Are you looking for ways to reduce wrinkles and make your skin more vibrant? If you haven’t tried infrared radiation (IR), you should check it out.
Infrared radiation has been proven safe at an ambient temperature. Research findings suggest that infrared heat might positively impact skin texture and wrinkles through increasing collagen and elastin production.
How to get infrared heat exposure
There are numerous ways to get infrared heat exposure. The main source of infrared heat is the sun. However, that only works when you live in a warm, sunny climate.
Aside from the sun, the most common way is by sitting in a far infrared sauna. Many people use infrared saunas regularly to reduce inflammation from arthritis and also for back pain. Unlike traditional saunas, you don’t profusely sweat in an infrared sauna. Although some sweat is inevitable, the purpose isn’t to sweat – it’s to absorb IR radiation.
You can find an infrared sauna just about anywhere if you look for wellness centers or spas. Expect to pay at least $60 per session, if not more.
How to get infrared heat exposure for free
Another way you can get exposure to infrared heat at home is by sitting in front of a fire. All you need is a fire pit table that matches your backyard décor and a comfortable chair.
The only downside to using a fire pit is that much of the heat will radiate away from your body, but that’s an easy problem to solve.
To get as much infrared exposure as possible from a fire pit, you’ll need to feel the heat on your skin. To direct the heat to your body, create a temporary enclosure for your fire pit using mylar reflective material (or a mylar-lined tarp). This material will reflect the heat back to you.
Don’t enclose yourself completely, however. Create a setup that uses only three walls. Otherwise, it could get extremely hot really fast.
Ideas for partially enclosing your fire pit
- Use an adjustable photography backdrop stand. These stands are usually around 5 feet wide and are expandable from 5 to 10 feet high. They come with clips that you can use to clip your reflective material in place of a backdrop.
- Create a simple frame out of PVC pipe. If you can cut through PVC pipe, you can make a simple frame for your three walls using some pipes and elbows. If you don’t have the tools to cut through PVC, the hardware store will usually make cuts for you at around fifty cents per cut.
- Move your fire pit to an area where you are already close to a wall. Then, line that wall with your reflective material. By leveraging an existing wall, you’ll only need to make two free-standing walls.
Consider building your own infrared sauna
If you like the way your skin looks and the way you feel after using an infrared sauna, consider building your own sauna right in your backyard. It’s not as expensive as it might seem. Granted, you’ll need to get a permit, hire a contractor to build the building, and hire an electrician to wire it all up. However, it doesn’t need to be a large building.
You can build a small sauna just big enough for you to relax in, and change your clothes when you get back inside the house.
Can’t afford a full sauna? Get a free-standing sauna
If you don’t have the budget or space to build a dedicated sauna, you can get a free-standing sauna for a few thousand dollars. These saunas aren’t very big and can be placed inside your home. With your own sauna enclosure, you’ll absorb about 80% of the heat.
Typically, free-standing saunas accommodate one person. You can find bigger saunas, but be prepared to sacrifice more space.
On a super tight budget? Get a portable sauna
If you’re on a really tight budget, you can get a portable sauna for just a few hundred dollars. This is by far the best way to save money and space in your home.
You’ve probably seen these saunas. You get inside what looks like a small box and your head remains outside while you stick your arms through heat-reflective sleeves. It looks funny, but the healing benefits are worth looking a little silly.
Take advantage of natural infrared heat
There are countless skin products on the market that claim to reduce wrinkles and create better sin. While some of these work, they often come at the price of your health.
Regardless of how you get your exposure, infrared radiation is the most natural way to rejuvenate your skin.