Everything You Need to Know About a Red Light Sauna

Sauna therapy is one of the oldest and most cherished wellness practices, known for its myriad health benefits. From boosting the immune system and increasing energy levels to ironing out stress and uplifting our mental health, there's truly a sauna benefit for each of us. 

Now, imagine if we fused that sauna goodness with the transformative potential of red light. Intrigued? As it turns out, when we dial up the heat and the light, we unlock a new dimension of wellness. 

In this article, we'll uncover every fascinating detail about red light saunas and why they might become your new favorite self-care tool.

The Science Behind Red Light Saunas

At first glance, you might wonder how something as simple as light could boost your well-being. It's all about energy and our ability to perceive it. Also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, red light therapy delivers therapeutic effects on a cellular level that can improve your overall health.

When red or near-infrared light touches your skin, it penetrates the deeper tissues and stimulates the mitochondria — or the "powerhouses of the cell." As a result, your cells have more energy to function optimally.

Research also suggests that red light therapy increases the flow of electrons within the mitochondria, boosting oxygen consumption and ATP levels. These enhancements further promote proliferation and/or cellular homeostasis. This encourages your cells to work more efficiently, repair damage, and regenerate faster. 

Thanks to its healing properties, this therapy has become quite popular among endurance athletes suffering from muscle soreness or similar injuries to help them get back into action as quickly as possible. Some people even use it at home to treat dry skin, wrinkles, pain, inflammation, cramps, and many other common ailments.

Red Light Therapy vs. Infrared: What's the Difference?

Most people usually think that infrared is the same as red light therapy. This is not exactly true, though!

Infrared light and red light are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, but they differ in wavelength. Infrared light falls into three categories: near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), and far-infrared (FIR), with wavelengths ranging from 780 nm to 1 mm.

Infrared light works primarily by raising your body temperature. This helps promote detoxification, enhance blood circulation, relieve joint pain and stiffness, and reduce inflammation while improving mood.

Comparatively, red light therapy doesn't emit heat but shares some effects with NIR, given its proximity to the light spectrum. However, red light therapy arguably goes beyond that. It converts light into cellular energy to prompt various biological processes. 

Health Benefits of Red Light Therapy 

Red light therapy has been called the new "it" thing in beauty and skin care, but do the benefits live up to the hype? Let's check it out!

Rejuvenates Skin

Who doesn't want to look 18 forever, right? Unfortunately, it's impossible to prevent wrinkles and fine lines from forming — but red light therapy may help. Research shows that red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate collagen production and promote a higher cell turnover rate. The result? Smooth, radiant, glowing skin with little to no signs of aging.

Red light therapy benefits extend beyond anti-aging properties. It has been used to effectively reduce psoriasis lesions and burn scars.

A 2015 study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal further mentions that red light therapy targets sebaceous glands and exerts anti-inflammatory properties. This helps reduce inflammatory acne and unsightly scars, especially when combined with non-comedogenic products like topical retinoids. 

Alleviates Neuropathic Pain

Whether you're dealing with sore muscles after a hectic day at work or experiencing persistent aches because of an underlying health issue, red light therapy can alleviate some of these issues. WebMD explains that infrared and red light therapy can cut osteoarthritis-related pain by more than 50%. 

A 2006 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine also explains that low-level laser therapy helps induce the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, which help combat inflammation. It also stimulates the local release of endorphins — the body's natural painkiller. This can be especially beneficial for people suffering from Achilles tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. 

Red light therapy has also been known to promote cell regeneration and improve blood flow, which can help with wound healing and tissue repair after injuries or surgeries.

May Reduce Myopia Progression

The American Optometric Association explains myopia as a condition where things at a distance appear blurry while up-close elements remain clear.

However, research suggests that red light therapy could play a supporting role in our fight against myopia. In fact, a 2022 study published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology reveals that low-level red light therapy, even for just brief periods, could potentially enhance visual acuity by 17–20%.

While this is certainly good news, the evidence surrounding red light therapy's long-term effects and optimal timing for myopia is still quite sparse. Plus, there's a chance of myopia recurrence after stopping the therapy.

Improves Symptoms of Androgenic Alopecia

It's no exaggeration to say that our tresses often hold more power over our moods than we'd like to admit. When you're dealing with Androgenic Alopecia, the constant hair loss and thinning can make you feel stressed, anxious, and depressed.

