For decades, saunas were defined by heat. Whether wood-fired, electric, or infrared, the primary goal was sweating, detoxification, and relaxation. But as wellness technology has evolved, so have consumer expectations.
As of 2025, adding red light therapy to saunas has become extremely popular, creating a huge new opportunity for 2026. From homeowners to athletes to all sorts of wellness-focused consumers, millions of people are no longer happy with just heat. Now, they want all the added health benefits that come from red light sauna therapy.
In this article, the experts at Recover Red will discuss how combining a traditional sauna with red light therapy can be beneficial for buyers and profitable for installers.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as RLT, uses specific wavelengths of visible red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. Through a process called photobiomodulation, this light increases cellular energy and improves the body’s ability to repair, regenerate, and reduce inflammation.
While they are not “saunas” in the traditional sense, red light saunas support benefits that extend far beyond relaxation. This makes them incredibly useful on their own, but even more powerful when added to traditional or infrared designs.
Why Combine Red Light Therapy with Sauna Use?
Regular sauna sessions create the ideal physiological environment for recovery and detoxification. The heat and steam help to dilate blood vessels, increase circulation, relax muscles, and shift the nervous system into “rest and repair mode.”
But what happens when you combine a traditional or infrared sauna with red light therapy? Essentially, you’re adding direct cellular stimulation at the exact time a body is primed for repair, allowing users to get more out of every session.
Natural Relief from Joint, Back, and Chronic Pain
A sauna with red light therapy can help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, migraines, joint pain, and chronic back issues without pharmaceuticals.
Improved Skin and Rejuvenation
Red light therapy boosts collagen and elastin production, supporting smoother skin, improved tone, and overall cellular rejuvenation.
Improved Muscle and Bone Strength
Red and near-infrared light support muscle recovery, bone density maintenance, and bone health, all of which are critical for long-term mobility and healthy aging.
Enhanced Circulation and Metabolic Support
Improved blood flow, vascular health, and insulin sensitivity make red light therapy valuable for overall metabolic wellness.
Preserving and Supporting Eye Health
Targeted red light exposure has shown promise in supporting retinal mitochondrial function and protecting against oxidative stress.
Faster Injury and Post-Surgery Healing
Red light therapy accelerates tissue repair and reduces recovery time from injuries or surgical procedures.
Immune System Support and Cellular Defense
By boosting cellular energy and reducing chronic inflammation, red light saunas support immune resilience and help slow the progression of degenerative processes.
In short, saunas are great. However, with the addition of sauna red light, you can get more from each sauna session and maximize your health benefits.
Why You Can’t Use Just Any Red Light Panel in a Sauna
Given everything already discussed, one might be tempted to just throw any standard red light panel into their existing sauna. However, this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
Here are some reasons why:
Many RLT Devices Are Not Heat Resistant
Most red light devices are designed for room-temperature environments. Sauna temperatures can exceed 175°F, causing standard electronics to overheat and fail.
Many RLT Devices Not Moisture-Safe
Open-fan designs and exposed circuitry corrode quickly in humid conditions. Sauna environments demand sealed, waterproof construction.
Many RLT Devices Boast Insufficient Power Output
Low-powered consumer devices simply don’t deliver meaningful therapeutic benefit in a sauna setting. You need a high-powered device to see any real results.
Chromotherapy ≠ Red Light Therapy
Don’t fall for the addition of non-therapeutic red lights. These should be considered colored mood lighting, as they do not deliver therapeutic wavelengths.
Some Devices Offer Incorrect or Diluted Spectrums
True red light therapy sauna systems use precise 660nm and 850nm output. Adding unnecessary wavelengths weakens intensity.
The Only Type of Sauna-Rated Red Light System That Makes Sense
A true sauna red light solution has to be engineered for conditions that destroy ordinary electronics. That’s precisely the problem The Red Sauna from Recover Red was designed to solve.
