Sauna bathing and red light therapy are both popular tools in the world of wellness, but that doesn’t mean they’re effective when used at the same time. Lately, some sauna brands have started featuring built-in red light panels, promising the benefits of both in one session. But the question is, is that really effective?
If you’re searching for the best sauna options for your home, it’s important to know the facts before buying into features that sound better than they perform.
Red Light Therapy Requires a Controlled Setting
To be effective, red light therapy must be delivered at a very specific wavelength and intensity. Most often, it needs to be within a few inches of your skin and used for a measured amount of time. The goal is for the light to penetrate deeply enough to influence cellular activity.
Inside these sauna brands with “red light therapy”, that’s not what you’ll find.
Why Red Light Doesn’t Work Well in Saunas
Once the sauna heats up and your body begins to sweat, your skin becomes reflective and damp. That moisture interferes with the red light, scattering it or reducing its ability to be absorbed. Add in the fact that red light panels in most saunas are positioned several feet away and cover broad areas instead of targeting specific spots, and you’re left with little more than an ambient glow—not the focused treatment red light therapy is known for.
Even the best sauna models are designed to generate therapeutic heat, not to deliver light therapy with any precision.
Looking for Red Light Benefits? See a Pro
If you’re interested in red light therapy for things like skin rejuvenation, muscle recovery, or joint relief, your best option is to visit a licensed esthetician or wellness provider. Their equipment and procedure are designed for targeted, effective results. They can help you get what you’re actually looking for, instead of relying on a flashy feature in your sauna that might sound exciting but isn’t doing much.
Saunas Still Do Amazing Things for Your Skin
Just because red light doesn’t belong in your sauna doesn’t mean your skin won’t thank you for regular sauna sessions. In fact, sauna use can leave your skin with a natural, healthy glow. Increased circulation and deep sweating help improve tone and texture. Many sauna owners notice clearer skin, a smoother appearance, and an unmistakable post-session glow that looks and feels incredible.
Keep Each Treatment Where It Works Best
Instead of combining treatments that don’t mix well, it makes more sense to enjoy them separately. Let your sauna do what it does best—relax your muscles, ease your mind, help you sleep better, boost your glow, and more. Even sauna chromotherapy mood lighting can have a positive effect. Then, if targeted red light therapy is still something you want to explore, schedule sessions outside of your sauna environment for the results you’re after.
At Texas Hot Tub Company, we know how to help you get the most out of your wellness investment. If you’re shopping for a sauna in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Lewisville, or McKinney, we’ll guide you toward the right solution. We can help you find the best sauna for your goals and make sure you enjoy every one of the skin-loving, soul-soothing benefits real heat therapy has to offer.
Ready to find a sauna that fits your lifestyle? Visit us today and explore options designed for comfort, performance, and long-term wellness.