Infrared Saunas Are the Next Big Wellness Obsession — Here's Why Everyone's Sweating It

Walk into a gym, scroll TikTok, or chat with a wellness-minded friend, and you’ll probably hear about the same thing: infrared saunas. Once a fringe luxury tucked away in Scandinavian spas, these glowing cabins are suddenly everywhere — and not just in wellness centers. More people are installing them in garages, spare rooms, and even gardens.

As the owner of a sauna store, I’ve witnessed this surge firsthand. A decade ago, I had to explain to nearly every customer what infrared even meant. Today, people come in already convinced, often asking about very specific features they’ve seen on social media. The rise has been so rapid, it’s worth asking: why are infrared saunas the wellness obsession right now?

Why Infrared Saunas Are Everywhere Now

The timing isn’t a coincidence. After the pandemic, many people doubled down on self-care rituals they could manage at home — from Peloton bikes to meditation apps. Infrared saunas fit that same need: private, accessible, and framed as both relaxation and “biohacking.”

Celebrities and influencers have poured fuel on the fire. Lady Gaga credits infrared sessions with easing her chronic pain, while wellness figures like Gwyneth Paltrow tout their detox and skin benefits. Athletes post recovery routines featuring saunas. For many people, seeing this content has transformed a once-niche product into a must-try experience.

The UK market is catching up fast. Gyms are adding infrared cabins as recovery perks, wellness centers advertise them as detox sanctuaries, and I’ve seen a noticeable uptick in homeowners installing them. What used to be a spa luxury is now part of everyday life.

And the seasonal timing couldn’t be better. As autumn approaches, people start thinking about boosting immunity, managing stress, and finding comfort rituals for the darker months. A warm, glowing sauna session answers all of those needs.

How Infrared Saunas Work

Traditional saunas heat the air to around 80–100°C. Infrared saunas take a different approach: they use invisible light to warm the body directly, producing a deep, penetrating heat at lower temperatures (typically 50–65°C).

That makes the experience more accessible — you still sweat, but without the overwhelming hot air. For many, it feels gentler, more sustainable, and easier to build into a routine.

What the Science Says

Of course, with any wellness trend, it’s fair to ask: does it really work, or is it hype? Research on infrared saunas is still developing, but what we know so far is promising.

• A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found sauna therapy improved blood vessel function in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

• Athletes report reduced soreness and faster recovery after using infrared heat.

• Regular sessions are linked to lower cortisol levels, improved relaxation, and better sleep.

• Some research even suggests potential benefits for skin health and circulation.

It’s not a magic cure — but between early science and the sheer number of people reporting better energy, clearer skin, and deeper rest, it’s easy to see why infrared has become more than a passing fad.

How to Choose the Right Infrared Sauna

If you’re tempted to join the trend, here are a few things I advise people to consider:

1. Space: Decide whether it’s for indoors (a spare room, garage) or outdoors in the garden.

2. Size: One-person cabins are cosy, while larger ones work for couples or families.

3. Materials: Non-toxic woods like cedar or hemlock are durable and safe.

4. Heating style: Carbon panels provide more even warmth than ceramic.

5. Support: Buying from a specialist retailer matters — in my store, I’ve seen how important it is to match the right sauna to a customer’s lifestyle, not just their budget.

Infrared saunas aren’t just another shiny wellness gadget. They represent something bigger: the way we now approach health and recovery as everyday essentials rather than occasional luxuries. For some, it’s about stress relief. For others, it’s skin, sleep, or recovery.

From what I’ve seen, once people experience the benefits for themselves, they rarely go back. Which makes me think this is less a passing craze — and more the future of wellness.

The question is: are you ready to sweat it out?