Saunas have been a cornerstone of wellness culture for thousands of years, tracing their roots back to ancient Finland where they were considered sacred spaces for purification, socialization, and healing. Today, that tradition has found its way into the homes of some of the most recognizable people on the planet. From A-list actors and Grammy-winning musicians to elite athletes and wellness entrepreneurs, celebrities across every industry are embracing sauna therapy as a non-negotiable part of their health and beauty routines.
But here is the thing — this is not just another celebrity fad. The science backing sauna use is substantial and growing. A landmark study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reviewed decades of epidemiological and experimental evidence linking regular sauna bathing to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, improved vascular function, and even decreased all-cause mortality. The Finnish Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study, which followed over 2,300 men for more than 20 years, found that those who used a sauna four to seven times per week had a significantly lower risk of fatal cardiovascular events compared to those who used one once a week. A separate study in BMC Medicine extended those findings to include both men and women, confirming that frequent sauna bathing is associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and improved risk prediction across populations.
So when you see your favorite celebrities stepping out of the sauna looking refreshed and rejuvenated, it is not just vanity — it is a practice backed by real research. Let's take a deep dive into the celebrities who swear by saunas, the specific types of saunas they use, and how you can build the same wellness routine at home.
Gwyneth Paltrow: The Infrared Sauna Evangelist
Few celebrities have done more to popularize wellness culture than Gwyneth Paltrow, and her love of saunas is well documented. The Oscar-winning actress and founder of Goop has spoken openly about how infrared sauna sessions are a central pillar of her daily health routine. In interviews with both W Magazine and Elle, Paltrow has shared that she keeps a personal infrared sauna at her home and tries to use it multiple times per week, citing detoxification and skin health as her primary motivations.
Paltrow gravitates toward infrared saunas specifically because they operate at lower temperatures than traditional Finnish saunas — typically between 120°F and 150°F — while still delivering deep, penetrating heat that warms the body from the inside out. This makes sessions more comfortable for longer durations and is a major reason infrared technology has exploded in popularity among wellness-minded individuals. If you have been curious about the differences between infrared and traditional saunas, our full spectrum infrared sauna buyer's guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Lady Gaga: Sauna Therapy for Chronic Pain Management
Lady Gaga's relationship with sauna therapy goes far beyond relaxation. The multi-platinum recording artist has been open about her battle with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. After sustaining a hip injury during a performance that exacerbated her symptoms, Gaga turned to infrared sauna therapy as part of her pain management protocol.
She shared on Instagram that infrared saunas help manage her fibromyalgia-related inflammation and muscle spasms, and she has since installed one in her home for daily use. This aligns with published clinical research — a systematic review in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that sauna therapy, including infrared modalities, may benefit people with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain syndromes.
For anyone dealing with similar chronic pain conditions, a full spectrum infrared sauna delivers near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths simultaneously. The mid-infrared wavelengths in particular penetrate deep into joints and muscle tissue, providing targeted relief that a single-wavelength sauna cannot match. Those who want the flexibility of both infrared and traditional high-heat sessions might consider a hybrid sauna, which combines infrared panels with a conventional electric heater in one unit.
LeBron James: The Recovery Weapon of the Greatest of All Time
LeBron James is legendary not just for his on-court dominance but for the extraordinary lengths he goes to in maintaining his body. Widely reported to spend over a million dollars annually on recovery and body maintenance, LeBron has made sauna use a daily staple in his post-game and post-workout routine. He has credited regular sauna sessions with helping him recover faster, reduce inflammation, and maintain peak physical condition well into his forties — an age at which most professional basketball players have long since retired.
LeBron's approach highlights a principle that sports science has increasingly validated: heat therapy accelerates muscle recovery by increasing blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissue, and flushing out metabolic waste products. A randomized controlled trial published in the American Journal of Physiology found that combining regular exercise with post-workout sauna sessions improved cardiorespiratory fitness, reduced systolic blood pressure, and lowered total cholesterol levels more effectively than exercise alone.
If you are an athlete or fitness enthusiast looking to replicate this kind of recovery protocol, pairing a sauna with a cold plunge creates the ultimate contrast therapy setup. Alternating between intense heat and cold exposure amplifies circulation, reduces delayed onset muscle soreness, and sharpens mental clarity. Our guide on whether to sauna before or after an ice bath walks you through the optimal sequencing for maximum benefit.
