Infrared Saunas – How they differ from a regular sauna

Infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas in how they generate heat and deliver therapeutic benefits. While traditional saunas heat the air around you to 150-190°F, infrared saunas use light waves to penetrate your body directly at comfortable temperatures of 110-140°F.

At Aqua-Tox Wellness Clinic in Hertford, Hertfordshire, our full-spectrum infrared sauna combines Near, Mid, and Far infrared wavelengths to provide deeper detoxification, muscle recovery, and relaxation benefits than conventional sauna therapy.

Our infrared sauna experience is designed to gently support your body’s natural healing, detoxification, and restoration processes without the overwhelming heat of traditional saunas. Infrared saunas use advanced light technology to warm your body directly, creating a deeply therapeutic experience that feels relaxing, restorative, and incredibly effective.

What Makes Infrared Saunas Different?

Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use invisible light waves to penetrate the body and generate heat from within. This allows you to enjoy a deep, detoxifying sweat at lower, more comfortable temperatures.

The result is a calming experience that promotes circulation, eases muscle tension, and supports overall wellbeing—perfect for anyone seeking balance, recovery, and relaxation.

How Infrared Heat Supports the Body

Infrared light is absorbed by the skin and tissues, where it converts into radiant heat. This gently raises your core body temperature, stimulating blood flow, encouraging detoxification, and helping muscles fully relax.

At Aqua-Tox, our infrared sauna sessions are designed to help you feel refreshed, recharged, and rebalanced—whether you’re recovering from workouts or simply taking time for yourself.

This gentle approach makes infrared therapy particularly effective when combined with other recovery modalities. Many clients pair their sauna sessions with NormaTec compression therapy or red light therapy for enhanced circulation and cellular healing benefits.

Understanding Infrared Wavelengths

Our infrared sauna experience at Aqua-Tox works with carefully selected wavelengths to maximise therapeutic benefits.

Near Infrared (NIR):

Near infrared light works closest to the skin’s surface, supporting skin health, cellular repair, and rejuvenation.

Mid Infrared (MIR):

Mid infrared penetrates deeper into muscles and soft tissues, increasing circulation and delivering oxygen to areas that need recovery and healing.

Far Infrared (FIR):

Far infrared reaches the deepest layers, including fat cells, where toxins are stored. This wavelength plays a key role in detoxification and metabolic support.

Full-Spectrum Benefits:

By combining multiple infrared wavelengths, our Sunlighten mPulse Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna offers a comprehensive wellness experience that supports both surface level rejuvenation and deep internal detox.

Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy

Gentle, Effective Detox

Infrared heat helps break down stored toxins within fat cells, allowing your body to release them naturally through sweat. For those seeking deeper detoxification support, infrared sauna pairs exceptionally well with colon hydrotherapy to enhance your body’s natural cleansing processes.

Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief

Improved circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles, helping to reduce soreness, stiffness, and tension.

Improved Circulation and Heart Health

The warmth encourages blood vessels to widen, improving circulation and supporting cardiovascular wellness. Regular sauna use has been shown in research to support cardiovascular wellness, similar to the benefits of moderate exercise. Studies published in medical journals have demonstrated positive effects on blood pressure and circulation.

Cellular Repair and Skin Health

Near infrared light supports cellular regeneration, helping your body repair and renew from the inside out.

Deep Relaxation and Stress Relief

The calming heat helps quiet the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote a sense of deep relaxation—perfect for switching off from daily demands. For a complete relaxation experience, consider our spa experience days in Hertfordshire which include infrared sauna sessions alongside other wellness treatments.

Who Benefits Most from Infrared Sauna Therapy in Hertfordshire?

Infrared sauna sessions at Aqua-Tox are ideal for:

Athletes and Active Individuals: The increased circulation and oxygen delivery helps reduce muscle soreness and speeds recovery after training or competition. Many Hertfordshire sports clubs and athletes use our facility for post-workout recovery.

