Red Light Therapy vs Infrared Sauna: What’s the Difference?
Why People Confuse These Therapies
Red light therapy and infrared saunas both use light, heat, and relaxation. That’s why they’re often mentioned together—even though they’re built for completely different purposes.
The key difference? One works through light absorption in cells. The other works through whole-body heat stress.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared wavelengths (600–950 nm) to stimulate cellular activity without producing significant heat. This process is called photobiomodulation and is known to improve mitochondrial function.
Primary effects:
Stimulates ATP (cell energy)
Reduces oxidative stress
Balances inflammatory pathways
Speeds up tissue repair
Why people confuse these therapies
What Is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna uses mid to far infrared wavelengths to heat the body directly rather than heating the air. The goal is to increase core body temperature, trigger sweating, and create a passive cardiovascular workout.
Primary effects:
Promotes sweating and detox
Increases heart rate
Reduces joint stiffness through heat
May support circulation
Key Differences Between the Two
| Feature | Red Light Therapy | Infrared Sauna |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Cellular stimulation (photobiomodulation) | Core body heating for sweat and detox |
| Wavelengths | Red & NIR (600–950 nm) | Mid–Far Infrared (3,000–10,000 nm) |
| Session Duration | 8–15 minutes | 30–45 minutes |
| Sweating | No | Yes |
| Temperature | Mild (no heat required) | Hot (up to 150°F/65°C) |
| Best For | Pain, inflammation, skin, recovery | Detox, relaxation, circulation |
Which One Is Right for Your Clients?
Use Red Light Therapy if:
Your client needs targeted support for pain, skin, or inflammation
You want short, hands-free sessions with no downtime
Your clinic needs a medical-grade modality with repeatable protocols
You’re focused on mitochondrial health, performance, or recovery
Use an Infrared Sauna if:
You’re offering relaxation or detox services
Your client enjoys heat and heavy sweating
You want a lower-tech option with broader general wellness appeal
You have time and space for 30+ minute sessions
Do They Work Together?
Yes. Red light therapy and infrared saunas can be used together, but usually in sequence—not simultaneously.
For example:
Red light therapy before exercise to support energy and circulation
Infrared sauna after exercise to promote relaxation and detox
If used in the same session block, apply red light before heat exposure, as high temperature can reduce cellular light absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can red light therapy make you sweat?
No. Red light therapy does not produce enough heat to trigger sweating. Its benefits come from cellular stimulation, not thermal stress.
Does an infrared sauna help with inflammation?
Heat may offer temporary relief for stiffness, but it does not impact mitochondria directly. Red light therapy is more targeted for inflammation at the cellular level.
Is one better than the other?
They serve different purposes. Red light is ideal for clinical protocols. Saunas are better for passive stress relief. Many clients benefit from using both.
Summary: Focus Your Tools Based on the Goal
| Use Case | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Skin health | Red light therapy |
| Detoxification | Infrared sauna |
| Cellular healing | Red light therapy |
| Cardiovascular training | Infrared sauna |
| Pain + inflammation | Red light therapy (especially NIR) |
| Stress relief | Both (in sequence) |
Choose the Right Fit for Your Clinic
Not every modality needs to do everything. Use red light therapy when you need repeatable results, short sessions, and evidence-based outcomes. Use an infrared sauna for relaxation, heat-based detox, or general wellness support.
Need help choosing or integrating both options?
Book a consultation or explore our commercial-grade red light therapy beds.
