Hot Take: Why Not All Saunas Are Created Equal
- Admin
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
Across the UK, sauna culture is having a quiet revival. From boutique gyms to countryside cabins, people are rediscovering the ancient comfort of heat — and the modern question that comes with it: Which sauna is actually better?
The internet loves a debate, and few wellness topics spark more opinion than infrared vs traditional. On the surface, both look similar: wood interiors, benches, a door that seals you into bliss. But behind the panels and stones, they work in completely different ways. And depending on your goals — heart health, skin glow, recovery, or just sanity — one might make more sense for you than the other.
At Simply Happy, we spend a lot of time around both kinds of heat. So let’s break it down — not by hype, but by what the science actually says.
Traditional Sauna: The Original Heat Therapy
A traditional Finnish sauna (sometimes called a “dry sauna”) heats the air first — either by wood stove or electric heater — which then warms your body indirectly. Temperatures usually hover between 150–220 °F (65–105 °C). The result is a full-body sweat and a strong cardiovascular response that feels deeply cleansing.
This is the style that’s been studied for decades in Finland, where sauna bathing is a way of life rather than a wellness trend. One landmark study — involving 2,315 middle-aged Finnish men over 20 years — found that those who took saunas four to seven times a week had a dramatically lower risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac death than those who went only once weekly (Laukkanen et al., 2015, JAMA Internal Medicine).
In short: the more consistently you sauna, the stronger your heart seems to get.
Infrared Sauna: The Modern (and Milder) Contender
Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use ceramic or carbon panels that emit far-infrared light — invisible wavelengths that directly warm your body instead of the surrounding air. Temperatures stay lower (about 100–165 °F / 38–74 °C) but the heat penetrates more deeply into skin and tissue.
“An infrared sauna uses light to heat you directly rather than heating the air around you,” explains Dr Sam Setareh, director of clinical cardiology at Beverly Hills Cardiovascular. “That allows for a gentler experience while still promoting circulation and relaxation.”
For those who find traditional saunas too intense, infrared can feel approachable — a slow-burn version of the same ritual.
So Which Is “Better”? Depends What You’re After.
Heart & Circulation
If your goal is cardiovascular health, traditional saunas still lead the pack.A 2023 study in the American Journal of Physiology (led by Dr Christopher T. Minson, University of Oregon) compared traditional, infrared, and hot-water immersion. The traditional sauna and hot tub both produced a larger rise in core temperature and heart rate, creating a more powerful “heat workout.”The far-infrared sauna, by contrast, triggered the least cardiovascular strain.
Dr Minson’s conclusion? “You’d need many months of consistent infrared sessions to see the same cardiovascular effects that a traditional sauna or hot tub can produce sooner.”
Skin & Detox
Infrared light does have its own edge. Because it reaches deeper layers of the skin, it can help boost circulation, stimulate collagen, and promote cell turnover.
Dermatologist Dr Dara Spearman notes that “deeper penetration improves blood flow to the second layer of skin, helping clear pores and support elasticity.” A study published in the Yonsei Medical Journal backs this up, linking far-infrared exposure to improved skin texture, tone, and collagen density.
So while traditional saunas are excellent for the heart, infrared saunas often win the skincare category.
Muscles & Recovery
Infrared manufacturers often claim their heat penetrates into muscles and joints for faster recovery. The evidence is still light.Dr Minson’s same research team found that the warming effect of far-infrared didn’t reach as deep into muscle tissue as marketed. That said, any consistent exposure to heat — traditional, infrared, or even a hot tub — helps with relaxation, mobility, and reduced soreness by improving circulation.
What the Studies Agree On
Whether you choose fire or photons, consistent sauna use helps the body regulate stress, improve vascular health, and promote general wellbeing. The mechanism may differ, but the outcome — warmth, calm, and recovery — remains universal.
“Any time you’re doing something aligned with better health, it’s worth the effort,” says Dr Minson. And that’s really the key: consistency beats temperature.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Ask yourself:
Do you crave the deep, traditional heat and heart-rate boost? Go for a classic Finnish-style sauna.
Do you prefer a calmer, lower-temperature environment that’s easier on the system? Try infrared.
Do you want both? That’s becoming increasingly common — many UK homeowners now combine an infrared cabin with an outdoor hot tub for year-round recovery.
At Simply Happy Hot Tubs & Saunas, we see both as valuable tools. Our installations across Buckinghamshire range from Scandinavian-style wood-burning saunas to modern infrared cabins — each chosen for the way it helps people unwind and reconnect with their health at home.
Because in the end, it’s not about which one wins on paper. It’s about which one you’ll actually use.
Quick Sauna Tips
Hydrate before and after every session.
Don’t rush the heat — especially if you’re new. Start with 10–15 minutes.
Cool down gradually and let your heart rate settle.
Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or unwell, step out.
Consult your GP if you have cardiovascular or blood-pressure concerns.
Which sauna do you think wins for wellness?
Vote below and see what other readers in Buckinghamshire are choosing!
Which sauna do you think wins for wellness?
0%I’m team Traditional — nothing beats real heat
0%I’m team Infrared — gentler, cleaner, modern
0%Honestly... give me the Hot Tub any day
0%I just want both
Health Disclaimer
The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new wellness or sauna routine, especially if you have existing health conditions.
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