Is a Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna Worth It?
With the rising availability of full-spectrum infrared saunas, it’s tempting to assume they offer unique benefits by combining near, mid, and far-infrared wavelengths.
However, High Tech Health’s far-infrared saunas provide all the scientifically validated benefits—like detoxification, improved circulation, and immune support 1,2,3 —without the potential risks of near-infrared exposure.
Evaluating Health Benefits and Risks
Full-spectrum saunas don’t have regulatory standards, allowing companies to define “full spectrum” as they wish. This can mean varying outputs of near-infrared, from minimal levels to over a kilowatt. Near-infrared exposure can lead to eye and skin damage, oxidative stress, and premature aging 4,5.
Studies indicate that prolonged exposure produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin, promoting genetic damage and increasing cancer risks 6,7.
Far-infrared, however, effectively delivers these benefits safely, avoiding these risks 1,8.
Ironically, most full-spectrum saunas depend heavily on far-infrared for health benefits.
With far-infrared already delivering these results without risk, why expose yourself to unnecessary near-infrared downsides? High Tech Health’s far-infrared saunas offer the smart, safe, and efficient choice for those prioritizing real wellness gains.
References
- Beever R. Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors:
summary of published evidence. Can Fam Physician. 2009 Jul;55(7):691-6.
PMID: 19602651; PMCID: PMC2718593.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19602651/
https://www.cfp.ca/content/55/7/691.long
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2718593/ - Masuda A, Koga Y, Hattanmaru M, Minagoe S, Tei C. The effects of repeated
thermal therapy for patients with chronic pain. Psychother Psychosom.
2005;74(5):288-94. doi: 10.1159/000086319. PMID: 16088266.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16088266/
https://karger.com/pps/article-abstract/74/5/288/282151/The-Effects-of-Repeated-
Thermal-Therapy-for?redirectedFrom=fulltext - Hannuksela ML, Ellahham S. Benefits and risks of sauna bathing. Am J Med.
2001 Feb 1;110(2):118-26. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9343(00)00671-9. PMID:
11165553.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11165553/
https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(00)00671-9/abstract - International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
ICNIRP Guidelines on Limits of Exposure to Incoherent Visible and Infrared
Radiation. Health Phys. 2013 Jul 1;105(1):74-96. doi:
10.1097/HP.0b013e318289a611. PMID: 35606999.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35606999/ - Schroeder P, Haendeler J, Krutmann J. The role of near infrared radiation in
photoaging of the skin. Exp Gerontol. 2008 Jul;43(7):629-632. doi:
10.1016/j.exger.2008.04.010. Epub 2008 Apr 27. PMID: 18534799.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18534799/ - Kim MS, Kim YK, Cho KH, Chung JH. Regulation of type I procollagen and MMP-
1 expression after single or repeated exposure to infrared radiation in human
skin. Mech Ageing Dev. 2006 Dec;127(12):875-82. doi:
10.1016/j.mad.2006.09.007. Epub 2006 Oct 25. PMID: 17067654.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17067654/ - Schroeder P, Lademann J, Darvin ME, Stege H, Marks C, Bruhnke S, Krutmann
J. Infrared radiation-induced matrix metalloproteinase in human skin: implications
for protection. J Invest Dermatol. 2008 Oct;128(10):2491-7. doi:
10.1038/jid.2008.116. Epub 2008 May 1. PMID: 18449210.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18449210/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15336241 - Biro S, Masuda A, Kihara T, Tei C. Clinical implications of thermal therapy in
lifestyle-related diseases. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2003 Nov;228(10):1245-9.
doi: 10.1177/153537020322801023. PMID: 14610268.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14610268/
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