Last updated: April 2026
In February 2025, a wellness centre owner in Dubai named Khalid asked our team a question we hear increasingly often: “Why are all my clients asking for infrared saunas instead of traditional ones?” His facility had two Finnish saunas running at 85 °C. They were well built. But occupancy had dropped 30 % over two years while the infrared cabins at a competitor down the road were fully booked every evening. Within three months, we had designed and installed a four-person infrared sauna cabin alongside his existing Finnish saunas. His evening bookings recovered within six weeks.
The infrared sauna is not replacing the traditional sauna. But it is attracting a different audience, people who find 85 °C too intense, who want a longer and more comfortable session, or who are drawn by the growing body of research on infrared-specific health benefits. If you have searched “what is an infrared sauna” looking for a clear, honest explanation, this guide covers everything: how infrared heating works, what the evidence says about its benefits, how it compares to a Finnish sauna and a steam room, and why the format has become particularly popular in hot climates like Dubai and the UAE.
Sauna Dekor has been manufacturing custom saunas, including infrared sauna cabins, since 1987. Request a free consultation if you are considering one for your home, hotel, or wellness centre.
How does an infrared sauna work?
An infrared sauna heats the body directly using infrared light panels rather than heating the surrounding air. The panels emit far-infrared radiation (FIR) at wavelengths between 5.6 and 15 micrometres, which penetrates the skin to a depth of approximately 3-4 cm and raises core body temperature from the inside out. The cabin air stays at 45-60 °C (113-140 °F), roughly half the temperature of a Finnish sauna, but the bather sweats as much or more because the heat is absorbed directly by body tissue rather than conducted through hot air.
This distinction matters. In a Finnish sauna, the heater warms the air to 80-100 °C; the air then warms the body. In an infrared sauna, the panels warm the body; the air is a bystander. The result is a gentler ambient environment that many people find more comfortable for longer sessions.
What types of infrared sauna are there?
Infrared saunas are classified by the wavelength of their emitters:
- Far-infrared (FIR) — wavelengths of 5.6-15 micrometres. The most common type. Carbon or ceramic panels emit FIR that penetrates deep into tissue. This is what most people mean when they say “infrared sauna.”
- Near-infrared (NIR) — wavelengths of 0.7-1.4 micrometres. Penetrates less deeply but is associated with skin rejuvenation and wound healing research. NIR saunas use incandescent or LED emitters.
- Full-spectrum — combines near, mid, and far-infrared in a single cabin. The marketing claim is that different wavelengths target different tissue depths. The clinical evidence for this approach is still limited.
For most residential and commercial installations, our team recommends far-infrared panels. They have the strongest evidence base, the most comfortable operating temperature, and the lowest energy draw.
What does an infrared sauna session feel like?
Warm rather than hot. You sit in a timber cabin at 45-60 °C, which feels like a warm room rather than an oven. After 10-15 minutes, sweating begins, not from the air temperature, but from the infrared energy warming your core. The sweat is often described as “deeper” or “grittier” than in a traditional sauna, though the scientific basis for this claim is debated. Sessions last 20-40 minutes, considerably longer than the 10-20 minute rounds typical of Finnish sauna bathing.
Most first-time users are surprised by how relaxing the experience is. There is no blast of dry heat on the face, no struggle to breathe hot air, and no need to rush out after 15 minutes. For people who have tried a Finnish sauna and found it overwhelming, an infrared cabin is often the gateway that brings them back to thermal wellness.
What are the health benefits of an infrared sauna?
Infrared sauna benefits span cardiovascular health, pain relief, muscle recovery, skin improvement, and stress reduction. The mechanisms overlap with traditional sauna bathing, both raise core temperature, increase heart rate, and induce sweating, but infrared’s lower operating temperature and longer session times produce some distinct outcomes.
A comprehensive review in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that regular thermal bathing improves endothelial function, reduces arterial stiffness, and lowers blood pressure, with benefits increasing with frequency (Laukkanen et al., 2018). While the landmark Finnish studies used traditional saunas, the underlying mechanism, passive heat therapy causing vasodilation and a cardiovascular training effect, applies equally to infrared exposure at therapeutic temperatures.
Does an infrared sauna help with pain and inflammation?
Yes, and this is one of the areas where infrared saunas have their own dedicated evidence base. A study published in Clinical Rheumatology found that infrared sauna therapy significantly reduced pain and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis after a four-week course of treatment (Oosterveld et al., 2009). The deep tissue warming provided by far-infrared radiation increases local blood flow, which accelerates the clearance of inflammatory mediators and promotes tissue repair.
For chronic pain conditions, muscle soreness after exercise, and joint stiffness, many of our clients report that the infrared sauna’s lower temperature actually allows them to stay in longer and achieve better relief than a 10-minute Finnish sauna round would.
