Using a near infrared sauna or a full spectrum infrared sauna (which also outputs near infrared) can cause cataracts, accelerated aging of the skin, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Are There Any Dangers to Infrared Saunas? If used improperly or excessively, infrared saunas can lead to dehydration, overheating, and even burns. Certain medical conditions might make them unsafe. Consult your doctor beforehand.
The heat can in fact be beneficial to skin to a certain extent: infrared heat in the form of infrared lamps is used for medical purposes such as treating pain, circulation problems, stiff joints, inflammation etc. However, excessive heat can also cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and burns.
Infrared saunas are safe to use as often as you'd like, with many facilities suggesting using the sauna three to four times a week. If you're healthy and you're enjoying the sauna and are comfortable with the heat, there's nothing to say you can't use an infrared sauna every day.
These results suggest that infrared radiation may have beneficial effects on skin texture and wrinkles by increasing collagen and elastin contents from the stimulated fibroblasts.
Results: Detrimental effects such as thermal burns, photocarcinogenesis, and photoaging have been reported, though evidence suggests that these may be due to the thermal effects produced secondary to IR exposure rather than the isolated effect of IR.
In addition to the benefits of improved circulation, infrared saunas have several other skin-improving benefits. For example, small-scale studies have shown that infrared sauna bathing can boost the production of collagen and elastin, critical proteins that help keep your skin strong and supple.
Fat Loss. Some studies suggest that infrared sauna use might help stimulate the breakdown of stored fats through a process called lipolysis. As the body works to cool itself down during a sauna session, it expends energy and taps into fat reserves for fuel.
Not showering after your sauna session can lead to the reabsorption of toxins through your skin. The residual sweat can clog pores, potentially leading to skin irritations or breakouts. By taking a quick shower, you wash away these impurities, ensuring your skin remains clean and your pores unblocked.
Numerous studies point to the health benefits of infrared saunas in particular. Proven benefits of infrared saunas include relieving stress, lowering blood pressure, relieving muscle and joint pain, and maintaining cardiovascular health.
Results. Detrimental effects such as thermal burns, photocarcinogenesis, and photoaging have been reported, though evidence suggests that these may be due to the thermal effects produced secondary to IR exposure rather than the isolated effect of IR.
The upfront cost of installing infrared heating can also be a deterrent for some homeowners. While infrared heating panels are competitively priced when compared to installing boilers or central heating systems, people may still see them as more expensive than traditional convection heaters or electric radiators.
Conclusions: The protein of eye lens is very sensitive to IR radiation which is hazardous and may lead to cataract.
The main reasons why you may feel worse after an infrared sauna session are due to dehydration, fatigue, your body reacting to detoxification, heat discomfort or light-headedness.
Basically, if something is electronic or runs on an electric current, you've been exposed to EMF and ELF radiation. Infrared saunas are designed to emit very low EMF and ELF levels, less than 3 milliGauss (mG). This is lower than what you get from using a computer or laptop screen.
While this heat therapy may offer circulation, metabolism, and musculoskeletal benefits, more research and scientific evidence are needed to fully back these claims. Infrared saunas may not be a safe choice for people with certain health conditions, and they can cause dehydration and blood pressure changes.
How It Works - Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the skin and extremities. This increased circulation can stimulate the kidneys to filter more blood, leading to higher urine output.
You'll need a towel to sit on and a smaller towel to wipe down with once you start sweating. Remember, your body will be sending out toxins, including heavy metals, with your sweat, and you won't want your sauna bench or floor to absorb these.
Calories Burned in an Infrared Sauna
However, it's essential to understand that the calorie burn in a sauna is relatively low compared to traditional forms of exercise. You might burn around 300-600 calories in an hour-long sauna session, depending on factors like temperature and your individual physiology.
Unfortunately, the heat occasionally depletes the hair of moisture, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breaking. When using an infrared sauna to promote hair development, care must be taken to keep the hair wet and avoid breakage.
If you're new to using a sauna, it's best to start with shorter sessions of 15 to 20 minutes. You can gradually increase the duration as your body gets used to the infrared heat. Typically, experienced infrared sauna users enjoy sessions between 30 to 45 minutes, aiming to maximise the potential benefits and comfort.
Based on these observations, it can be concluded that IR and heat are important physical stimuli that may cause aging in human skin. Therefore, in addition to sunscreen to block the effects of UV, novel strategies to block IR- and heat-induced skin aging need to be developed to prevent skin aging more completely.
If you're considering purchasing a sauna for your home, it's natural to wonder how much electricity a sauna will cost. A single session in an infrared sauna will use about as much electricity as a dishwasher, and a traditional sauna using an electric heater is comparable to running a larger appliance like a dryer.