The Real Reason I Stopped Using Steam Saunas (and Switched to Infrared Instead)

Bye-Bye, Steam Room Slog: My Skin Said “No More!”

Before I switched to infrared sauna I was doing steam saunas at my gym. Let’s be real.. spending 20 minutes in a steam sauna used to feel like a chore. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the dewy glow afterward, but getting there? Steam saunas were basically a humid jungle where I’d sweat buckets, gasp for air, and leave feeling like a boiled dumpling. 

My skin felt hydrated, sure, but also kind of… stale. According to experts, steam is great for surface-level hydration and soothing sensitive skin, but it doesn’t go deep. And honey, I was ready for something deeper. 

Hello, Infrared Glow: Where Detox Meets Chill Vibes

Enter the Infrared sauna. The first time I stepped into one, I thought, “Wait… is it even on?” It wasn’t scorching hot like the steam room. Instead, it was this cozy, gentle warmth that sank in. No suffocating humidity, no frantic fan-flapping, just pure and blissful heat that made my muscles go, “Ahhhh.” 

Turns out, infrared uses light to heat your body directly, not the air around you. Translation? You sweat at a cellular level, flushing out toxins way more effectively than steam ever could. One study even showed infrared promotes excellent deep detox, while steam is more moderate.

My skin? Brighter, clearer, and seriously glowy, like I’d just had a facial. I can't believe I hadn't compared steam sauna vs infrared sooner, but now that I know the differences I'm screaming it from the rooftops. 

My Aches? Gone. My Mood? Sky-High. Thank You, Infrared!

I’ll admit, I’m not exactly a gym rat. A long day of errands or chasing my dog around the park leaves me feeling like a rusty tin man. Steam saunas helped a little, but the real magic happened in infrared. The deep-penetrating heat works wonders on sore muscles and stiff joints. It’s like a full-body massage that actually works. Plus, the improved circulation gives me this natural energy boost, no coffee needed!

And can we talk about the mood? Infrared sessions are seriously relaxing. I leave feeling centered, calm, and weirdly… lighter. And it’s not just me. Studies link regular infrared use to lower stress and even better sleep. My new secret weapon for beating the Sunday scaries? A 30-minute infrared session with a podcast. Game. Changer. 

My New Obsession: Halotherapy + Infrared = Heaven

Okay, so I found this amazing spa that has both infrared saunas and a Halotherapy room (aka a salt cave!). I was skeptical at first, salt therapy? Really? But now I’m addicted. After my infrared session, I head straight to the salt room. You just sit back, breathe in the super-fine Himalayan salt particles, and zen out. It’s like a reset button for my lungs and my mind. The negative ions from the salt are supposed to reduce stress and boost mood honestly, it feels like a mental spa day. 

Plus, halotherapy is beyond amazing for my skin and helps clear out any lingering congestion. Pairing deep infrared detox with the calming, respiratory benefits of halotherapy? It’s the ultimate wellness power couple. My new ritual: Sweat it out in infrared, then breathe deeply in the salt cave. Pure. Bliss.