Can an infrared sauna improve cardiovascular health?
Yes. A clinical study of patients with chronic heart failure found that two weeks of daily far-infrared sauna therapy improved vascular endothelial function, reduced cardiac size markers, and improved exercise tolerance (Beever, 2009). The mechanism is similar to moderate exercise: the heart rate increases to 100-150 bpm during a session as the body works to cool itself, providing a cardiovascular training effect without physical exertion.
Harvard Health has reviewed the broader thermal bathing evidence and concluded that regular heat exposure is associated with measurable cardiovascular protection (Harvard Health, 2020).
Is an infrared sauna good for skin?
The heat from infrared panels increases blood flow to the skin, delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the dermal layers, and promotes collagen production. Regular users commonly report improved skin tone, reduced appearance of fine lines, and a clearer complexion. Near-infrared wavelengths in particular have been studied for their effects on wound healing and skin rejuvenation, though most home and commercial infrared saunas use far-infrared emitters.
Does an infrared sauna help with stress and sleep?
Yes. The 20-40 minute session format, combined with the gentle warmth, activates the parasympathetic nervous system and promotes a deep relaxation response. Many users report measurably better sleep quality on evenings after an infrared sauna session. The effect is partly thermal (core temperature rises during the session and then falls sharply afterward, mimicking the natural pre-sleep cooling pattern) and partly neurological (heat exposure triggers the release of endorphins and reduces cortisol).
Considering an infrared sauna for your home or facility? Our team designs and installs custom infrared sauna cabins for private residences and commercial wellness centres worldwide. Get a custom quote.
How does an infrared sauna compare to a Finnish sauna and a steam room?
An infrared sauna, a Finnish sauna, and a steam room all use heat for wellness purposes, but the heating method, temperature, humidity, and session experience are fundamentally different. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right option for your space, your clients, or your own health goals.
| Feature | Infrared sauna | Finnish sauna | Steam room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 45-60 °C (113-140 °F) | 80-100 °C (176-212 °F) | 40-45 °C (104-113 °F) |
| Humidity | Near 0 % (dry) | 10-20 % (dry) | 100 % (saturated) |
| Heating method | Infrared panels (radiant) | Electric/wood heater + stones (convective) | Steam generator (convective) |
| Heat-up time | 15-20 minutes | 30-45 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Session length | 20-40 minutes | 10-20 minutes per round | 10-20 minutes |
| Power draw | 1.5-3 kW | 6-9 kW | 6-12 kW (generator) |
| Self-service | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Timber cabin | Yes | Yes | No (tiled/stone) |
| Water involved | No | Optional (loyly) | Yes (steam) |
The most important practical difference for commercial operators is energy consumption. An infrared cabin drawing 1.8 kW for 40 minutes uses 1.2 kWh per session. A Finnish sauna drawing 6 kW for one hour uses 6 kWh per session, five times more. In markets with high electricity costs, this difference is significant.
For residential buyers, the choice often comes down to preference and space. If you crave intense dry heat and the ritual of water on stones, a Finnish sauna is irreplaceable. If you want a gentler, longer session with lower running costs and simpler installation (many infrared cabins run on a standard household socket), an infrared sauna cabin is the better fit. And if you want the flexibility to offer both experiences, a bio sauna with switchable modes can bridge the gap.
For a full comparison of steam rooms, see our guide to steam room benefits.
Why are infrared saunas so popular in Dubai and the UAE?
Dubai and the wider UAE have become one of the fastest-growing markets for infrared sauna installations, both in luxury homes and in commercial wellness centres. The reasons are practical as much as cultural, and they illustrate why the infrared format suits hot climates better than traditional alternatives.
Climate compatibility
In a city where outdoor temperatures regularly exceed 45 °C from June to September, the idea of sitting in an 85 °C Finnish sauna has limited appeal. An infrared sauna at 50 °C feels warm and therapeutic without the aggressive heat that many UAE residents, accustomed to air-conditioned interiors at 22 °C, find uncomfortable. The transition from a 22 °C living room to a 50 °C infrared cabin is far gentler than the jump to an 85 °C Finnish sauna.
Energy efficiency in a high-cost market
Electricity costs in Dubai are among the highest in the Gulf region. An infrared sauna drawing 1.8 kW is significantly cheaper to operate than a 6-9 kW Finnish heater, and it does not require the dedicated high-amperage electrical circuit that a Finnish sauna demands. For villa owners installing a sauna in an existing property, the infrared option often avoids an expensive electrical upgrade.
