Nothing compares to that post-sauna glow. Whether you’re looking to soothe sore muscles, clear your mind, or simply unwind, a sauna session is one of the most timeless rituals for recovery and renewal.
But not all saunas are created equal.
If you’ve only experienced a traditional sauna, you might be surprised to learn there’s another way to sweat – one that uses modern light technology instead of heated air. In this guide, we explore the difference between a traditional and infrared sauna, so you can choose the style that suits your body best.
Traditional and Infrared Sauna: What’s the Difference?
At the heart of it, the difference between these two sauna types lies in the way heat interacts with your body.
A traditional sauna works by heating the air around you – usually between 75–90°C. As the hot air fills the space, your body gradually heats up, prompting a deep sweat. Many people love this style for its intensity and detoxifying effect.
Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use lamps that emit infrared light to warm your body directly.
The room itself stays cooler (around 50–70°C), but the heat penetrates more deeply into muscles and tissues. This creates a more gentle yet effective sweat session – especially beneficial if you’re heat-sensitive or prefer a longer session.
Unlike the enveloping heat of a traditional sauna, which warms the whole room, infrared saunas target the body’s internal temperature. This means you can start sweating sooner and continue for longer periods without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a subtle yet powerful difference – and one that has gained a loyal following.
This distinction influences not just how each session feels, but how your body responds to it – making your choice more about experience than outcome.
Similar Benefits, Different Experience
Despite their differences, both sauna styles offer incredible wellness benefits. These include:
- Improved circulation
- Reduced inflammation
- Muscle recovery and pain relief
- Enhanced skin clarity and elasticity
- Better sleep
- Stress relief and nervous system regulation
While the physiological outcomes may be similar, the user experience can feel completely different. Traditional saunas tend to feel more intense and immersive, often used for shorter, sweatier bursts. Infrared sessions feel slower and more meditative – ideal if you’re seeking a deeper sense of calm or want to pair it with mindfulness practices like breathwork or gentle stretching.
Some people prefer one style over the other. Others enjoy switching between the two depending on their needs, time of day, or even the season. There’s no right or wrong – just a chance to explore what feels best for your body.
How Infrared Saunas Work
Infrared saunas use a combination of near, mid, and far-infrared wavelengths to deeply penetrate skin and tissue. This light-based heat increases blood flow and oxygenation, stimulates detoxification at the cellular level, and supports a natural, calming response in the nervous system.
Our infrared sauna at Native State also includes red light therapy, which uses low-level laser light to stimulate cells, reduce inflammation, and support skin health. We’ve also integrated chromotherapy (colour therapy), a practice that uses different light colours to influence the body:
- Red may support pain relief and circulation
- Blue is calming and supports skin clarity
- Yellow and green may help with mood and immune function
All of these options are accessible during your session, allowing you to customise your experience based on how you’re feeling that day.
Chromotherapy is an evolving field, but its foundations are ancient – used across cultures to help shift mood and promote balance. Whether you’re drawn to red for energy, green for calm, or blue for clarity, these subtle visual cues can help you feel more attuned to yourself while you sweat.
Tips for Using the Infrared Sauna
Want to get the most from your infrared session? Here’s how to do it right:
- Duration: Start with 5–15 minutes. Once your body adapts, you can stay in longer or build it into contrast therapy.
- Stay Dry: Infrared sessions work best when you’re dry – bring a towel and avoid entering while wet.
- Hydrate: Drink water before and after to stay balanced and support your body’s natural detoxification process.
- Cool Down Slowly: After your session, transition gradually – try a cold shower or a few moments outside before jumping into a cold plunge.
- Frequency: 3–4 times a week is a great place to start. Once you’re used to the practice, you can increase frequency based on how you feel.
The key is consistency. Like any wellness practice, the more regularly you engage, the more noticeable the effects become.
Finding Your Rhythm
Choosing between a traditional and infrared sauna isn’t about which one is better – it’s about what your body needs in the moment.
Some days you’ll crave the bold intensity of a traditional heat. Other days, you may benefit more from the deep, gentle warmth of infrared light. Many of our guests alternate between the two as part of a contrast therapy routine, using heat and cold to support circulation, resilience, and mental clarity.
Still unsure which style you prefer? Try tuning into how your body feels before and after each type. Does your skin glow more after a traditional session? Does your sleep improve after infrared? You might discover each sauna supports a different aspect of your health – and together, they create a more well-rounded routine.
If you’re pairing your session with breathwork or meditation, infrared may provide the quieter, more focused space you’re looking for. If you’re short on time or want a more intense physical detox, a traditional sauna may be your best choice. In the end, it’s all about working with your body, not against it.
Conclusion: A Ritual That Evolves With You
Your wellness journey will change – day to day, season to season. What works in summer might not be what you need in winter. What energises you one week might feel overstimulating the next.
That’s the beauty of having options.
Both the traditional and infrared sauna have a place at Native State because we believe in offering tools that can support you in whatever season you’re in. Whether you’re here to unwind, recover, reflect or reconnect – heat, in its many forms, will meet you there.
Ready to Sweat Your Way?
Whether you prefer the deep intensity of a traditional sauna or the gentle warmth of infrared, both are included in every visit to our bathhouse. Drop in when it suits you with a casual session, or build heat into your weekly rhythm with a membership.
Choose your session and book your bathhouse experience today.
