Infrared Sauna - Frequently Asked Questions

Nature gives us infrared light. You can’t see it with your eyes, but you know it. It’s that good feeling you get the moment the sun comes out on a cloudy day. It’s the warmth you love to soak up at the beach or next to a fire.

Infrared is the healthy, healing rays that come from the sun, the ones that feel like a hug. It also helps plants bloom. The right amount helps stems grow fast and strong. Everything in nature needs it to live. And we don’t get enough of it in our modern world. 

https://www.sunlighten.com/light-science/what-is-infrared-light/

Most people partake in a 30-45 minute session, 3-4 times a week, but it is safe to use every day and at whatever heat suits you best. For most people, daily sauna use is okay after your body has become accustomed to infrared therapy. Drink increased amounts of water to stay hydrated. Listen to your body and stop your session if you feel any discomfort. 

Proper sauna use is important; just like we warm up and cool down our bodies when we exercise, there are some basic steps to follow to ensure you gain maximum benefits of using a sauna. 

Before Sauna Use:

• Drink a minimum of 8 oz. of water to prepare your body for an increase in core body temperature.
• Prep your sauna: Pre-heat your sauna for 45-60 minutes. Your sauna will heat up approximately one degree per minute, depending on room temperature. You can use automatic start up for the Signature or Amplify infrared sauna by setting it in Reservation Mode, or schedule a start time in the mPulse Smart sauna.
• Lay down towels on the bench to absorb sweat. It’s also nice to have an extra around to wipe your face during sessions. We recommend using Celliant towels.

During Sauna Use:

• Watch your time: Make sure to adjust your session length in accordance to your body’s needs. If you are just beginning with regular sauna use, it is important to start slow and get your body accustomed to infrared therapy. We recommend beginning with 10-15 minute sessions at 100°F every other day. Gradually increase toward 40 minute daily sessions in the optimal temperature range. Always listen to your body and adjust based on what it’s telling you.
• Stick with it for long-term benefits: Just as with exercise or eating healthy, sauna use takes time and consistency to see results. You may not even sweat the first few times you use your sauna, but know that sweating (and the detox that comes with it) will increase over time, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and healthy. We recommend Pure Sweat amplifying cream, which increases sweating and circulation to boost results.

After Sauna Use:

• Rehydrate with at least 24 oz. of water or electrolyte drink.
• Dry off and cool down naturally, or with a refreshing shower.

Please consult with your physician before sauna use. 

The core body temperature of children rises much faster than adults. This occurs due to a higher metabolic rate per body mass, limited circulatory adaptation to increased cardiac demands and the inability to regulate body temperature by sweating. When using your sauna with a child, operate at a lower temperature and for no more than 15 minutes at a time. A general rule of thumb is 1 minute inside your sauna per year of age for the child, but always accompanied by an adult. And remember to keep you and your children hydrated, even if you don’t see them sweating. 

• Key differences:
  • Traditional saunas heat the air first. 
  • Infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate and heat the body directly.
  • Infrared saunas use less heat. 

Due to the reduced humidity, less intense heat, and gentle warmth you feel during an infrared sauna session, it is a more relaxing and stress-relieving experience than a traditional sauna.  

Consider this: when you sweat, you increase circulation, which results in glowing skin, pain relief, weight loss, stress relief, increased athletic performance, improved immune function, injury recovery and more. Sounds pretty beneficial to us! 

You will actually start your session when the sauna cabin temp is 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit and let your body warm up along with the cabin air temperature. The heater panels are already emitting far infrared energy at maximum capacity and your body is receiving all the infrared energy it can absorb. Take your time and enjoy yourself.

Far Infrared ‘soft’ heat is calming and relaxing, just like feeling your body soak up the warmth of the sun on a cool day, and as your body becomes more accustomed to raising your core temperature on a regular basis you will sweat twice as much and detoxify more compared to a traditional sauna – all at cabin air temperatures that are 40-60 degrees Fahrenheit lower than hot rock and steam saunas!

After you have ‘ramped up’ in your first week or two of use, you will probably find that you want to spend more time in the sauna. It feels good, works great, clears your mind and strengthens your body. Get ready to feel your stress, body aches and pains melt away.

By heating your core temperature and inducing sweating, infrared saunas increase blood flow and heart rate, much like moderate exercise, and can burn 400-600 calories in just one 30-minute session. 

The more water that’s in your body, the more productive your session will be. So we recommend good hydration as well as a light meal prior to your session (but nothing heavy or directly before your session). 

Yes! The Infrared Sauna’s at Renew U are roomy enough to bring in a spouse, significant other or friend and are a great way to encourage one another on your path to total wellness. Our saunas can fit up to 3 people however for the most comfort we only recommend 2. See our special pricing for “adding a friend.” 

Warm, cozy and relaxed – how does that sound? That’s what the first portion of your treatment will feel like. During the last 10 minutes, your sweating and heart rate will increase though your comfort level will remain. 

Think of how you feel right after a workout and that’s probably the feeling you’ll have right after your sauna session. But within 30 minutes, you’ll experience a boost in energy and mood resulting in a productive afternoon and restful night’s sleep. 

The good news is, infrared heat kills 99% of bacteria for a naturally sterile environment. But at Renew U, we go a step further and clean each suite in between sessions with non-toxic cleaners. 

Chromotherapy is the science of using colors to adjust body vibrations to frequencies that result in health and harmony. The belief that color is important in healing has been around for thousands of years rooted in the idea that specific colors in the spectrum of light positively affect your emotions. 

Chromotherapy has been shown to improve a range of emotions including sociability, happiness and success to name a few. See chart posted for additional reference.

At Renew U, our infrared saunas offer you a choice of 12 different color options, each with frequencies of a specific vibration related to different physical symptoms to help your body re-establish its natural balance.