So, you’ve recently heard about red light therapy, but you also learned about infrared saunas. They sound similar, giving you the impression they’re synonymous. In reality, the two wellness services have a plethora of differences worth noting.
In this article, we’ll discuss how red light therapy and infrared saunas differ in their mechanism, session length, application, benefits, and pricing.
Mechanism
Red light therapy involves the use of both red and near-infrared light, which penetrates no more than 5 to 10 centimeters into the skin, while infrared saunas use far-infrared. Far-infrared light enters several centimeters into the body.
Mechanism also differs based on temperature. Red light therapy doesn’t give off any, or very little, heat. As for infrared saunas, one of their main components is heat, which ranges from 120 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Duration
Infrared sauna sessions usually last about 20 to 45 minutes. They’re also recommended to be done two to four times a week for maximum results. On the other hand, red light therapy only lasts around 10 to 20 minutes per session, but it’s recommended to engage in daily or nearly daily sessions to achieve the best benefits.
How often you’ll need to receive either of these two therapies comes down to what you’re getting the service done for and how quickly you wish to achieve results. It will also depend on your budget.
Application
Red light therapy helps users achieve more goals than infrared sauna sessions do, but the service you pick will depend on what you want to achieve.
Red light therapy can be useful for those seeking anti-aging effects, who experience localized pain, or who have limited time on their hands. This session can also be applicable to those with cardiovascular issues or who have heat sensitivity. Those who are pregnant may also be able to get red light therapy, as there is a low risk.
Infrared saunas are better for those seeking a wellness service which provides relaxation, allows the whole body to detox through sweating, and helps release tense muscles. However, those with a heart or blood pressure problem, heat intolerance, or who are pregnant are highly recommended not to get this service.
Benefits
Both services can achieve stress relief, muscle recovery, sleep support, and pain relief. But their effects can vary, and their benefits may differ based on intensity.
For instance, infrared saunas can directly improve cellular energy while red light therapy can’t. Meanwhile, red light therapy provides a limited means of detoxification, while infrared saunas offer whole-body detoxification.
Compared to infrared saunas, red light therapy is more effective in mitochondrial support, providing skin and anti-aging benefits, and circadian rhythm benefits. On the other hand, infrared saunas are better at improving relaxation, providing systematic pain relief, and triggering the parasympathetic nervous system.
Cost
Red light therapy is 3 to 5 times more affordable than its infrared sauna counterpart. It is also far more accessible and easier to come by. This makes red light therapy a preferred option in some cases. It means more money saved in one’s pocket and convenient access.
In the end, all these factors come into play. Whether you choose red light therapy or an infrared sauna as your go-to wellness service – or even both – will depend on your time schedule, the benefits you want, and your current state of health.
Are you considering giving red light therapy a go? You’re in luck: Recovery Lab offers red light therapy in the Claremont area! Call us today to learn more about this incredible wellness service option.
