Full Spectrum Saunas…Better or Not?

Full-Spectrum vs. Far Infrared Saunas: 

As someone who’s been in the health and wellness space for a while, one of the most common questions I get is: “Should I purchase a full-spectrum sauna or a far infrared sauna?” It’s a valid question, and I can understand why people are curious, especially when full-spectrum saunas—offering near, mid, and far infrared light—are often promoted as providing the full range of infrared benefits.  But here’s the thing: while full-spectrum saunas have their advantages, far infrared saunas are equally effective and in many ways, even better.  Let me explain why.

The Difference Between Full Spectrum and Far Infrared

To start, let’s break down what these terms mean.  Full-spectrum saunas emit three types of infrared light—near, mid, and far:

• Near Infrared: Known for skin rejuvenation and wound healing.
• Mid Infrared: Can penetrate the body a bit deeper than near infrared, helping with muscle recovery.
• Far Infrared: This is where the magic happens in terms of detoxification, cardiovascular health, and deep tissue relaxation. Far infrared light penetrates deep into your body, reaching beyond the surface to heat you from the inside out.

The Benefits of Far Infrared

When it comes to far infrared saunas, they offer one significant advantage: deeper penetration.  Far infrared light penetrates up to 1.5 inches into the body, compared to near or mid-infrared, which tends to focus more on surface-level heating.  This deep penetration allows far infrared saunas to deliver more intense detoxification, enhanced circulation, and a better sweat—and they do all of this at lower, more comfortable temperatures.

In my experience, people often find that far infrared saunas are more relaxing because it heats your core at a less intense heat, yet you’ll find yourself sweating more profusely and feeling deeply rejuvenated after each session.  You can also use it at a lower temperature if you are heat sensitive and still enjoy the many health benefits of the sauna.

But What About Full Spectrum?

Full-spectrum saunas have the advantage of offering the full range of infrared light, which can certainly be beneficial. If you’re specifically looking for skin rejuvenation or surface-level benefits like pain relief, then near and mid-infrared might have some appeal.  However, it’s important to note that these benefits can still be achieved with far infrared alone, thanks to its deep-penetrating properties.

Moreover, many users who try both often feel that far infrared offers more overall health benefits, particularly in areas like detoxification, weight loss, improved circulation, and pain relief.  By focusing entirely on far infrared, you’re getting a sauna experience that’s fully optimized for deeper, more effective sweating and healing.

So Which is Better?

I believe that both are fantastic options and offer a huge range of health benefits.  Far infrared saunas are often less expensive than full spectrum saunas, and while full-spectrum saunas sound appealing because they offer a broader range of light, the truth is that far infrared light does more of the heavy lifting.  It penetrates deeper into the body, promotes a more intense and effective detox, and creates a more comfortable and therapeutic experience overall.  Plus, with a far infrared sauna, you still get plenty of skin, muscle, and joint benefits without needing the other spectrums.  One shouldn’t be discouraged by a sauna that isn’t full spectrum, but rather should be more focussed on the quality and the seller.

At the end of the day, what matters most is how your body feels after a session. If you’re looking for deeper detoxification, better circulation, and an overall feeling of rejuvenation, far infrared offers all of this—without the need to crank the temperature up too high. So, while full-spectrum saunas are good, in my experience, a high-quality far infrared sauna can offer everything you need for a truly transformative wellness experience.

Zaid Rane
Zua Health