunas: Premium luxury for comfort and relaxation

When seeking infrared saunas for your well-being, quality matters. Jacuzzi® infrared saunas are designed and manufactured by the Jacuzzi® brand, which has a nearly 70-year legacy as a pioneer in the wellness space. From hot tubs to massage chairs to swim spas and infrared saunas, when you purchase a Jacuzzi® wellness product, you can rest assured that you have chosen a high-quality product that is designed to last for many years—and to provide you with next-level relaxation and comfort as you unwind and undo.

Jacuzzi® infrared saunas come in 1-person, 2-person, and 3-person models that include exclusive features to enhance your sessions further. Built with intention and designed to last, Jacuzzi® infrared saunas feature certified mahogany wood, durable tongue-and-groove construction, metal thresholds, upgraded hinges, and a replaceable solid wood floor that will withstand heavy sauna use.

Exclusive features include high intensity red light therapy, combination mica/carbon low EMF heaters that surround you in powerful full spectrum (near, mid, and far) infrared heat, built-in ergonomic backrests placing your comfortably near the soothing infrared heat, sound and vibration through Vibrational Resonance Therapy, Chromotherapy with a range of 12 colors to choose from or cycle through, enhanced audio options, and more.

Adding infrared sauna sessions to your wellness routine

If you’re considering trying an infrared sauna, here are a few tips:

Start gradually: Begin with short sessions (10-15 minutes) and gradually increase as your body adapts.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after your sauna session.
Be consistent: Regular use—several times a week—tends to provide the best results.
Listen to your body: If you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or unwell, it’s best to end the session early.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new wellness practices, especially if you have existing health conditions or concerns.

Infrared saunas with red light therapy represent a unique blend of ancient wellness traditions and modern science. While research is still underway, early findings suggest potential benefits for your skin, stress levels, muscle recovery, and even weight management. By targeting your body’s mitochondria, red light therapy may unlock cellular rejuvenation and help undo some of the strain of everyday life.

Whether you’re looking to relax, recover, or rejuvenate, an infrared sauna can become an integral part of your wellness journey. As studies continue to unfold, the appeal of infrared saunas will only grow, offering a powerful way to align with the future of self-care.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions regarding any medical condition.

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