Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna in London: What’s Better?
Exploring why the Sauna and Ice Bath Combo is London’s Ultimate Power Move…
London is a city that never stops. Between the morning commute on the Central Line and the late-night deadlines in Canary Wharf, finding a moment to reset isn't just a luxury - it’s a lifestyle strategy.
But when you finally decide to seek out the heat, you’re faced with the ultimate wellness dilemma: Do you go for the high-intensity, authentic sizzle of a traditional sauna, or the deep-penetrating, high-tech glow of an infrared sauna?
Whilst we at Skuna are known for our authentic, wood-fired Nordic experiences (nothing beats the crackle of real logs on the water!), we know that Londoners love to weigh up their options. Here is the breakdown of the infrared sauna vs. the traditional experience to help you decide which heat is your hero.
The Contender: The IR Sauna (Infrared)
The infra sauna is the modern city-dweller’s "biohack." Unlike a traditional room that heats the air around you, an infrared sauna uses light waves to heat your body directly.
The Vibe: It’s a "dry" heat. There’s no steam, no rocks, and the air temperature is much lower (usually around 45°C–60°C).
The Benefits: Because the ir sauna waves penetrate deep into the muscle tissue, it’s incredible for recovery after a session at the gym or a long day on your feet. It’s a "softer" heat, meaning you can often stay in a bit longer.
Why Londoners Love It: It’s efficient. You can hop in, get a deep cellular detox, and head straight back to the office.
The glow of the wood-fired stove and ripples of water at night in Skuna Sauna’s lower deck cabin.
The Legend: The Traditional Wood-Fired Sauna
This is where sauna culture began. At Skuna, we lean into the traditional wood-fired method because it’s as much about the ritual as it is the results.
The Vibe: Intense, humid, and sensory. You’ve got the löyly (the burst of steam when water hits the hot stones), the scent of burning wood, and temperatures reaching 80°C–90°C.
The Benefits: This is "hormetic stress" at its finest. The high heat forces your cardiovascular system to work, mimicking a light workout. When paired with a cold plunge (like our rooftop ice baths), it triggers a massive endorphin rush that an infrared sauna simply can't match.
The Ritual: Traditional saunas are social. They are spaces to disconnect from your phone and reconnect with friends or yourself.
Sauna goers at Skuna Sauna soaking up sunshine through the glass; wearing sunglasses and chatting.
The Verdict: What’s Better for a Londoner?
Choose the Infrared Sauna (IR) if: You’re looking for targeted muscle recovery, have a lower tolerance for intense heat, or want a quiet, meditative space to "pre-game" your day. It’s the ultimate tool for deep relaxation and skin health.
Choose the Traditional Wood-Fired Sauna if: You seek the full "Fire & Ice" experience. If you’re looking to escape the digital world, feel the raw power of nature in the heart of the city, and finish your session feeling completely "zen," nothing beats the authentic wood-fired cabin.
Experience the Tradition
Ready to see why we still believe in the power of the flame? Whilst ir saunas absolutely have their place in a wellness routine, the Skuna Sauna experience is about more than just heat - it’s about the views of the London skyline, the crisp air of the docks, and the ancient ritual of the wood-fired hearth.
About Skuna Sauna: A unique sauna setup, Skuna Sauna is a docked sauna boat on London’s docklands, at West India Quay, Canary Wharf. Where the ritual of a woodfired traditional sauna cabin (on the lower deck) followed by the brisk breeze of the Docklands (on the top deck - with ice baths) is available for shared or private use. A sanctuary in the city, and a spot to embrace wellness and weather in all forms - because cosiness (and happiness) awaits on board. Plan your visit.
FAQs:
1. What is the main difference between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna?
The primary difference lies in how they heat your body. A traditional sauna (like our wood-fired cabins) uses a stove to heat the air to high temperatures, which then heats your skin. An infra sauna uses light panels to emit infrared radiance that penetrates the skin and heats your core directly at a lower, more manageable air temperature.
2. Is an IR sauna better for weight loss than a traditional one?
Both types can aid in weight loss by increasing your heart rate and inducing sweat. However, because an ir sauna penetrates deeper into the tissue, some studies suggest it can slightly increase the metabolic rate over a longer session. That said, the "afterburn" effect of a high-heat traditional sauna session is equally powerful for calorie expenditure.
3. Which is better for London’s winter: infrared or wood-fired?
Whilst an infrared sauna provides a lovely, sun-like warmth, many Londoners prefer the traditional wood-fired sauna during the colder months. The intense heat and steam (löyly) offer a more robust defense against the damp UK winter, helping to clear sinuses and provide a deep, bone-warming heat that lasts for hours after you leave.
4. Can I find a wood-fired infrared sauna in London?
Actually, the two technologies are quite different! Most saunas in London are either one or the other. Skuna Sauna focuses on the authentic, traditional wood-fired experience on the water, whereas many boutique wellness studios in the city centre offer ir sauna pods for a more clinical, high-tech experience.
