Are you curious about the sauna preference of celebrities? Discover the world of stars and A-listers who regularly reside in the infrared spectrum. Incorporating infrared sauna therapy into their lives in unique and surprising ways, from buses to blankets and even underwear.
A quick tour of the blog post
Feature | Traditional Dry Saunas | Infrared Saunas | Sauna Blankets |
---|---|---|---|
Celeb | Kim Kardashian, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferris, Matthew McConaughey, Michael Phelps, Oprah Winfrey | Jennifer Aniston, Lady Gaga, Cindy Crawford, Emma Robert, Rachael Finch, Justin Bieber | Kate Hudson, Miranda Kerr, Michael Chiesa, Sophia Magana, Henry Trinder |
Heating Mechanism | Rocks heated on a stove, radiates heat throughout the room | Infrared heaters directly warm the body | Infrared heat panels warm the body |
Temperature Range | Typically 150-195°F (65-90°C) | Typically 120-150°F (50-65°C) | Typically 100-150°F (37-65°C) |
Humidity | High humidity from water poured over hot rocks | Low humidity; uses infrared light waves | Varies; typically lower humidity |
Detoxification | Sweating due to high heat and steam | Deep penetration for detoxification | Promotes sweating and detoxification |
Pain Relief | Relieves muscle tension and joint pain | Infrared heat penetrates tissues for pain relief | Helps alleviate muscle soreness |
Energy Efficiency | Takes longer to heat up the entire room | Heats the body directly, more energy efficient | Efficient use of energy, due to small surface area |
Portability | Fixed installation in homes, spa and gyms | Available in portable models: tents & domes | Easily portable, can be used at home or on the go |
Cost | Higher initial cost, maintenance of wood and heating elements | Moderate initial cost, lower operating costs | The most affordable home infrared sauna option |
Accessibility | Limited by space, installation requirements | Easily accessible, home-use models available | Convenient for home use and travel |
Ideal for | Communal and social experiences | Personalized relaxation, health benefits in a private setting | Individuals with limited space or budget and/or for people who travel frequently |
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Infrared saunas have become a staple for many Hollywood stars, providing relaxation, rejuvenation, and detoxification.
Actress Jennifer Aniston, known for her role as Rachel Green in Friends and many others, has been advocating the use of infrared red saunas for over decades for their skin and beauty benefits. In an interview with Forbes editor Sarah Wu, she does not hide her enthusiasm: “I really love an infrared sauna; it just allows for such beautiful, glowing skin and cell rejuvenation and detoxification. It even helps with weight loss and relaxation.”
Another well-known promoter of this kind of sauna is singer and movie star Lady Gaga. Tormented by fibromyalgia, she takes her fans along in her battle against this debilitating disease. Infrared sauna supports her in lymph drainage. She loves to share her sauna time with friends. Not only real-time but also on instagram: “A great investment for everyone, I use mine every day. getting my body ready for the show tonight!” [1]
Supermodel Cindy Crawford, now almost 60 years old, reveals her skin care routines in an interview with one of Vogue’s contributors Amber Kallor. And of course, one of them is guess what: “The other thing I really like is using an infrared sauna maybe once or twice a week. If I can get into an infrared sauna for like half an hour, my skin really seems to like that.”
In her interview with Audrey Noble of Bustle, American actress, model, and singer Emma Roberts (yes, she is a niece of...) expresses her love for infrared saunas and describes how a session makes her feel radiant from the inside out: “I feel like my skin looks the best when I sweat. When I have a good sweat like that, I feel like my skin feels better, my brain feels better, and I feel like I can really do my beauty routine on a good blank slate.”
Infrared saunas are not only gaining popularity among celebrities in America. Let's head down under to Australia. Former Miss Australia Rachael Finch, founder of the health and fitness program Body by Finch, regularly enjoys 20-minute sessions in her infrared sauna to eliminate heavy metals and harmful toxins.
In a video on her Instagram account, she shares the noticeable benefits she experiences post-workout, including better sleep and improved well-being. Finch: "I sleep better. I feel better, and I'm a better wife."
While sitting in her sauna, Rachael reminded her followers, especially those being parents:
"Angels, just a reminder to make sure you fill up your cup. Super challenging times at the moment, being at home constantly in a confined space with the kids, particularly if yours are different ages and require different levels of attention and activity. Use this time to think deeply about how you're nurturing your relationships and taking care of yourself. So, find space, sometime throughout your day to nurture yourself, nourish yourself, and fill your cup."