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed that a combination of 655 nm red light and 808 nm infrared lasers significantly increased terminal hair density in patients with androgenic alopecia. This means no more stressing over hair brushes filled with your precious locks or wearing hats to cover bald spots.

Top-Rated Red Light Saunas

Whether you want a spacious red light sauna for channeling your inner yogi or a cozy infrared sweat lodge for those oh-so-chill sessions, MySaunaWorld has got you covered. The following are some of the best products from our collection:

Almost Heaven Radiant Infrared Sauna

If you want to experience the full benefits of red light therapy, get your hands on the Almost Heaven Radiant Infrared Sauna. Constructed with Hemlock wood and fused with a backlit red cedar accent, this red light sauna releases a soothing scent while being extremely durable and pest-resistant. 

The sauna has triple-layer, extra-wide carbon fiber heating panels that heat up quickly, allowing you to indulge in your therapeutic session in no time. These heating panels have a low EMF rating and are ETL-certified for maximum safety. It boasts a digital temperature and time control panel, giving you the power to personalize your wellness journey. 

Its multi-color, high-intensity light therapy feature offers a range of health benefits, from promoting cell regeneration to reducing chronic pain and everything in between. Its Bluetooth audio system and a USB plug-in help you jam out to your favorite music while enjoying light therapy. This infrared sauna even comes with a one-year warranty, providing maximum peace of mind.

FINNMARK FD-3 Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna

This state-of-the-art Finnmark FD-3 Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna boasts a unique combination of long-wave carbon 360 infrared panels and UL-listed short-wave Spectrum Plus infrared panels. The medical-grade red light therapy feature surrounds you from all sides, helping improve skin health, reduce muscle tension, alleviate pain, and more. 

Each heater is strategically placed, so you won't have to worry about one part being overheated or the other one being completely left in the cold. The built-in LCD touchscreen controller lets you control the temperature without leaving the cozy atmosphere! You can also listen to music or podcasts through the 6" HiFi speakers. 

The ergonomic backrest with footrest provides optimal support when laying down or sitting up while still being able to adjust for your preferred angle. This red light sauna is crafted from naturally antimicrobial western Canadian cedar and thermal plus aspen exterior that won't rot, warp, decay, or chip. 

Plus, this sauna has more than 80% wooden construction for maximum heat retention and a tempered glass door that won't get foggy but provides an unobstructed view of the outside. Although this red light sauna is ETL-certified, it even comes with a limited warranty, so you'll be covered in case of any defects or issues.

FAQs: Red Light Saunas

What is the best time to do red light therapy?

The best time for red light therapy is really up to you. Some folks prefer the morning red light sauna session as it helps kickstart metabolic processes, while others like to do it in the evening as it helps them relax and sleep better. You can also choose to have a red light sauna session after a workout to speed up recovery.

Is 30 minutes too long for red light sauna therapy?

The duration of red light sauna therapy depends largely on the individual's desired outcome. Generally, 10 to 20-minute sessions are sufficient to stimulate the skin cells and promote various health benefits. 

For pain management and wound healing, longer sessions of up to 30 minutes could be beneficial, provided you don't experience any discomfort.

Can red light sauna therapy reduce belly fat?

Yes. Some studies suggest that red light sauna therapy helps liquify fatty acids within cells, which helps with overall weight reduction. A 2012 study in the International Journal of Endocrinology backed this up, explaining that red light therapy helps increase leptin levels while decreasing ghrelin. These hormones control hunger, metabolism, and fat storage.

What is the frequency of red light therapy?

Most red light therapy devices deliver light at a wavelength of about 660 to 850 nanometers.

Who should avoid using red light saunas?

While red light therapy is non-toxic, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid them entirely. This includes people suffering from malignant cancer, hyperthyroidism, epilepsy, diabetes, or photosensitizing medical conditions like lupus. 

You should also avoid red light saunas if you have open wounds, recent burns, blisters, or skin lesions. 

Red Light Saunas: Final Words

Like the OG traditional saunas, red light saunas offer an uber relaxing and super beneficial experience, only with an even more powerful health kick. These saunas can help with a series of issues, from stubborn acne marks to chronic muscle pain and even those pesky winter blues. 

If you want to try this treatment for yourself, consider checking out MySaunaWorld's infrared and hybrid saunas collection. For more information, feel free to contact us today!