It’s a dedicated red light therapy sauna panel built specifically for in-sauna treatments, with durability and output tuned for real results, not just mood lighting.
- High Temp High Humidity Technology – The Red Sauna is engineered to operate reliably inside saunas with extreme heat and humidity.
- IP65 Waterproof Certification – The unit is fully protected against moisture and steam exposure to provide 100% waterproof red light therapy.
- Includes Red Light Panel and Hanging Kit – Ships ready to install with a high-output red light panel and all necessary hardware to mount it on walls, doors, or ceilings.
- RED 660nm and NIR 850nm Spectrums – Delivers therapeutic wavelengths of visible red and near-infrared light to support cellular energy, recovery, and healing.
- Adjust Intensity and More Remotely – Provides remote control functionality so you can tailor the light intensity, treatment time, and settings without leaving your sauna bench.
- 225 Watt True Treatment Power Usage – Offers a powerful 225 W of true treatment output for deep, effective red and NIR light therapy coverage.
- Optional Rolling Floor Stand – Includes an optional rolling stand so you can easily position or relocate the light panel wherever you need it most.
- Zero EMF - Safe for daily use with no detectable EMF at 6 inches.
How to Use Red Light Therapy in Your Sauna
Your Sauna With Red Light Therapy.
The optional stand makes it easy to postion in any type of sauna.
Sauna Red Light
The Red Sauna Light requires no warm-up time, so once it's powered on, you can begin your session immediately. Many users gradually build up to 30-minute sessions, and some even turn on the red light while their sauna finishes preheating to maximize efficiency.
Because saunas come in many shapes and sizes, the system is designed with multiple mounting options to suit virtually any setup:
Bench-Level Relaxation
If you prefer lying down on the sauna bench during your session, a horizontal ceiling mount positioned directly above the bench provides even, full-body light exposure.
Small or Compact Saunas
For tighter spaces, the included door-hanging kits work well on wide, glass, and specialty glass doors.
Large Sauna Layouts
In larger saunas, the panel can be mounted on the wall opposite the bench, or for enhanced coverage, one panel can be installed on each side of the bench.
Targeted Treatments
For maximum flexibility and precision, the optional rolling floor stand lets you move the device wherever needed and easily adjust the height for high or low positioning, making it ideal for targeted red light therapy.
The Future of Sauna Design
Saunas are no longer just about heat. In 2025, the most forward-thinking designs embraced red light therapy saunas as a core feature rather than an add-on. And that shift is only accelerating.
Whether modernizing an older sauna or designing a custom build from the ground up, red light therapy represents the next evolution of wellness spaces, combining detox, recovery, longevity, and relaxation into a single, seamless experience.
FAQs:
How do I power the red sauna?
Saunas with built-in power outlets typically use a C13 outlet, allowing the Red Sauna Light to plug in directly, but it can also be powered from any standard household outlet. If your sauna does not have an internal outlet, the ultra-thin power cord can be safely routed out through the bottom of the sauna door without affecting the seal.
For a more permanent, built-in solution, you can install a recessed outlet—similar to those used for wall-mounted TVs—directly behind the device. Another clean option is using a 2-inch desk grommet kit to discreetly route the power cord outside the sauna.
Can it be used outdoors or in a barrel sauna?
Yes. The Red Sauna Light is 100% waterproof and designed for use in outdoor saunas and barrel saunas. If your sauna reaches temperatures above approximately 175°F, simply turn the device off during that time—if left on, it will automatically shut down to protect itself and will not be damaged, but it will not turn back on until it cools down.
How many do you think I need?
We generally recommend one panel per person using the sauna at a time, with a maximum of two panels per person for optimal coverage and effectiveness. If you’re unsure what setup is best, reach out to us with your sauna size, layout, or design, and we’ll create customized panel layout options tailored to your space.
Medical & Wellness Disclaimer
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Red light therapy devices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding individual health concerns or conditions before beginning any new wellness or therapy routine.