Do only women enjoy an infrared sauna? Absolutely not. The IR sauna is also a favorite of singer Justin Bieber. Wherever he goes, his sauna goes: he has had one installed in his tour bus. He shows us around [2]: “And then here is an infrared sauna, which is my favorite. What's so cool about this is when I'm on tour. I gotta make sure that I keep my body on optimal level. Because there's so much that goes into touring and it's really hard on your body. You're doing like an hour and a half show a night, which is similar to a professional athlete. And so with that being said, you just gotta make sure you're taking precautions necessary so that you keep your body in shape. So that's why saunas are very good.”
Among the rich and famous, infrared saunas are a clear favorite among women, while many celebrities, both male and female, prefer the intense heat of a traditional dry sauna. Dry saunas, known for their high temperatures and low humidity, have been embraced for their intense and invigorating experience.
Let's explore which celebrities favor dry saunas and why.
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Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has a Finnish-style sauna in his Los Angeles home, where he indulges in relaxation and detoxification. Matthew McConaughey finds solace in his custom-built sauna on his Texas ranch, describing it as a sanctuary for meditation and relaxation, as highlighted in his book "Greenlights."
Arnold Schwarzenegger utilizes his home gym sauna regularly to unwind, aid in recovery from workouts, and boost circulation. Meanwhile, Zac Efron prioritizes overall wellness with his home sauna.
However, it's not just famous Hollywood men drawn to the invigorating heat of saunas. Kim Kardashian, a prominent media personality, embraces traditional saunas for relaxation, recharging, and managing weight.
Singer Rihanna incorporates sauna sessions into her wellness routine to maintain relaxation and rejuvenation, citing benefits such as improved skin health through better circulation and opened pores. Brie Larson follows the wellness trend with her outdoor sauna, using it to unwind and revitalize.
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LeBron James, a professional basketball player, includes sauna sessions in his daily workout routine for recovery and overall wellness. Similarly, Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympic swimmer, uses a traditional Finnish sauna at his Arizona home to recover from intense training sessions and maintain his health.
Kobe Bryant, the late basketball legend, had a traditional Finnish sauna installed in his Newport Beach home for injury recovery and overall well-being. Laird Hamilton, the big wave surfer, uses a traditional Finnish sauna at his Hawaii home to improve circulation, detoxify, and optimize mental clarity and focus.
Wellness and lifestyle influencers also embrace sauna use. Tim Ferriss, the entrepreneur and author of "The 4-Hour Work Week," uses a sauna at his Austin home to relax, reduce stress, and boost focus and creativity.
Comedian and podcaster, Joe Rogan, incorporates dry saunas into his routine for health, wellness, and cardiovascular benefits. Oprah Winfrey has a sauna at her Montecito home, which she uses to relax, reduce stress, and lift her sense of general well-being.
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We discussed the infrared sauna and dry sauna use of our famous stars, but there is more to explore. The latest trend in wellness circles is sauna blankets. This innovative approach is also embraced by some celebrities seeking convenient relaxation and rejuvenation.
Sauna blankets have revolutionized the wellness scene, with the infrared sauna blanket from HigherDose standing out as a pioneer since its inception in 2016 by biohackers Lauren Berlingeri and Katie Kaps. Guided by Dr. Raleigh Duncan, founder of Clearlight Sauna, this portable, one-person mini sauna has maintained its market leadership into 2024.
Its success has spurred a wave of imitators, democratizing sauna benefits by offering affordability, portability, and convenient storage options. This innovation makes sauna therapy accessible to more people, providing a cost-effective means to experience the healing benefits of infrared technology.
Actress and biohacker Kate Hudson during her online interview with Natalia Lusinksi, reporter for thezoereport.com: “By the way, if you hear me shifting, I'm getting into my sauna blanket. I'm taking this opportunity, while talking to you, to sweat. This is what I do. I'll roll calls and work, and I'll sit in my sauna blanket for 45 minutes.”
And there is more to it. Kate Hudson continues: “And the one thing I've always done, because I learned it from my mama [Goldie Hawn] who's the best, is, ‘Sweat it out’ — it's the hot and the cold. I love my cold plunges. And I love my saunas. My mom and I will both say the sauna’s our happy place.”
Hudson makes no secret of her love for sauna blankets (and which brand): "I love going into the sauna, but I just got this blanket, and one of the great things is, I can work and do it. When you go into a sauna, you've got to get naked and it's hot. You can't bring your phone in. The sauna blanket is infrared, so it's a little bit different. It works with your body differently than a dry sauna. The one I’m using is HigherDOSE."
