Infrared Sauna vs. Red Light Therapy: Which Is Better? Benefits, Research & Why They Work Differently
✓ 🔥Check out our selection of customizable modern outdoor saunas and red light therapy panels
If you've been researching infrared saunas or red light therapy, you've probably noticed that these two wellness trends are often mentioned together. However, they are actually very different technologies that work through entirely different mechanisms.
One uses heat. The other uses light.
At Tanari Earth, we believe understanding the science behind these therapies helps you make better decisions for your health and wellness routine. While we are passionate about the profound benefits of traditional electric saunas, we also offer red and near-infrared light therapy panels (for purchase) because they provide an entirely different set of evidence-backed benefits that can complement sauna use.
So, which is better: an infrared sauna or red light therapy? The answer depends on your goals.
What Is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna uses infrared emitters to warm the body directly rather than primarily heating the air around you. Most infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures than traditional Finnish saunas, typically between 110°F and 140°F. They perform best indoors and are a great option for people who do not seek the high heat of a traditional sauna.
While many people enjoy infrared saunas for relaxation and sweating, it's important to understand that much of the research commonly cited online actually comes from studies on traditional Finnish heat saunas, not low-temperature infrared saunas.
Research specifically on infrared saunas is still developing. Some studies suggest potential benefits for:
Relaxation and stress reduction
Temporary pain relief
Improved circulation
General wellness support
However, the scientific evidence for infrared sauna use remains considerably smaller than the decades of research supporting traditional heat therapy.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or near-infrared light therapy, uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular function. This is not hot and is typically added to a traditional sauna for added benefit.
Unlike an infrared sauna, red light therapy is not a heating treatment.
Instead, red and near-infrared wavelengths penetrate tissue and interact with the mitochondria inside cells. Mitochondria are responsible for producing ATP, the body's cellular energy source.
Researchers believe this interaction may help:
Increase ATP production
Reduce oxidative stress
Improve circulation
Support collagen production
Modulate inflammation
Promote tissue repair and recovery
This process has been extensively studied and is known as photobiomodulation, one of the fastest-growing fields in wellness and regenerative medicine.
Is Red Light Therapy Backed by Science?
This is one of the most common questions people ask:
"Does red light therapy actually work?"
The answer is that red light therapy has accumulated a substantial and rapidly growing body of scientific literature.
Researchers have documented the mechanisms of photobiomodulation and its effects on mitochondrial function, inflammation pathways, nitric oxide signaling, and cellular energy production.
Our red light panel offers 7 simultaneous research-backed wavelengths referenced in the most prominent of the medical research studies: 480 // 630 // 660 // 810 // 830 // 850 // 940 nm
Research review we like:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5523874/
Red Light Therapy Benefits Are Supported by Research
1. Red Light Therapy for Skin Health and Collagen Production
Numerous studies have found that red light therapy may help improve:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Skin texture
Collagen density
Acne
Redness
Wound healing
Research:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11049838/
2. Red Light Therapy for Inflammation and Pain Relief
A large body of photobiomodulation research has examined its ability to support:
Joint pain relief
Osteoarthritis management
Exercise recovery
Muscle soreness
General inflammation reduction
Research:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5523874/
3. Red Light Therapy for Hair Growth
Researchers have found evidence that low-level light therapy may improve hair density and support treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Research:
https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/02/red-light-therapy-skin-hair-medical-clinics.html
4. Red Light Therapy for Recovery and Tissue Repair
Studies suggest photobiomodulation may help support:
Tissue healing
Cellular repair
Exercise recovery
Improved circulation
Reduced oxidative stress
Research:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33471046/
Major Medical Institutions Are Paying Attention
The evidence supporting red light therapy has become substantial enough that major institutions including:
Harvard Medical School
Stanford Medicine
Cleveland Clinic
UCLA Health
have all published educational materials discussing the potential benefits and growing body of research surrounding photobiomodulation.
Harvard article:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/skin-and-hair-health/red-light-therapy-for-skin-care
Stanford article:
https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/02/red-light-therapy-skin-hair-medical-clinics.html
Why We Pair Red Light Therapy With Traditional Electric Heater Saunas
At Tanari Earth, we view these therapies as highly complementary.
Traditional Electric Sauna Benefits
Deep heat exposure
Sweating and relaxation
Cardiovascular conditioning
Stress reduction
Heat adaptation
Red Light Therapy Benefits
Cellular energy production
Skin health support
Recovery and tissue repair
Collagen production
Inflammation support
Mitochondrial function
Saunas work primarily through heat stress.
Red light therapy works primarily through cellular signaling and photobiomodulation.
Because they work through entirely different pathways, many wellness enthusiasts enjoy incorporating both into their routines.
Our Recommended Red Light Therapy Panel
If you're interested in adding evidence-backed red and near-infrared light therapy to your wellness routine, explore our:
👉 Large Red & Near-Infrared Light Panel
https://www.tanariearth.com/shop/p/red-light-near-infrared-light-panel-large
Our panel is designed to pair beautifully with your sauna routine and may help support recovery, skin health, and overall wellness through the science of photobiomodulation. It can be mounted inside a sauna or used separately. It offers 7 simultaneous research-backed wavelengths: 480 // 630 // 660 // 810 // 830 // 850 // 940 nm
⭐️⭐️ Check out our selection of customizable modern outdoor saunas and red light therapy panels ⭐️⭐️
Frequently Asked Questions
Is red light therapy better than an infrared sauna?
They serve different purposes. Infrared saunas primarily provide heat exposure and relaxation, while red light therapy works at the cellular level through photobiomodulation.
Can I use red light therapy and a sauna together?
Yes. Many people use both therapies because they work through different mechanisms and may complement one another.
Does red light therapy actually work?
A substantial body of peer-reviewed research suggests red light therapy may support skin health, recovery, inflammation modulation, and cellular function.
Is red light therapy safe?
Red light therapy is generally considered low risk when used appropriately, but individuals with medical conditions should consult their healthcare provider before beginning any new wellness practice.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.