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Sweat it out: 7 infrared sauna tips for maximum benefits

There’s something deeply healing about a good sweat — especially the kind that comes from infrared heat. Unlike traditional saunas that simply heat the air around you, infrared saunas work by heating your body from within, creating a deeper, more therapeutic sweat that supports detoxification, relaxation, circulation, and cellular repair.

If you’ve been curious about how to get the most out of your infrared sauna sessions, or you’re already a fan of this ritual and want to elevate your practice, this guide is for you. Below are 7 simple but powerful tips to help you sweat with intention and unlock the full detox benefits of infrared therapy.

If you’re looking to bring this experience into your home, I personally use and love the Sunlighten infrared sauna — one of the safest and most effective options on the market.
👉 Shop the Sunlighten Sauna here: https://get.sunlighten.com/cinnamoneffect

Let’s dive in…

1. Hydrate Like It’s Your Superpower

Sweating in an infrared sauna pulls water from your cells — along with toxins. To avoid dehydration and support lymphatic flow, drink 16–20 oz of water before you step inside.
Add electrolytes or a pinch of mineral-rich sea salt to replenish what you lose through sweat.

Pro tip: Bring a water bottle into the sauna so you can sip as needed.

2. Start Low & Slow

If you’re new to infrared saunas, begin with 100–120°F for 10–15 minutes.

As your body adapts to infrared heat, gradually increase your sessions to 130–140°F for 30–40 minutes. Slow progress equals deeper healing.

3. Sweat With Intention

Infrared sauna time is sacred time. Use the first minute of your session to ground yourself with breathwork or a simple mantra like:

“I release what no longer serves me.”
“My body knows how to heal.”

This isn’t just a physical detox — it’s an energetic one, too.

4. Dry Brush Before You Enter
or during your sauna sesh

Dry brushing boosts lymphatic flow and exfoliates the skin, helping your body release toxins more effectively.

Brush upward toward the heart using long, gentle strokes. Not only is this wonderful for detox support, it also leaves your skin glowing.

5. Keep It Clean: No Products Before Sweating

Skip lotions, oils, deodorant, and makeup before you sauna — these can clog pores and interfere with detox pathways.

Bare skin = better sweat.

6. Do a Cold Rinse or Contrast Shower Afterward

After sweating out toxins, a cool or cold shower helps:
  • Close pores
  • Rinse away released toxins
  • Boost circulation
  • Support nervous system regulation

Even 30 seconds of cold water can elevate your recovery.

7. Stay Hydrated & Mineralized Post-Sweat

After your sauna session, always replenish with:
  • Water
  • Electrolytes
  • Coconut water
  • Trace mineral drops

This restores balance and prevents fatigue, headaches, or dehydration.

Not all infrared saunas are created equal. Sunlighten is one of the few brands that uses low-EMF technology, medical-grade chromotherapy, and true full-spectrum infrared (near, mid, far).

Their saunas are gentle, deeply healing, and safe enough for daily use — a perfect tool for anyone prioritizing detox, emotional well-being, or longevity.

👉 Shop the Sunlighten Sauna here: https://get.sunlighten.com/cinnamoneffect

(This link helps support The Cinnamon Effect community — thank you!)

Why I Love Sunlighten Saunas