In a 2023 interview with POPSUGAR's Jessica Harrington, Miranda Kerr shared insights into her beauty regimen, highlighting her affinity for saunas. Kerr, known for her commitment to clean living and skincare, extolled the benefits of saunas but acknowledged their limited accessibility.
She recommends at-home sauna blankets as a more accessible alternative: "It's a good investment, I have the HigherDose Sauna Blanket that sometimes I travel with.”
Several sports figures, including Michael Chiesa, a UFC fighter, Sophia Magana, an MMA athlete, and Henry Trinder, a rugby union player, emphasize that sauna blankets offer comparable benefits to traditional infrared saunas but with the added convenience of home use.
They appreciate the portability of sauna blankets, which allows them to maintain their wellness routines even while traveling and under stress. For these athletes, sauna blankets aid in muscle recovery, weight management, and relaxation before bedtime.
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If you think the sauna infrared innovation stops here, think again. Discover how Tom Brady integrates far-infrared technology into his wellness regimen to optimize recovery and for overall health, without the traditional confines of a sauna cabin or blanket.
Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is renowned for his dedication to innovative wellness practices. While not directly using an infrared sauna, Brady incorporates far infrared technology into his sleeping routine with Under Armour sleepwear.
According to Brady, “The far infrared, when it’s against your skin, ends up reducing inflammation.” In a video on the Under Armour website, he explains, “Without the sleepwear, I don’t really feel like I would have been able to achieve the things that I have done and hope to continue to do.”
Brady's endorsement of far infrared technology underscores its potential benefits beyond traditional sauna use, highlighting its role in enhancing recovery and performance in athletes.
Here are some interesting study findings on the use of far infrared technology beyond traditional sauna settings.
Research (2018) has explored the application of far-infrared energy to improve sleep quality. A study conducted with healthy adults using bed sheets embedded with bioceramic far-infrared technology found that participants reported fewer insomnia symptoms and less napping during the period of using the far-infrared sheets. This effect was observed to diminish during a washout period, suggesting a potential benefit of far-infrared technology in promoting sleep induction and reducing insomnia symptoms. [3]
Far infrared-emitting garments have also gained attention in sports for their potential to optimize performance and recovery. A systematic review (2021) summarized existing evidence on the use of such garments in athletes, noting effects on thermoregulation and haemodynamic function. [4]
While conclusive evidence remains limited, preliminary findings suggest that far infrared-emitting garments could be beneficial in supporting physical performance and recovery in athletes.
This pioneering study (2023) investigated the impact of far-infrared-emitting pajamas on sleep quality among adults experiencing sleep disturbances. Conducted as a pilot randomized controlled trial, the research involved forty participants randomized into groups wearing either FIR-emitting pajamas or sham pajamas. [5]
Key findings indicated that while both groups showed improvements in sleep quality, mood, and anxiety, the differences between FIR-emitting and sham pajamas were minimal and statistically insignificant. Notably, participants wearing FIR-emitting pajamas reported better physical recovery and reduced daytime sleepiness, suggesting potential benefits in alleviating physical fatigue.
The study concluded that while FIR-emitting pajamas were generally safe and well-tolerated, further research is needed to explore their effectiveness in managing fatigue and other sleep-related symptoms.
These three studies underscore the expanding applications of far infrared technology beyond traditional sauna settings, showcasing its potential benefits in both sleep enhancement and athletic performance optimization.
The stars use their saunas for all kinds of reasons, mainly for their numerous health benefits. Let's go through them briefly. For more detailed insights, click on the links provided (in blue).
Saunas, whether traditional dry or an infrared, detoxify by inducing sweating, which helps expel toxins from the body. The heat also helps to relax muscles, reduce stress levels, and improve cardiovascular function by increasing heart rate and dilating blood vessels.
Regular sauna sessions have been linked to pain relief, particularly in conditions like chronic pain, arthritis, CFS, and muscle soreness, as well as promoting deeper and more restful sleep. These benefits are universally recognized across different types of saunas, making sauna therapy a versatile and effective addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Yet, while the health benefits are largely similar across different types of saunas, there are notable differences in how they operate and the specific therapeutic effects they may offer. Traditional dry saunas, for instance, heat the air directly, which can result in higher temperatures and more intense sweating experiences.
On the other hand, infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly, potentially offering more targeted benefits like deeper tissue penetration and a gentler heat sensation that some find more tolerable. In our blog post 'Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas: A Comparison' we go into the details of their differences.