People with Chronic Pain: Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and joint stiffness respond well to the deep-penetrating infrared heat, which reduces inflammation and improves mobility.

Stress and Sleep Issues: The calming warmth helps regulate cortisol levels and promotes deep relaxation, making it easier to manage daily stress and improve sleep quality.

Detox Seekers: Those looking to support their body’s natural detoxification processes benefit from the cellular-level sweating that releases stored toxins from fat cells.

Skin Health Enthusiasts: Near infrared wavelengths support collagen production and cellular repair, helping improve skin tone, texture, and overall appearance.

For enhanced results, many Aqua-Tox clients combine infrared sauna sessions with our sports massage therapy in Hertford, lymphatic drainage massage, or cryotherapy chamber treatments for comprehensive recovery and wellness support.

Infrared vs Traditional Saunas: Why Aqua Tox Chooses Infrared

Heat Source:
Infrared saunas heat the body directly, while traditional saunas heat the surrounding air.

Temperature:
Infrared saunas operate at a gentler 110-140°F, compared to traditional saunas that often exceed 150°F.

Experience:
With infrared therapy, you’ll enjoy a deep sweat without the stifling heat—making sessions more comfortable, enjoyable, and accessible for all.

Book Your Infrared Sauna Session in Hertford

Whether you’re looking to detox, recover, relax, or simply invest in your wellbeing, infrared sauna therapy at Aqua-Tox in Hertford offers a calming space to reset and recharge.

Infrared Sauna Pricing at Aqua-Tox Hertfordshire

30-Minute Session – £40
Choose from preset programs: detox, weight loss, cardio, anti-aging, pain relief, or relaxation

45-Minute Ultimate Detox – £50
Extended session for deeper therapeutic benefits and maximum relaxation

Multi-Session Packages:

• Buy 5 sessions – Save 20%
• Buy 10 sessions – Save 25%
• Multi-person packages available (accommodates up to 3 people)

All sessions include:

• Private infrared sauna room
• Luxury Vitamin C aromatherapy shower
• Complimentary Neom toiletries
• Fresh towels
• In-sauna Netflix-enabled tablet
• Free parking at our Hertford facility

Location: Foxholes Farm, London Road, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7NT

Book your infrared sauna session online or call us on 01992 878381 / 07745 525133

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the infrared sauna located in Hertfordshire?

Aqua-Tox Wellness Clinic is located at Foxholes Farm, London Road, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG13 7NT. We’re easily accessible from Hertford North train station (10-minute walk) and serve clients throughout Hertfordshire including Ware, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, and surrounding areas. Free parking is available on-site.

How long should an infrared sauna session be?

Most sessions at Aqua Tox last between 30–45 minutes, depending on your comfort level and experience. If you’re new to infrared saunas, we recommend starting with 30 minutes and gradually increasing your time as your body adapts.

Alongside this, we offer preset programmes of 30 mins for detox, weight loss, cardio, anti-aging, pain relief and relaxation.

Why would I choose an Infrared sauna vs a traditional sauna?

Our infrared sauna in Hertfordshire uses Infrared light which gently heats the body from within instead of heating the air like a traditional sauna. It has the ability to penetrate the surface of the skin which gives your body overall warmth but doesn’t affect your ability to breathe and is therefore found to be a more pleasant experience for most people using a sauna for the associated health benefits.

Traditional saunas typically operate between 150-190°F and rely on heating rocks or electric elements to warm the air. This creates an intense, sometimes overwhelming environment. In contrast, our infrared sauna at Aqua-Tox in Hertford operates at a gentler 110-140°F, making sessions more comfortable while still delivering superior detoxification results.

Infrared light also brings so many benefits over a traditional sauna heated detox, the Infrared light penetrates deep within the body to reduce inflammation, support wound healing and improve your overall circulation.

What type of light does an infrared sauna use?

