There are many kinds of saunas and spa equipment available that you can have installed in your home. The problem is, not all saunas are created equal. As such, it’s important to understand how they differ, and which one is going to best suit your lifestyle.
The truth is that a sauna with far infrared rays is the best choice for a home unit, and here’s why.
Infrared Sauna vs. Finnish Sauna
A Finnish sauna is also known as a dry sauna. So named for their prevalence and popularity in Finland and Sweden, many people use dry saunas multiple times a week, even when evidence suggests that it’s not a good idea.
A dry sauna works by heating the air inside to a very high temperature, usually between 149° and 200° degrees Fahrenheit. As you would expect, there’s very little moisture in the air inside a dry sauna. Users may find it hard to breathe the hot and dehydrated air, and repeated use may cause skin conditions to worsen. This is because the lack of moisture causes your skin to dry out, and conditions such as acne, eczema, melasma, and broken capillaries can be exacerbated.
Overall, a Finnish sauna can be uncomfortable for users, making it an unwise choice for a home sauna.
The Heating Technology of an Infrared Sauna
An infrared sauna works at a lower temperature, and has heating technology which works in a very different way than a Finnish sauna, so your skin condition will be improved, rather than worsened.
A sauna with infrared rays will heat to around 140° degrees Fahrenheit. While you might think a lower temperature means less benefits, this isn’t the case at all. An infrared sauna works by emitting infrared heat, which warms up your body directly, rather than heating the air around you. It’s like being heated from the inside out.
The heat from an infrared sauna penetrates deeply into your body, resulting in a wide range of benefits. In addition to creating a more intense sweat, the infrared heat offers improved detox and will burn more calories. It’s also believed that sweat produced by an infrared sauna contains up to 20% toxins, compared to only 3% in the Finnish sauna.
An infrared sauna creates a better reaction than a dry sauna, despite its lower temperature. All of this occurs while you’re feeling comfortable in a moister, cooler environment.
Infrared Sauna vs. Steam Room
A steam room, or steam sauna, works at around the same temperature as an infrared sauna, but may have up to 100% humidity. This means it feels a lot hotter than it actually is, and users may feel the steam entering their airways as they breathe.
Creating a steam room at home can be a complicated process that few people may be able to manage or afford, as you must consider plumbing and upkeep costs. It may be more practical to use a steam room at the gym or health spa, while using an infrared sauna more regularly at home.
Practical Points About Infrared Saunas
An infrared sauna doesn’t require a complicated setup. Reputable companies offer complete infrared sauna kits that are easy to assemble and maintain, and can be taken to another property should you decide to relocate.
Although infrared heaters last a very long time, if you select a sauna with ‘hung-on’ heater technology, you’ll be able to replace it yourself when the time comes. Steam rooms need to be tiled and made waterproof, while an infrared sauna is made from rot resistant wood. This not only makes them cheaper, but easier to wipe clean and maintain as needed.
If you’re ready to install some spa equipment in your home, the most sensible and beneficial choice is a far-infrared sauna.
Sources:
Types of Saunas, Blog.Beauty-Tips.net
What is an Infrared Sauna? ,eHow.com