Jennifer Aniston: The Skin Health Secret
Jennifer Aniston has been one of the most vocal celebrity advocates of infrared sauna use for over a decade. The actress, who seems to defy the aging process with every passing year, has spoken in multiple interviews about her dedication to regular infrared sauna sessions. In a conversation with Forbes, she expressed her enthusiasm for infrared heat's ability to promote glowing skin, cell rejuvenation, and detoxification.
Aniston's focus on skin health through sauna use is grounded in real biology. When your body is exposed to infrared heat, blood vessels dilate and circulation increases significantly. This enhanced blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to skin cells while carrying away waste products. Near infrared wavelengths, in particular, have been studied for their ability to stimulate collagen production and support cellular regeneration — processes that are directly tied to skin elasticity and a youthful appearance.
For those who want to follow Aniston's lead, red light therapy saunas combine infrared heat with targeted red light wavelengths that amplify the skin health benefits. Red light therapy at wavelengths around 630-660nm has been studied for its potential role in wound healing, collagen synthesis, and reducing signs of aging. Many of our most popular models from Finnmark Designs include built-in red light therapy panels alongside full spectrum infrared technology.
Joe Rogan: The Science-Driven Sauna Advocate
Podcaster and media personality Joe Rogan has arguably done more to popularize sauna culture in the mainstream fitness community than any other public figure. A dedicated dry sauna user, Rogan has spoken extensively on his podcast about his personal sauna routine — typically four to five sessions per week at temperatures around 180°F to 200°F for approximately 25 minutes per session. He has also discussed incorporating breathwork during his sauna sessions to deepen the experience.
Rogan frequently references the research of Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a biomedical scientist who has published extensively on the health benefits of heat exposure. Dr. Patrick's work highlights findings from the Finnish Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease study showing that men who used saunas four to seven times per week experienced a roughly 40% reduction in all-cause mortality compared to those who used one once a week. She has also discussed the role of heat shock proteins — molecular chaperones triggered by heat exposure that help repair damaged proteins and protect cells from stress.
Rogan's preference leans toward traditional dry saunas, which operate at higher temperatures (typically 170°F to 200°F) and create the option for löyly — the burst of steam produced when water is poured over hot sauna rocks. If this classic Finnish experience appeals to you, browse our collection of outdoor saunas including barrel saunas, cabin saunas, and cube saunas. You will also need a quality sauna heater — we carry top brands like Harvia and HUUM to power your traditional sauna experience.
Kim Kardashian: Sauna as Part of a Total Body Transformation
Kim Kardashian is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of wellness, and sauna use has been a consistent part of her routine. The media mogul reportedly combines sauna sessions with her gym workouts to maximize calorie burn and speed up muscle recovery. She has also been known to use infrared sauna technology at home — her then-partner Kanye West once gifted her a private detoxification spa that included an infrared sauna room.
Kardashian's approach of using sauna sessions in conjunction with physical exercise reflects a smart strategy that research supports. The previously mentioned randomized controlled trial published in the American Journal of Physiology demonstrated that combining exercise with post-workout sauna use produced greater improvements in cardiovascular markers than exercise alone. The elevated heart rate and increased sweating during a sauna session can extend the metabolic benefits of a workout, making it a powerful complement to any fitness regimen.
For those looking to integrate sauna use into a home gym or workout space, an indoor sauna can be set up in a basement, spare room, or even a large bathroom. Many of our FAR infrared saunas plug into a standard 120V household outlet — no electrician required — making them one of the easiest wellness upgrades you can make to your home.
Chris Hemsworth: Heat Therapy Meets Biohacking
Chris Hemsworth, best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has been open about his commitment to optimizing his health. The Australian actor incorporates sauna sessions into his routine as part of a broader approach to fitness, recovery, and longevity. Hemsworth uses saunas both for post-workout recovery and as a way to decompress after long days on set.
