Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever wondered whether an infrared sauna or a traditional sauna is “better,” you’re not alone.

Both use heat to help your body relax, sweat, and recover — but they do it in different ways, and they feel very different because of it.

How They Work

The biggest difference comes down to how the heat is delivered.

A traditional sauna heats the air around you using a heat source, typically a stove with hot stones. The room reaches high temperatures — usually between 170–200°F — and that hot air raises your body temperature from the outside in.

The stones play an important role. When water is poured over them, it creates steam (often called löyly), which increases humidity and makes the heat feel more intense. Even though the temperature stays about the same, the added moisture changes how your body experiences the heat.

Because you’re surrounded by hot air, your body responds quickly — raising your heart rate, increasing circulation, and triggering sweat within minutes.

An infrared sauna works differently. Instead of heating the air as much, it uses non-visible infrared light to warm your body directly.

Infrared light sits just beyond visible red light on the spectrum, which is why you can’t see it — but you can feel it as heat. These longer wavelengths are absorbed by your body and converted into heat, gradually raising your core temperature from the inside out.

This is also where people often get confused with red light therapy.

While both use light, they serve different purposes:

• Red light therapy uses shorter, visible wavelengths that primarily interact with the skin and cells

• Infrared sauna uses longer, invisible wavelengths that are experienced as heat and drive sweating

Because of this, infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures — typically around 110–150°F — but still produce a strong sweat response.

What’s Happening in Your Body

Both types of sauna raise your core temperature, which drives most of the benefits — but they place slightly different demands on the body.

A traditional sauna creates a stronger cardiovascular response. Your heart rate increases, blood vessels dilate, and your body works harder to regulate temperature — similar to light to moderate exercise.

Because of that, traditional sauna can be especially useful for:

• people who are more sedentary and want to stimulate circulation

• post-workout recovery

• anyone looking for a more intense heat experience

An infrared sauna heats the body more gradually at lower temperatures. Because it’s more tolerable for many people, sessions are often longer, leading to a steady, sustained sweat.

It’s also a good option when your system feels a little taxed — whether that’s low energy, general fatigue, or just not wanting the intensity of high heat. The lower temperature places less overall stress on the body while still delivering many of the same benefits.

Some people also find they don’t sweat much in a traditional sauna, but begin sweating more consistently in an infrared session once their core temperature rises.

Both approaches are effective — they just get there in different ways.

Traditional sauna feels more like a workout. Infrared feels more like a slow, steady burn.

The Experience

Traditional sauna has long been tied to culture and community. In many parts of the world, it’s a shared ritual — a place to sit, sweat, talk, and slow down together.

Infrared tends to feel more personal. The environment is quieter, more controlled, and often experienced alone or with a partner. It’s less about intensity or social connection, and more about carving out time to reset.

Neither is better — they just meet you in different ways.

Is One Better Than the Other?

Not really — it depends on the person.

If you enjoy high heat and want that intense, classic sauna experience, traditional sauna might be your preference.

If you prefer something more gradual or don’t tolerate heat as well, infrared is often easier to stick with.

Consistency matters more than which one you choose.

What We Offer at Revolve

At Revolve, we offer both options so you don’t have to choose upfront.

Our traditional sauna is part of our communal contrast area and delivers that classic, high-heat experience.

Our infrared sauna is available in a private suite for a more controlled, personal session.

We give you the chance to experience both — and see what your body prefers.