At Aquatox we use the Sunlighten mPulse Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna to give you the greatest amount of benefits from 3 types of infrared light spectrums: Near Infrared, Mid Infrared and Far Infrared. The sauna also has built-in chromotherapy to enhance your sauna experience. Chromotherapy lights your sauna with colours from the sun’s visibility light spectrum to create a peaceful environment and transform your mental wellbeing further.

What’s the difference between infrared and traditional saunas?

Infrared saunas heat your body directly at 110-140°F using light waves, while traditional saunas heat the air to 150-190°F. This allows infrared sessions to be more comfortable, less overwhelming, and just as effective—if not more—for detox and recovery.

How often can I use the infrared sauna?

Many people enjoy infrared sauna sessions 2–4 times per week, while others benefit from daily use. Listen to your body and choose a frequency that feels supportive and sustainable for you.

Is infrared sauna therapy safe?

Infrared saunas are generally safe for most people and operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas. However, if you’re pregnant, have a medical condition, or are taking medication, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before booking a session.

Will I sweat as much as in a traditional sauna?

Yes, often even more. Because infrared heat warms the body directly, many people experience a deeper, more detoxifying sweat, even at lower temperatures.

What should I do to prepare for my session?

Stay well hydrated before your session, avoid heavy meals beforehand, and wear light, comfortable clothing or a towel. After your session, rehydrate and allow yourself time to relax and cool down.

Can infrared sauna sessions help with muscle recovery?

Absolutely. Infrared heat increases circulation and oxygen delivery to muscles, which can help reduce soreness, improve flexibility, and support faster recovery—making it ideal after exercise or physical activity.

Does infrared sauna therapy help with stress?

Yes. The gentle, penetrating warmth helps calm the nervous system, promote relaxation, and reduce stress levels. Many Aqua-Tox clients leave feeling grounded, calm, and refreshed.

What should I wear in the infrared sauna?

Most people choose to wear swimwear inside the sauna with men usually choosing trunks or shorts and women bikinis or swimsuits. If you would like to use the sauna naked then please let us know and we will ensure we provide you with additional towels to sit on.

What can I do whilst in an Infrared sauna?

Relax! The time is yours to wind down and if you like you can bring a friend with you. Our sauna comfortably fits 2 people so we have special packages if you’d like to sauna together.

Our sauna is also equipped with a tablet so you can watch your favourite programmes on Netflix.

Are there changing facilities?

Yes our sauna room is a private room which is equipped with a shower and changing area. To make your experience extra special we have fitted a Vitamin C shower head which has many skin benefits. We provide towels, Neom shower gel, shampoo and conditioner, toiletries and even a hairdryer so all you need to do is bring yourself and something to wear in the sauna.

What is the minimum age to use the sauna?

Young people aged 13 and over can use the infrared sauna when accompanied by an adult. We would advise that you begin on a lower heat and build this up gradually. To sauna alone you must be aged 16 or over.

Can I use the sauna if I’m on blood thinners?

Yes most blood thinners are safe to be used in conjunction with infrared sauna treatment. However before using the sauna we will ask you to complete a medical form to ensure the treatment is suitable and safe for you. We will also ask you to let us know about any medical changes each time you use the sauna.

Can I use the sauna alongside other wellness treatments you offer?

Yes, there are so many studies into the benefits of using saunas alongside cold therapy. For serious body biohacking, combine our infrared sauna with whole body cryotherapy in Hertford. The contrast therapy of heat followed by cold is particularly effective for athletic recovery and inflammation reduction.

If you use our infrared sauna regularly, consider our Aqua-Tox wellness membership which includes unlimited access to the sauna plus discounts on other treatments.

What should I do after my session?

After your sauna session, continue to hydrate, enjoy a light meal if needed, and take time to rest. Many clients love pairing their infrared sauna session with other Aqua-Tox wellness treatments for a complete reset.

All of these treatments at Aqua-Tox can be booked via our online booking system or by contacting us. Please get in touch with any other questions that we may be able to help with.