First it’s important to understand the difference between a traditional steam sauna and one that uses infrared or waves of light to create heat as both of these experiences will feel different in your body. It’s perfectly normal not to sweat or not to sweat very much during a sauna session and there could be very several reasons both internal and external. 

What Does It Mean If You Don’t Sweat in a Sauna? 

A traditional sauna relies on high heat and steam to induce sweating, while infrared saunas operate at a lower temperature using infrared technology that penetrates the body and produces a dry heat. Traditional saunas heat up quickly and often cause people to sweat profusely, while the heat in an infrared sauna builds more slowly, and often doesn’t create the “drenched in sweat” result of traditional saunas.

It’s perfectly normal not to sweat much in an infrared sauna, and that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily good or bad. If you find yourself not sweating during your session, it could be for several reasons: make sure that your equipment is turned on and working properly and know that age, body temperature, how frequently you sit in a sauna and certain medical conditions may impact how much you sweat. 

Sweating is your body’s way of cooling itself off and is a critical factor in regulating body temperature. Hypohidrosis is the inability to sweat properly, a potentially serious condition; always consult with a doctor before beginning something new like regular sauna sessions or if you have medical questions or concerns. 

Is it Good to Sweat in a Sauna?

The type of heat found in an infrared sauna is often experienced as a less ‘oppressive heat’ since it heats the body not the air. An infrared sauna’s operating temperature is much cooler, between 110-130°F, compared to a traditional sauna of 169-200°F so sometimes people can tolerate this type of sauna session better, but is it actually good to sweat this way? 

The skin is our body’s largest organ and heat from a sauna increases blood circulation, heart rate and induces vasodilation, all of which benefit the flow of blood to the skin, and help keep its appearance vibrant. The heat is also great for opening and cleaning out your pores. Despite the claim of saunas as detoxifiers, there’s actually no scientific evidence to back up the popular belief that sweating during a sauna session substantially releases toxins from the body or skin.

The primary organs of detox in the body are your liver and kidneys. The reason your body sweats is to cool its internal temperature, and when analyzed, sweat consists mostly of water and a bit of salt and there’s really no exception when it comes to sweat caused by a sauna. One of the reasons you might feel good after sweating (whether after exercise or a sauna) is that your body releases endorphins. 

If you have questions about how saunas work and why they might be a beneficial thing to add to your self-care and wellness routine don’t hesitate to give us a call at 970-879-4390 or contact us here.