His health journey has been documented through Centr, his fitness and wellness platform, and his National Geographic docuseries Limitless, which explored cutting-edge longevity science. Sauna use fits naturally into the biohacking philosophy that Hemsworth and many other elite performers have embraced — the idea that strategic environmental stressors like heat and cold exposure can trigger beneficial adaptive responses in the body.
If the outdoor, nature-connected sauna experience appeals to you, our pod saunas and modern saunas offer stunning contemporary designs that look incredible in any backyard setting. Pair one with an outdoor cold plunge tub for a complete contrast therapy setup that would rival any celebrity wellness retreat.
Selena Gomez: The Infrared Blanket Fan
Selena Gomez has taken a slightly different approach to sauna therapy — one that is particularly accessible for people with limited space or budget. The singer and actress has spoken about using infrared sauna blankets and what she describes as a "sweat bed" for 45 to 55-minute sessions. She has praised the experience for helping release toxins, elevating her heart rate without strenuous exercise, and improving her skin.
Gomez has also mentioned visiting establishments that use FAR infrared blankets for their therapeutic sessions, noting that the experience has noticeably changed both her skin and how her body feels overall. Her approach is a great reminder that you do not need a full-sized cabin sauna to experience the benefits of infrared heat therapy.
If portability and convenience are priorities for you, check out our Hooga Infrared Sauna Blanket or the Therasage Thera360 Plus Portable Infrared Sauna. These are fantastic entry points into infrared therapy that you can use in any room and store away when not in use. Our blog post on infrared sauna blankets has a detailed breakdown of how they work and what to look for.
Cindy Crawford: The Anti-Aging Power of Infrared
Supermodel Cindy Crawford has been one of the most consistent celebrity voices promoting infrared saunas as a beauty and anti-aging tool. In an interview with Into the Gloss, Crawford shared that she uses an infrared sauna for at least 20 minutes at least once a week because it is effective for detoxification, helps her relax, improves her sleep quality, and is one of her key anti-aging strategies.
Crawford's emphasis on the sleep-enhancing benefits of sauna use touches on an often-overlooked aspect of the practice. Dr. Peter Attia, a physician known for his focus on longevity medicine, has discussed how adding sauna sessions to his nightly routine dramatically improved his sleep quality — to the point where he has wondered whether the mortality benefits of sauna use might be significantly driven by the sleep improvements alone.
For a premium, design-forward sauna experience that would fit seamlessly into a luxury home, explore our collection of Auroom saunas. These Estonian-crafted saunas feature stunning thermo-aspen and thermo-alder construction with full glass walls that blend traditional sauna craftsmanship with contemporary design. For those who want the elegance of a dark, modern aesthetic, our black saunas collection offers striking options that make a bold design statement.
David and Victoria Beckham: The Backyard Sauna Lifestyle
David and Victoria Beckham have fully embraced the backyard sauna lifestyle at their Cotswold estate in the English countryside. Their property features an igloo-style sauna hut along with a steam room, creating a private wellness retreat right at home. David, a former professional soccer player, has long relied on heat therapy for post-training recovery, and the couple reportedly uses their sauna setup regularly to maintain fitness and overall health.
The Beckhams' igloo-style setup is reminiscent of the barrel and pod sauna designs that have become increasingly popular for outdoor installations. These rounded structures are not just visually appealing — the curved interior promotes efficient air circulation and heat distribution, meaning the sauna heats up faster and maintains temperature more evenly than a rectangular structure of the same size.
If you are drawn to this kind of outdoor wellness setup, our barrel saunas from brands like SaunaLife, Dundalk Leisurecraft, and True North are handcrafted from premium woods like Eastern White Cedar and Nordic Spruce for maximum durability against the elements. Our guide on building a barrel sauna kit walks you through the entire assembly process step by step.
Zac Efron: The Cold-to-Hot Contrast Therapy Enthusiast
Zac Efron has been spotted in saunas on multiple occasions and has shared his sauna use on social media. What makes Efron's approach particularly interesting is his embrace of contrast therapy — alternating between sauna heat and ice bath cold. He has been photographed jumping into ice baths immediately after sauna sessions, a practice rooted in Nordic bathing traditions that modern research increasingly supports for recovery and resilience building.