The argument should not be which is better, but rather which sauna type better suits one's personal needs and sensory preferences. Both traditional and infrared saunas provide well-being and relaxation but in different ways. And did you know that an infrared sauna is so much more than just a cabin? Let's break it down.
Traditional dry saunas operate by heating rocks placed on a stove, which then radiate heat throughout the room. Users typically pour water over the rocks to create steam, enhancing the heat and humidity levels. This means that first, the entire room needs to be heated before your body can experience the warmth.
Infrared saunas use infrared heaters to emit radiant heat that directly heats the body rather than heating the air. This type of sauna operates at lower temperatures compared to traditional saunas but is designed to penetrate deeper into the skin, providing a different kind of therapeutic heat.
Sauna blankets are portable and often use far-infrared technology to create heat that is wrapped around the body. They function similarly to infrared saunas by emitting infrared radiation to heat the body directly, but in a more localized and enclosed manner.
Infrared PEMF mats may not use only infrared heat as their main feature, but they still belong to the infrared wellness category because they provide heat therapy through a mix of technologies. They combine infrared heat with Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy to enhance overall wellness. This dual-action approach aims to improve circulation, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. They are popular among users with chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Some mats even have more than these two therapies, such as negative ion, crystal and red light therapy.
Traditional Dry Saunas: Generally found in gyms, spas, and wellness centers, traditional saunas require dedicated space and infrastructure. Installation costs can vary widely depending on the type and size of sauna chosen.
Infrared Saunas: Increasingly popular for home use, infrared saunas are available in various sizes and styles, including portable options. They typically require less space and energy compared to traditional saunas, though initial costs can be higher.
Sauna Blankets: The most portable option, sauna blankets are lightweight and compact, making them accessible for use at home or while traveling. They are generally more affordable than traditional or infrared saunas, offering a cost-effective alternative for those seeking infrared heat therapy.
Infrared PEMF Mats Full Body: These mats are designed for home use, offering a portable solution that doesn't require extensive installation. On average, a mat weighs 40lbs and it is advisable to have a special space such as a sofa or bed, but even a dedicated spot on the floor will do. While they can be pricier than smaller mats, their comprehensive coverage and dual therapy features provide significant value for those seeking advanced wellness treatments.
PEMF Mats Half Body: More affordable and compact, half-body PEMF mats are accessible for home use and easy to transport. They provide targeted therapy at a lower cost, making them a budget-friendly option for individuals wanting the benefits of PEMF and infrared heat without the need for a full-body mat.
Explore Sun Home Saunas and see why they're a top pick for those looking to go green!
In conclusion, exploring the world of celebrities and their saunas reveals a spectrum of options—from traditional dry saunas to innovative infrared technology and portable sauna blankets.
Looking for a sauna experience with robust heat and steam? A traditional dry sauna may be ideal.
If you're looking for targeted benefits like detoxification and improved circulation, an infrared sauna could provide a more efficient and focused experience.
Alternatively, sauna blankets offer portability and convenience, making them suitable for those who prefer at-home relaxation on the go.
Seeking a solution for pain relief and chronic condition management? The infrared PEMF mat can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being.
If portability and targeted therapy are priorities, the compact design of the half body PEMF mat allows for easy use at home or while traveling, offering focused relief and wellness benefits wherever you go.
Not sure yet? The following quiz will help you get started
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Sam Everhart
References
1. Lady Gaga, "I still deal with bone inflammation from my hip injury two years ago. But I keep control of pain with infrared sauna. A great investment for everyone," Instagram post, https://www.instagram.com/p/3XLLgLpFNn/?hl=en
2. GQ, men’s magazine, Inside Justin Bieber's Tour Bus, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8PP7_JyYtQ
3. William Vaughn McCall et al., The effect of far-infrared emitting sheets on sleep, Research Journal of Textile and Apparel https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326659879_The_effect_of_far-infrared_emitting_sheets_on_sleep
4. Bontemps B, et al., Utilisation of far infrared-emitting garments for optimising performance and recovery in sport: Real potential or new fad? A systematic review. PLoS One. 2021 May 6;16(5):e0251282. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251282. PMID: 33956901; PMCID: PMC8101933. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33956901/
5. Chen SC, et al., Improving Sleep with Far-Infrared-Emitting Pajamas: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 22;20(5):3870. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20053870. PMID: 36900881; PMCID: PMC10002002. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10002002/
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