10 Infrared Sauna Tips To Help You Maximise Your Experience

Infrared saunas are a fantastic addition to any home and can provide you with so many health benefits. But if you really want to make the most of your experience, then there are things you can do.

The following 10 tips will help you maximise the value of your infrared sauna sessions so that you get the best results possible.

Tip 1: Prepare for your session with some light stretching

Before stepping into your infrared sauna, it’s a great idea to limber up and get your body ready for the session. Light stretching helps improve blood circulation, relaxes tense muscles, and can help prepare your body for the heat. 

Consider incorporating a gentle warm-up to allow your muscles to loosen as this can enhance the overall experience once you use the sauna.

Tip 2: Stay hydrated

As you will sweat a lot during your infrared sauna sessions, it’s important to keep yourself hydrated.

Make sure to drink at least 16-20 ounces of water before entering, and keep a water bottle nearby to sip during your session. 

Staying hydrated helps to regulate body temperature and supports detoxification.

Tip 3: Build up your sessions over time

If you’re new to infrared saunas, it’s important to ease into it. Start with shorter sessions around 10 to 15 minutes and gradually increase the duration as your body becomes accustomed to the heat. 

Over time, your tolerance will increase, and you can consider experimenting with 30 or even 45 minute sessions.

Tip 4: Make sure you are using the right temperature

For maximum benefits and to avoid any potential risks such as dehydration or overheating, keep the sauna temperature between 45°C and 65°C.

The heat intensity in an infrared sauna is less about the air temperature and more about how infrared light penetrates your body. 

Experiment with the temperature settings to find what feels most comfortable for you, and remember, a hotter temperature isn’t always better.

Tip 5: Pay attention to your session duration

Many people new to infrared saunas push things way too far in their first few sessions and overwhelm themselves.

While there are many factors that may affect how long you should stay in your sauna, we recommend someone new to infrared saunas to begin with short sessions of no longer than 30 minutes. Once you become more experienced, you can push the session up to an hour. 

However, even the most experienced users shouldn’t do more than an hour.

Tip 6: Protect your head with a sauna hat

When people start feeling too hot in any kind of sauna, the main culprit is often your head. When your head feels too hot, you will quickly find the whole experience unbearable, even if the rest of your body is fine.

Wearing a sauna hat can help insulate your head which will make your experience much more comfortable. Take a look at our other blogs to find out more on the benefits of sauna hats and how to protect your hair while using your sauna. 

If you can’t get a sauna hat, you could just wrap your head in a towel. While this isn’t as optimal as a sauna hat, it’s a good backup option.

Tip 7: Use a Towel or mat to absorb sweat

To prevent slipping and to absorb excess sweat, place a towel or sauna mat on the seat. This not only makes for a more comfortable and hygienic experience but also helps protect the sauna from the build up of sweat and dead skin cells. 

You can also use this towel to wipe your skin throughout the session to keep it clean and comfortable.

Tip 8: Avoid wearing too much clothing

To fully experience the benefits of infrared heat, it’s best to wear minimal clothing like a swimsuit or even no clothes at all. Check out some of our other recommendations on what to wear in an infrared sauna. 

The infrared light works best when it directly contacts the skin, so it can effectively cause you to sweat. Heavy clothing will block the infrared light meaning you will lose out on most of the benefits.

Tip 9: Relax with breathwork and meditation

Infrared sauna sessions can be a very meditative experience and it’s worth really leaning into this aspect.

Focus on your breathing and maybe even try meditating during your sessions. It can help you really unwind and relax during your sessions.

Focused breathing is also a great way to keep you mind off the discomfort if you are struggling with the sessions.

Tip 10: Shortly after your session, take a shower to cool off

After your sauna session, it’s important to cool your body down again. However, it’s recommended to wait 5-10 minutes after exiting the sauna before jumping into a cold shower as this allows your body to gradually adjust back to its normal temperature and supports the detoxification process. 

This is a great step to add to your sauna routine as a cold shower will close your pores, boost circulation, and refresh your body after the heat.

Summary

Getting all the benefits from your infrared sauna session is all about preparation and mindful use. 

By staying hydrated, starting with shorter sessions, adjusting the temperature to suit your comfort, and incorporating relaxation techniques, you can make the most of your time in the sauna. Don’t forget to cool down afterward and always listen to your body to avoid overheating. 

With these 10 infrared sauna tips, we’re sure you’ll get the best experience that infrared therapy has to offer.  If you feel ready for your own infrared sauna or if you have any other questions, get in touch with Sun Stream Saunas today.