What Is an Infrared Sauna? How It Differs From Regular Heat
Updated October 20, 2026 · 3 min read
There's something about heat that just makes everything feel better. Tight muscles loosen. Stress melts away. You leave feeling lighter.
Infrared sauna at iCRYO Mauldin delivers all of that, but in a gentler, more comfortable way than a traditional sauna. Here's how it works.
What Is an Infrared Sauna?
A traditional sauna heats the air, and the hot air heats you.
An infrared sauna uses infrared light, invisible light you feel as warmth, to heat your body directly. Think of how sunlight warms your skin on a cool day even when the air is chilly.
How Infrared Saunas Work
Infrared light is absorbed by your skin and the tissue just beneath it. Your core temperature rises gradually, and you start to sweat, often more than you'd expect at the lower air temperature.
Types of infrared
You may hear about:
- Near infrared: shorter wavelengths
- Mid infrared: in between
- Far infrared: longer wavelengths felt as deep warmth
Many saunas use one or a combination.
What a Session Is Like
- Hydrate before your session
- Settle in to the private sauna
- Relax while the warmth builds, then sweat for 20–40 minutes
- Cool down and rehydrate afterward
Many people read, listen to music or meditate. It's a great way to decompress after work.
Why People Love Infrared Sauna
- Relaxation and stress relief
- Muscle relief after workouts
- A deep sweat at a more comfortable temperature
- A calming routine that supports overall wellness
See How Infrared Sauna Helps Detox and Weight Loss for more.
Who Should Talk to Us First?
Heat therapy isn't right for everyone. Let us know if you are pregnant, have heart conditions or blood pressure issues, take medications that affect heat tolerance, have a fever or feel unwell, or have implants that may be affected by heat.
Infrared vs. Traditional Sauna
Wondering which is better? Read Infrared Saunas vs Steam Saunas: Which Is Better for Your Health?.
Try Contrast Therapy
Pair your sauna session with cryotherapy for a hot-cold combo. Read Recovery Showdown: Infrared Sauna vs Cryotherapy.
Infrared Sauna Myths vs. Facts
Myth: "Infrared saunas aren't hot enough to work." Fact: The air is cooler than a traditional sauna, but infrared warms your body directly, so you still sweat deeply.
Myth: "Sweating detoxes your whole body." Fact: Your liver and kidneys handle most detoxification. Sweating is healthy and feels great, but think of it as support, not a cleanse.
Myth: "You'll lose weight in the sauna." Fact: Any weight you lose is water, which returns when you rehydrate. Sauna supports wellness, not fat loss.
Myth: "Longer sessions are always better." Fact: Regular, moderate sessions are more valuable than pushing yourself too far. Leave if you feel dizzy or unwell.
Ready to warm up?
Infrared Sauna in Mauldin, SC
iCRYO Mauldin is at 100 N Main St STE. B, Mauldin, SC 29662, on North Main Street with free on-site parking. We welcome clients from Simpsonville, Greenville, Fountain Inn, Five Forks, Taylors and Greer.
Questions? Call (864) 478-7429.
Infrared Sauna FAQs
What is an infrared sauna?
An infrared sauna uses infrared light to warm your body directly, rather than heating the air around you. Air temperatures are lower than a traditional sauna, but you still sweat deeply.
How hot is an infrared sauna?
Infrared saunas typically run at lower air temperatures than traditional saunas, often in the range of about 120–150°F, which many people find more comfortable.
How long should I stay in an infrared sauna?
Many sessions last about 20 to 40 minutes. Beginners often start shorter and build up.
What should I bring to an infrared sauna session?
Bring water and comfortable clothing. Towels are typically provided. Hydrate before and after.
iCRYO Mauldin Team
The iCRYO Mauldin team helps clients across the Upstate South Carolina look and feel their best.
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Learn more about Infrared Sauna in Mauldin, SC
View the Infrared Sauna service page →