I didn’t start using an infrared sauna to detox or fix my skin. Honestly, I just wanted to relax and maybe sweat out some soreness after workouts. But after a few weeks of using it regularly, something unexpected happened—my skin looked smoother, my stomach felt lighter, and I felt… just clearer overall. Not in a dramatic, miracle way, but enough that even my friends noticed.
If you’re like me, skeptical of trendy wellness tools, here’s what I’ve learned about how infrared saunas really affect your body, and how this turned into one of the best things I’ve done for my health.
Detox Is Real—But Not the Way We Usually Picture It
Let’s be clear: your liver and kidneys are still your body’s main detox organs. But sweating helps too—especially when it’s regular and deep. Infrared saunas heat your body from the inside out, which means you sweat at a lower, more comfortable temperature compared to traditional steam saunas. That deeper sweat brings out more than just water—it includes traces of heavy metals and environmental toxins, according to some studies.
After my fourth or fifth session, I started to notice I wasn’t feeling as puffy or sluggish. My digestion felt smoother. That low-level bloat I’d get after meals? Gone. It’s not magic—just better circulation, regular sweating, and giving my body an extra push.
A Subtle but Noticeable Skin Glow
The biggest change came from something I wasn’t even tracking: my skin.
I’ve had mildly textured, dull skin for years—not full-blown acne, just clogged pores and uneven tone. A couple weeks into my sauna habit, I looked in the mirror and actually paused. My skin tone had improved, and it looked less inflamed. Even the tiny bumps on my forehead softened. I didn’t change anything in my skincare routine, so I’m convinced the infrared sessions were behind it.
There’s actually science to back this up. Infrared heat increases circulation and encourages cell turnover, which helps bring nutrients to the surface of the skin. Some research suggests far infrared waves help with collagen production, too, which could explain the softer appearance.
I Skipped the DIY Route—and I’m Glad I Did
A lot of blogs talk about building your own infrared sauna to save money. I thought about it too, but once I saw how much wiring, wood cutting, and heater setup was involved, I backed out. I don’t have the time (or the tools) for that kind of thing.
Instead, I saved up and bought a pre-built infrared sauna from Innerlight Sauna. It wasn’t cheap, but it was simple to install and looks clean in my space. I just plug it in, set the temperature, and it’s ready to go in minutes. For me, that convenience made it something I actually stuck to—unlike all the other recovery tools I’ve tried and forgotten about.
Here’s What a Typical Session Looks Like for Me
I keep it at around 50°C and stay inside for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how I feel. I usually go in post-shower, with a towel on the bench and a bottle of water nearby. I either listen to music or just sit in silence.
The first 5–10 minutes feel like nothing’s happening. Then the sweating starts gradually—different from the immediate steam-room soak you might expect. It feels more internal. I wipe my face a couple of times, and by the end of the session, I’m always surprised by how much I’ve sweat.
I rinse off again after, and that’s when I get this low-key euphoria. I feel relaxed but alert, like my body just hit reset.
What I Noticed Over Time
- Fewer minor breakouts (especially forehead and jawline)
- Less water retention and bloating
- Calmer moods after stressful days
- Better sleep, especially when I sauna in the evening
It’s not life-changing overnight, but it’s steady and noticeable. The kind of change you appreciate more after a few weeks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dealing with breakouts, fatigue, or that vague sense of heaviness in your body, infrared sauna sessions might be the thing you didn’t know you needed. It’s not a cure-all, but it supports your natural detox pathways and gives your skin and circulation a serious boost. I never expected it to become a habit, but it has—because it works.
I skipped the DIY approach and invested in a unit I could trust. For me, that meant Innerlight Sauna—a brand I chose for its clean build and full-spectrum infrared heating. I use it a few times a week now, and it’s quietly changed how I feel in my skin—literally.