Efron reportedly invested in a Clearlight sauna for his home, demonstrating a commitment to making heat therapy a regular part of his lifestyle rather than an occasional indulgence. His contrast therapy approach is one of the most effective recovery protocols available, combining the vasodilation and muscle relaxation of heat with the anti-inflammatory and circulation-boosting effects of cold water immersion.
Building a contrast therapy setup at home is more accessible than most people realize. Pair any of our saunas with a cold plunge tub and you have everything you need. Our article on combining a cold plunge tub with a hot sauna explains the health benefits of this powerful combination and provides practical tips for getting started.
Andrew Huberman and Dr. Rhonda Patrick: The Science Behind the Celebrity Trend
While they may not be traditional Hollywood celebrities, Stanford neuroscience professor Andrew Huberman and biomedical scientist Dr. Rhonda Patrick have played an outsized role in driving mainstream interest in sauna use through their massively popular podcasts and research platforms.
Dr. Patrick, through her platform Found My Fitness, has extensively reviewed the clinical research on sauna bathing. Her analysis of the Finnish Kuopio study data highlights the dose-response relationship between sauna frequency and health outcomes — the more often participants used saunas, the greater the reduction in cardiovascular mortality and all-cause death risk. She has also discussed the role of heat shock proteins in cellular protection and the potential neurological benefits of regular heat exposure, including reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Professor Huberman has discussed the hormonal benefits of sauna use, including research showing significant increases in growth hormone release following deliberate heat exposure — up to 16 times baseline in some protocols. He has advocated for incorporating sauna sessions into a weekly health routine alongside cold exposure, exercise, and proper sleep hygiene.
The research these thought leaders have popularized reinforces what the celebrities profiled above have discovered through personal experience: consistent sauna use is one of the most accessible, enjoyable, and evidence-supported wellness practices available. Visit our Sauna Learning Center for more in-depth guides on the science and practical applications of sauna therapy.
Elle Macpherson and Taylor Swift: Portable Infrared for Busy Lifestyles
Supermodel Elle Macpherson has incorporated a portable infrared sauna into her daily wellness routine. She reportedly uses a Therasage portable sauna unit and has shared that even just 10 minutes in the afternoon gives her immune system a noticeable boost and helps her wind down in the evening. Her approach demonstrates that effective sauna therapy does not require massive time commitments or expensive permanent installations.
Taylor Swift has also been reported to use infrared saunas semi-regularly, particularly for reducing muscle fatigue caused by her physically demanding concert performances. For performers who push their bodies night after night, the ability to accelerate recovery without additional physical exertion is invaluable.
Portable saunas are an excellent choice for anyone with a busy lifestyle, limited space, or a desire to travel with their wellness equipment. Our Therasage collection includes the same type of portable infrared technology that Macpherson uses, while our broader portable sauna tent collection offers additional options for every budget. For a comprehensive look at what is available, our best infrared saunas for home use guide covers every category from compact one-person units to spacious multi-person cabins.
Why So Many Celebrities Choose Infrared Over Traditional Saunas
You may have noticed a clear trend in the profiles above — the majority of these celebrities use infrared saunas rather than traditional Finnish-style saunas. There are several practical reasons for this preference.
Infrared saunas operate at significantly lower air temperatures (typically 120°F to 150°F) compared to traditional saunas (170°F to 200°F), making them more comfortable for longer sessions. Despite the lower ambient temperature, infrared wavelengths penetrate directly into the body's tissue, producing a deep, warming sensation and promoting profuse sweating at a more tolerable heat level. This makes them particularly appealing for people who find the intense heat of a traditional sauna overwhelming.
From a practical standpoint, most infrared saunas plug into a standard household outlet, require no plumbing or special ventilation, heat up in 15 to 20 minutes, and assemble in about an hour. Traditional saunas typically require a dedicated 240V electrical circuit installed by a licensed electrician, take 30 to 45 minutes to reach operating temperature, and produce steam that requires adequate ventilation.
That said, traditional saunas offer their own unique benefits — the authentic Finnish experience of pouring water over hot rocks to create steam (löyly), the ability to reach higher temperatures, and the social tradition of communal sauna bathing. Many wellness enthusiasts ultimately choose a hybrid sauna that combines both heating systems in a single unit, giving them the flexibility to enjoy infrared sessions, traditional high-heat sessions, or both simultaneously.
