Credit: Instagram, @higher.dose

Weight loss, detoxification, anti-aging – an infrared sauna promises a host of benefits. It’s also become one of the most Instagrammable wellness trends out there (kale what?), with models, celebrities and bloggers alike stripping off and snapping themselves getting sweaty.

Credit: Instagram, @higher.dose

New York hotspot, Higher Dose, plays host to famous derrières from Lady Gaga to Bella Hadid, whilst GOOP’s leading lady Gwyneth Paltrow swears by Infrared Saunas. But before we strip down and jump in, does it really work? Closer to home, we ask Carly Porter, founder and owner of Bondi’s Lux Allure, to set the sweaty record straight.

Credit: Instagram, @higher.dose

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INFRARED SAUNA AND a NORMAL SAUNA?
A traditional sauna uses hot coals to emit heat, whereas an infrared sauna has built-in infrared heaters which are located on the side and top of the sauna,” notes Carly Porter, owner of Bondi’s Lux Allure. “An infrared sauna safely penetrates the joints, muscles and the body’s core with the same rays which come from the sun (minus the UV radiation).

WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY DO?
An infrared sauna works up to an intense sweat and excretes toxins while building your immune system, aids in weight control, improves cardiovascular health, relieves aches and pains and is a great form of meditation.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
The sauna provides the same benefits from sitting in natural sunlight while protecting you from the harmful effects of solar radiation, burns up to 700 calories in 45 minutes as it heats your body in the same way exercising does, assists with ridding colds, fights depression, relieves sore muscles and stiff joints, removes toxins from the skin.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DO IT?
At least once a week! If you have the chance to.

CAN YOU DO IT TOO MUCH?
2 – 3 times a week is recommended, every day is not necessary, but there are no studies to say it’s harmful to do it daily. Some people do do it daily for fitness competitions or because they are injured and can’t exercise.

WHO IS IT BEST FOR?
Everyone! It has multiple benefits and is good for people who may be jet lagged, working towards losing weight, injured, meditating, less mobile people or who feel a little run down.

ARE THERE ANY TIPS PRE OR POST SAUNA WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
Before – Clean skin.
After – A shower.
Always – Keep Hydrated!

Tile and Cover Image: Instagram, @higher.dose

Credit: Instagram, @higher.dose