Why You Should Try an Infrared Sauna

It’s a celebrity favourite for a reason

The funny thing about infrared saunas is that when you first step into one, it’s not actually that hot. It’s not like a steam or dry sauna where the heat hits you straight away. Instead, the infrared light heats your body from within. Kind of like a microwave, but don’t worry, it’s not strong enough to actually cook you.

And although the jury is still out as to the proven health benefits, fans report weight loss, muscle pain relief, immune system boost, reduction of stress and anxiety, and improved skin quality. It’s said to also help you sleep better and recover from intense workouts faster.

with thanks to Getty Images

But it’s not just avid gym goers and runners who are flocking to health spas for an infrared sauna hit; celebrities have jumped on board too.

Actress Jennifer Aniston loves them for their detoxification, weight loss, and skin rejuvenation benefits, and singer Lady Gaga frequently uses them to help her control muscles aches and pains after performances.

Mr No-Smile himself, Kanye West, actually had a personal infrared spa built for Kim Kardashian in their home, and Gwyneth Paltrow often writes about her love of them on her website Goop. She recommends using infrared saunas as an effective way to stimulate the lymphatic system and to help produce a ‘healthy, detoxifying sweat’.

Interested? Our advice is to take a book or music (as there is no steam, it won’t damage your devices), a towel to sit on and don’t do it before a big presentation at work or uni. You’ll come out feeling Zen. With a capital Z.