Infrared heat and red light therapy have been around for years, but they’re becoming increasingly popular in the spa, beauty, and wellness world. Houston is certainly feeling its effects. In the last couple of months alone, a handful of infrared sauna studios have opened throughout the city, promising a good detox, a healthy skin glow, weight loss, pain management, and more.

So what’s so special about infrared saunas? In short, they use infrared wavelengths to heat your body from the inside out. Unlike traditional saunas, which use steam or hot air, infrared saunas supposedly tout more benefits thanks to the use of infrared light, which penetrates deeper layers of your tissue and breaks up fat and toxins. This infrared heat may also stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, and increase blood flow and oxygenation, which could provide relief if you experience chronic pain, muscle fatigue, and other conditions, according to some studies. And of course, there’s the added benefits of healthy, glowing skin.

To feel its full effect, opt for a visit to a full-spectrum infrared sauna with different wavelengths. “Near-infrared wavelengths penetrate into the subcutaneous layer of your skin, mid-infrared wavelengths increase circulation and decrease inflammation and pain, and far-infrared wavelengths are what penetrate the deepest and are what is most important for detoxification,” says Dr. Sarah Anzola, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), and licensed acupuncturist at Templ Wellness in the Heights. “A 20-minute session here is equivalent to a cardio workout: You have twice the amount of blood circulating through your body, so it’s really good for your heart health, and pushing toxins, bacteria, and viruses out of your body faster.”

But that’s not all. Infrared saunas and cold plunges go together like fire and ice—a form of hot-cold therapy known as contrast therapy, which is also offered at many of these infrared sauna studios and locations. “When you get in cold water, all the blood goes to your heart to protect your vital organs, when you get in the heat it all spreads out, so you’re getting that cardiovascular push-pull, so you can burn within 400–600 calories,” says Cindy Aplanalp, co-owner of the newly opened Löyly Sauna Lounge in Montrose.

She and her partner, Dion Ruzicka, claim that contrast therapy helped correct the symptoms of Ruzicka’s lymphoma and Sjögren’s disease diagnosis. “We opened this place from our own need,” says Ruzicka. They modeled their sauna studio with a community emphasis, so the saunas, hot plunge tub, and cold plunge tub are shared spaces in an open-concept lounge.

Although more research on infrared saunas is needed to fully and conclusively understand its benefits, the small studies out there are promising, and don’t report any negative effects so far, outside of the obvious dehydration or overheating. Besides, Houstonians are used to a good sweat. At the very least, red light therapy feels good, helps you relax by loosening up stiff muscles and reducing joint pain, and gives you some much needed time to yourself.

Infrared saunas to visit in Houston