Things to keep in mind when using saunas that are often overlooked!

Saunas are loved around the world for their relaxation and health benefits. Especially in recent years, various types of saunas have become popular, such as Finnish saunas and infrared saunas (far-infrared saunas). Saunas are gaining attention for their blood circulation promotion and detox effects, and are said to be good for beauty and health, but on the other hand, many people say, “Wouldn’t it put a strain on your skin?” In this article, we will explain in detail how saunas affect your skin and how you can enjoy them while protecting your skin.

1. What are the health benefits of sauna?

First, let’s take a look at the main health benefits of saunas. Saunas expose the body to a high temperature environment, which causes various physiological changes. The main effects include:

• Promote blood circulation
  The high temperature of a sauna increases your body temperature and dilates your blood vessels. This promotes blood circulation, making it easier for oxygen and nutrients to be carried to every corner of the body. In particular, it is expected to improve sensitivity to cold and improve metabolism.
• Detox effect
  Through profuse sweating, waste products from the body are expelled with sweat. This is known as a detox effect and is said to be useful for maintaining beauty and health.
• Relaxation
  Saunas are also said to have great relaxing effects. More and more people are taking saunas into their busy lives as they help relieve stress and refresh themselves.

2. The burden that saunas have on your skin

On the other hand, you should also consider the effects that saunas have on your skin. Due to the high temperatures, staying in a sauna for a long time can be harsh on your skin.

• Drying
  When you take a sauna, you sweat a lot, which causes your skin to lose moisture. This makes your skin more prone to dryness, increasing the risk of dry skin and rough skin. People with dry skin should especially be careful.
• Deterioration of barrier function
  In high temperature environments, the skin’s barrier function may be temporarily reduced. This can make your skin more sensitive to external stimuli, leading to inflammation and redness. Especially for people with sensitive skin, spending long hours in a sauna can cause skin problems.
• Excessive secretion of sebum
  On the other hand, taking a sauna can also cause excess sebum secretion. Sebum has the role of protecting the skin, but excessive secretion can clog pores and cause acne and pimples.

3. How to prevent skin problems caused by sauna

In order to enjoy the sauna, it is important to take measures to avoid putting stress on your skin. Enjoy the sauna in a healthy way by following the points below.

• Thoroughly moisturize
  It is important to properly moisturize before and after entering the sauna. Especially after sauna, use lotion or moisturizing cream to hydrate your skin and prevent it from drying out.
• Adjust sauna time
  Avoid staying in the sauna for too long. It is important to aim for a stay of about 10 to 15 minutes and adjust according to your skin and physical condition.
• Use skin care for sensitive skin
  People with sensitive skin can prevent skin problems by using cosmetics for sensitive skin after sauna. It is also effective to support the recovery of barrier function by washing your face with cold water and cooling your skin.

4. Proper skin care after sauna

Skin care after sauna is also very important. After sweating profusely in the sauna, take these steps to protect your skin.

• Cleansing and face washing
  Along with sweat, sebum and waste products remain on your skin, so be sure to cleanse and wash your face thoroughly after sauna. The key is to use a gentle facial cleanser to remove dirt without putting stress on your skin.
• Hydrate with lotion and serum
  To replenish the moisture lost in the sauna, use a toner or serum to rehydrate your skin. Choose one that is rich in moisturizing ingredients and apply it to your skin by pressing it gently.
• Lock in moisture with cream
  In order to prevent the moisture supplied by lotion or serum from escaping, use emulsion or cream to lock in the moisture. This will keep your skin hydrated for a long time and prevent it from drying out.

5. Sauna and Beauty: Appropriate Frequency and Timing

In order to get the most out of the sauna and not put a strain on your skin, you need to be careful about the frequency and timing of your sauna sessions.

• Once or twice a week is appropriate
  While saunas can provide relaxation and health benefits, using them frequently can put a strain on your skin. Try to incorporate it once or twice a week as much as you can.
• Thorough care after sauna
  After sauna, it is important to moisturize your skin as soon as possible. Especially for those with dry skin, neglecting post-sauna care may worsen skin problems, so be sure to take care of your skin carefully.

6. Summary

Saunas have many health and beauty benefits, but it is important to use them appropriately, taking into account the strain on your skin. In order to prevent dryness and skin problems, it is important to thoroughly moisturize your skin and adjust the length of your stay in the sauna. Also, by taking good care of your skin after sauna, you can enjoy the sauna while protecting your skin’s health.

Reference links as evidence

• Research results on the health benefits of sauna
• Research on the effects of sauna on the skin