When you see people coming out of most saunas, you see them all drenched in sweat, looking like they just finished doing an intense workout. When you go into a sauna, you expect the same results and are surprised if you don’t come out looking the same. You may be wondering why this is and if it’s okay.
It is fairly common not to sweat an infrared sauna session because temperatures are usually lower than a traditional sauna, there is no humidity, and the infrared waves heat your body from the inside-out which causes it to respond differently to the heat. Even without sweating – stay hydrated before, during, and after the infrared sauna.
If you’re curious about why you’re not sweating in an infrared sauna and want to know if it’s okay, keep reading, and we’ll answer these questions for you.
Are you supposed to sweat in an infrared sauna?
Many people wonder if you’re supposed to sweat in an infrared sauna. The answer is no. Some people do sweat in an infrared sauna while others don’t, and both are entirely normal.
There are many reasons you may not sweat as much as other people.
- Everyone sweats differently
- Your body size
- Your age
- The amount of muscle you have
- How healthy you are
- Fitness level
Most people don’t sweat in an infrared sauna because of the different types of heat that are put out. A traditional sauna works by heating the air and using steam to heat the outside of the body. They also heat up quicker, which causes the body to sweat more.
Tip: Use the color therapy while in the infrared sauna
Infrared saunas work by heating the inside of your body. It reaches deep into the tissue increases the core temperature. These saunas do not need to use as much heat, which means individuals can stay longer in the sauna before sweating.
Is it okay if you don’t sweat in an infrared sauna?
Yes, it is okay if you don’t sweat in an infrared sauna.
If you want to sweat more while in the infrared sauna, there are some things you can do.
- Drink more water. Experts recommend drinking four to six cups of water a day.
- Start with 10-15 minute sessions and slowly increase the temperature as tolerated.
- Find the right temperature.
- Wait to use the infrared sauna for two hours after eating.
If you don’t sweat during your time in the sauna, feel your skin once you get out. Do you feel a little damp or slightly sticky? These are the toxins being released from your body. You do not have to look like you just got done running a mile to reap the benefits of an infrared sauna.
What do you sweat out in an infrared sauna?
People often like what you sweat out while in the sauna. This is a tricky question that is filled with a lot of different answers. So the best way we found to answer it is by telling you what science has to say.
Before 2019 people believed that when using an infrared sauna, you were only releasing water and salt. In the last five to eight years, studies are now suggesting otherwise and it was found that people sweat out many chemicals, including organic pollutants, heavy metals, BPA, and phthalate. There were more of these chemicals found in individuals’ sweat than in their blood or urine.
Although most sweat is made up of salt of water studies, have shown that more than 15% of infrared sauna heath sweat has arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in it. While the numbers aren’t huge, it does show that infrared saunas do help detox individuals.
Should you shower after the infrared sauna?
Another question that people often ask is if you should shower after using an infrared sauna. While ultimately it’s your choice, you probably should shower after using the sauna. Even if you did not sweat, your body released toxins that you do not want to set on your skin all day.
Even if you do not want to shower, it is still a good idea to rinse off.
If you are going to shower, you’ll want to wait five to ten minutes to allow your body to cool off. Now there are some differences of opinions on if you should take a warm or cool shower.
Some people say a warm shower is better than an old shower. It allows your beauty products to be fully absorbed by your skin. Many people say you shouldn’t use soaps, lotions, or other forms of beauty products immediately after the shower. The main reason people recommend a cool shower is to close your pores.
Tip: while cooling down after using the infrared sauna, drink one to two glasses of water.