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The Science-Backed Benefits That Attract Celebrities to Saunas
Let's summarize the key health benefits that keep celebrities coming back to the sauna, all of which are supported by published research.
Cardiovascular health: The Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease study found that men who used saunas four to seven times per week had significantly lower rates of cardiovascular mortality compared to those who used one once weekly. A review published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings concluded that regular sauna bathing may improve cardiovascular function through improved endothelial function, reduced arterial stiffness, and lowered systemic blood pressure.
Recovery and pain relief: Heat exposure increases blood flow to muscles, accelerating the delivery of nutrients and removal of metabolic waste. Clinical research has found that infrared sauna therapy may benefit people with conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Skin health: Increased circulation nourishes skin cells, while sweating helps clear pores. Near infrared wavelengths have been studied for their ability to support collagen production and cellular regeneration.
Mental health and stress relief: Sauna bathing promotes deep relaxation, reduces cortisol levels, and may trigger endorphin release. The practice has been associated with reduced risk of depression and improved psychological well-being in observational studies.
Sleep improvement: The body temperature rise during a sauna session, followed by the gradual cooling afterward, mimics the natural thermoregulatory pattern that signals the body it is time to sleep. Multiple wellness experts have reported dramatic sleep quality improvements from evening sauna sessions.
Immune function: Regular heat exposure may stimulate the immune system and increase production of white blood cells, helping the body fight off infections more effectively.
How to Build Your Own Celebrity-Level Sauna Setup at Home
The good news is that you do not need a celebrity budget to enjoy the same sauna benefits that these stars experience daily. Home sauna technology has advanced dramatically, and premium saunas are now available at price points that make them accessible to most homeowners.
Here is how to get started based on your space, preferences, and goals:
For the infrared enthusiast: Start with a full spectrum infrared sauna that delivers near, mid, and far wavelengths for the most comprehensive therapeutic coverage. Brands like Finnmark Designs, Dynamic Saunas, and Maxxus offer excellent options at various price points.
For the traditionalist: Invest in a quality outdoor sauna — whether a barrel, cabin, or cube design — paired with a reliable electric sauna heater. Don't forget the sauna accessories — a bucket, ladle, thermometer, and quality sauna rocks complete the authentic experience.
For the contrast therapy athlete: Combine any sauna with a cold plunge tub for the ultimate recovery station. Our recovery routine guide for athletes lays out specific protocols for maximizing the benefits of this combination.
For the space-conscious or budget-minded: A portable sauna tent or infrared sauna blanket delivers genuine infrared therapy in a compact, affordable package that stores in a closet.
For those who want it all: A hybrid sauna gives you both infrared and traditional heating in one unit, so you can switch between gentle infrared sessions and high-heat Finnish-style bathing depending on your mood and goals.
Final Thoughts: The Celebrity Sauna Movement Is Just Getting Started
What makes the celebrity sauna trend so compelling is that it is not driven by marketing or endorsement deals — it is driven by genuine, personal experience with a practice that has been validated by centuries of tradition and decades of clinical research. From Gwyneth Paltrow's daily infrared sessions to LeBron James's post-game recovery ritual to Lady Gaga's pain management protocol, these high-profile individuals have discovered what Finnish culture has known for thousands of years: regular sauna use is one of the simplest, most enjoyable paths to better health.
The democratization of sauna technology means that the same caliber of equipment these celebrities use is now available for home installation at accessible price points. Whether you are drawn to the gentle, deep-penetrating warmth of an infrared sauna, the authentic high-heat experience of a traditional Finnish sauna, or the versatility of a hybrid unit, there is a perfect sauna waiting for you.
Ready to start your own sauna journey? Browse our complete sauna collection to find the perfect fit for your space, lifestyle, and wellness goals. Every order ships free with flexible financing options available, and our Oregon-based customer support team is here to help you make the right choice.
*Haven Of Heat and its affiliates do not provide medical, legal, electrical, building, financial, or professional advice. All content published on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from qualified professionals. Always consult a licensed medical provider regarding health-related questions. Individual results from sauna use may vary. No health, performance, or financial outcomes are guaranteed.
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