Get Your Beauty Buzz On With HigherDOSE’s Infrared Saunas

I’ve been obsessed with infrared saunas for several years now, and as a spa consultant, I often recommend hoteliers swap out the classic steam room for this hot little number. The modality’s effects mimic a good work-out, encouraging a substantial detox within thirty minutes. You emerge with your skin glowing and feeling completely regenerated. According to experts like Dr. Mark Hyman, (Director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and a New York Times bestselling author), infrared’s heat deeply penetrates the body, increasing circulation, balancing sugar levels, and aiding in weight loss. 

So when I got Katie Kaps and Lauren Berlingeri, the co-founders of New York wellness brand, HigherDOSE, I was stoked. I chatted with them at the launch of the Future Spa concept on the rooftop of The Standard East Village, New York.  As they cocooned me in an infrared blanket, I listened to a playlist of soothing music and gazed over the New York skyline. Katie and Lauren just opened their flagship spa at The Alchemists Kitchen, a communal juice, retail and event space where folk gather over botanical elixirs for “happiness hour.”

“We are seekers of natural highs,” confesses Berlingeri, a former international model and certified holistic nutritionist from The Institute For Integrative Nutrition. “Our mission is to bring infrared to the masses. [It’s also] been my beauty secret for the last couple of years.”

“We are not your typical Mother’a Day spa,’ adds Kaps, a former investment banker and marathon runner. “We don’t hold back when it comes to offering experiences to heighten the senses. We play Burning Man mixed house tapes and then mix it up again with healing chakra light therapy: This is what you’ll find when you hang with us.”

The set up at HigherDOSE is unlike the usual spa: Inside the warehouse space are five infrared saunas, a communal relaxation area, and a bar with state-altering elixirs like Joy Juice, Brain Tonic, and Kava Nectar. The saunas feature mood-enhancing color therapy while amenities include dry towels and lavender face mists. The design works well for private sessions, groups, and couples, too.

In a nutshell: These two girls rock! And they are shaking up the spa scene by elevating “get high, naturally” wellness experiences. They’ve already got the infrared expertise covered, from infrared detox body wraps to infrared heated studios (check out Yoga Vida and Y7 ) to stand-alone, pop-up saunas. Now they’re all about expanding: The duo is opening another HigherDOSE outpost at ABC Homewares by fall 2016.

“We’re starting a movement to get you beautiful and buzzed all at once,” says Katie. “We are all about elevating dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphin levels.” I am, too, so I say ditch the after work vino plans and meet up with friends and sauna together – you’ll feel amazing and connected!