Residential wellness culture
The UAE has one of the world’s highest concentrations of high-net-worth individuals, and residential wellness rooms are now a standard feature in new luxury villas and apartments. In mid-2025, a developer in Palm Jumeirah named Rania asked our team to specify wellness amenities for a 12-unit residential project. We installed infrared saunas in eight units, Finnish saunas in three, and a combination bio sauna in one. The infrared cabins were the most requested option by the end-buyers, every one of whom cited “I don’t want something too hot” as the primary reason.
Our Dubai office regularly designs and installs infrared sauna cabins for residential and hotel clients across the UAE. Contact our Dubai team for a consultation.
What should you consider before choosing an infrared sauna?
Before investing in an infrared sauna for your home or commercial facility, consider these key factors.
Space and installation
A two-person infrared cabin requires approximately 1.2 m x 1.2 m of floor space and 2.0 m of ceiling height. Most cabins are freestanding and can be placed in a bedroom, spare room, garage, or bathroom without structural modification. Ventilation is less demanding than for a Finnish sauna because there is no steam and the air temperature is moderate, but adequate fresh air supply is still important for comfort.
Electrical supply
Most residential infrared saunas draw 1.5-3 kW and can run on a standard household socket (13 A in the UK, 15 A in the US, or the equivalent in other markets). This is a significant advantage over Finnish saunas, which typically require a dedicated 30-40 A circuit. For commercial installations with multiple cabins, a dedicated circuit may still be appropriate.
Timber selection
Infrared saunas use the same sauna-grade timbers as Finnish saunas: Canadian Hemlock, Nordic Spruce, Western Red Cedar, and Abachi. The operating temperatures are lower, so the timber is under less thermal stress, but resin-free species are still essential to avoid sap leakage and ensure long-term durability. Our custom sauna range uses only premium graded timber.
Panel quality and coverage
Not all infrared panels are equal. Carbon fibre panels provide even, wide-area coverage and heat up quickly. Ceramic rod emitters produce more intense, focused heat but cover a smaller area. Full-wall carbon panels are the current industry standard for premium cabins because they deliver uniform heat distribution across the back, sides, and calves simultaneously.
Frequently asked questions about infrared saunas
How long should you stay in an infrared sauna?
Most experts recommend 20 to 40 minutes per session. Start with 15-20 minutes if you are new to infrared saunas and increase gradually. Unlike Finnish saunas, where multiple short rounds are the norm, infrared saunas are designed for a single continuous session.
Can you use an infrared sauna every day?
Yes, daily use is generally safe for healthy adults. Many regular users find three to five sessions per week delivers the best balance of benefit and recovery. Stay hydrated and listen to your body.
Is an infrared sauna safe during pregnancy?
Most medical guidelines advise against sauna use during pregnancy due to the risk of raising core body temperature above safe levels. Consult your doctor before using any type of sauna while pregnant.
Do infrared saunas use a lot of electricity?
No. A typical two-person infrared sauna draws 1.5-2 kW, comparable to a large hairdryer. A 30-minute session costs roughly the same as running a dishwasher cycle.
Can you install an infrared sauna in a flat or apartment?
Yes. Infrared cabins are freestanding, lightweight (typically 80-150 kg assembled), and can run on a standard socket. They produce no steam, so no special ventilation or waterproofing is needed. Always check building regulations and lease terms first.
What is the difference between far-infrared and near-infrared saunas?
Far-infrared (5.6-15 micrometres) penetrates 3-4 cm into tissue and is the standard for most sauna cabins. Near-infrared (0.7-1.4 micrometres) penetrates less deeply and is associated with skin rejuvenation research. Most quality infrared saunas use far-infrared carbon panels.
Are infrared saunas better than traditional saunas?
Neither is objectively “better.” They offer different experiences. Finnish saunas provide intense dry heat and the ritual of water on stones. Infrared saunas provide gentler, deeper-penetrating warmth at lower temperatures. Many wellness facilities, including those we design, offer both options so guests can choose based on preference and mood.
Ready to explore your options? Whether you want a compact infrared cabin for a home bathroom or a full sauna suite for a hotel spa, our team designs and builds to your exact specifications. Request a free consultation.
Sources
- Laukkanen, J. A., Laukkanen, T., & Kunutsor, S. K. (2018). Cardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 93(8), 1111-1121. Full text
- Laukkanen, T., Khan, H., Zaccardi, F., & Laukkanen, J. A. (2015). Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events. JAMA Internal Medicine, 175(4), 542-548. Full text
- Beever, R. (2009). Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Canadian Family Physician, 55(7), 691-696. Full text
- Oosterveld, F. G. J., Rasker, J. J., Floors, M., et al. (2009). Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Clinical Rheumatology, 28(1), 29-34. Full text
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Hot baths and saunas: Beneficial for your heart? Harvard Health, Harvard Medical School. Full text
- Global Wellness Institute. (2025). The Global Wellness Economy Hits a Record $6.8 Trillion. Full text
