Business ProfileforSweat and Glow Sauna

On March 10, 2020, BBB Serving Los Angeles and Silicon Valley requested that the business substantiate, modify or discontinue claims advertised on their website to comply with the BBB Code of Advertising. BBB requested competent and reliable scientific substantiation for claims related to their sauna. Specifically, the company advertises:
- "Benefits"
- "Far Infrared heat detoxes and cleanse the body of built-up toxins and body fat"
- "Relieve stress and anxiety - naturally increase serotonin (happy feelings) and
decrease cortisol (stressful feelings)"
- "Boost metabolism and burn up to 600 calories per hour - without working out!"
- "Anti-aging - boost collagen and enhance your skins natural glow"
- "Soothe sore muscles and joints while increasing blood flow and circulation"
- "Say hello to a goodnights sleep - increase your bodies natural ability to wind down
and rest"
- "Reduce inflammation and skin conditions (Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne)"
- "Low EMF heating"
- "We believe sweating is the key to detoxification, and detoxification is the key to
optimal health and energy. Adding sauna sessions to your weekly routine can improve your quality of life in so many ways, from muscle pains, to weight loss, to anxiety, to insomnia, and so much more."
- "HOW YOUR SAUNA BENEFITS YOUR HEALTH!"
- "PAIN RELIEF
Infrared heat relieves pain by expanding blood vessels and increasing circulation. This allows more oxygen to reach injured areas of the body and helps reduce pain and enhance the healing process. Many customers have found successful in relieving pain from arthritis, rheumatism and muscle spasms."
- "WEIGHT CONTROL
Sweating is part of the complex thermoregulatory process of the body that increases the heart rate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate. For the body to create sweat, it requires a large amount of energy. This process reduces excess water retention, salt and stubborn fat. Fat becomes water soluble at 110oF and allows the body to release fat and toxins."
- "SAME EFFECT AS EXERCISE
The heart receives a workout similar to a 6-mile run in a 20-30 minute infrared sauna session and produces a similar amount of sweat. Infrared saunas are perfect for those that do not have time for regular exercise or suffer from injuries that inhibit activity."
- "ELIMINATE TOXINS
Toxins such as sodium, alcohol, nicotine, cholesterol and carcinogenic heavy metals (cadmium, lead, zinc, nickel) accumulate in the body during modern daily life. Sweating naturally rids the body of toxins but at a slow rate. Infrared heat stimulates the sweat glands to cleanse and detoxify the skin at a higher rate. Sauna sessions speed up the process and remove build up toxins that would otherwise continue to build in the body if not released."
- "IMPROVE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Most illnesses are accompanied by a fever. During a fever, the body heats up to eliminate viruses and attack foreign agents. Often misunderstood, this rise in temperature is a natural stage of the immune system's healing process and is one of the best ways to rid the body of chemicals and unwelcome visitors. The immune system weakens the hold of viruses and bacterial growth. Infrared heat induces a fever like signal by heating up the body but without the pains of an illness. Subsequently, the body wards off invading organisms much more easily because the immune system is activated consistently by the "artificial fever". Sauna sessions are a great way to reduce your risk of illness during cold and flu season"
- "REDUCE STRESS
Infrared heat loosens the muscles and relaxes the body. It naturally soothes the parasympathetic nervous system and signals the brain to induce a calm state. It's the perfect way to shut down the fight-or-flight sympathetic nervous system which is highly active due to stresses of our environment."
- "RENEW SKIN
Infrared heat improves circulation, expels dirt & chemicals and removes dead cells on the surface of the skin. All of these benefits lead to a more soft, firm, and glowy complexion"
- "CAN I REALLY LOSE WEIGHT FROM THIS SAUNA?
Perspiring is part of the complex thermoregulatory process of the body that increases the heart rate, cardiac output, and metabolic rate. The process requires a large amount of energy and reduces excess moisture, salt and subcutaneous fat. Fat becomes water soluble at 110oF and the body sweats out fats and toxins. The heart receives a workout similar to a 6-mile run in a 20-30 minute FIR sauna session and the body perspires the same amount as a 6-mile run."

The business also advertised claimed results concerning the product in testimonials, lowest price claims, and warranty claims.

BBB used the following BBB Codes of Advertising to challenge the business:
1. Basic Principles of the Code - https://www.bbb.org/code-of-advertising#Basic_Principles_Of_The_Code
34. Claimed Results - https://www.bbb.org/code-of-advertising#Claimed_Results
30. Testimonials and Endorsements - https://www.bbb.org/code-of-advertising#Testimonials_And_Endorsements
20. Warranties or Guarantees - https://www.bbb.org/code-of-advertising#Warranties_Or_Guarantees

While the business was initially responsive to our request and made some modifications to their advertised claims, as of April 10, 2020, the business has subsequently failed to substantiate, modify, or discontinue all claims originally brought to it's attention.

The BBB opened an investigation on this firm due to the amount of inquiries we have received. According to BBB files, consumers allege not receiving the purchases they paid for. Furthermore, consumers allege not being able to get a response with the details of their orders or refunds. On March 9, 2020 the BBB contacted the company in regards to our concerns about the amount and pattern of complaints we have received, unfortunately, the BBB did not receive a response.

The Federal Trade Commission's Prompt Delivery Rules "spells out the ground rules for making promises about shipments, notifying consumers about unexpected delays, and refunding consumers' money. Enforced by the FTC, the Mail or Telephone Order Rule applies to orders placed by phone, fax or the Internet." For more information about the FTC's Prompt Delivery Rule please visit https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/selling-internet-prompt-delivery-rules