7 Reasons Saunas Should Be Part of Your Skincare Routine

In the process of perfecting your skincare routine? If you’re looking to add something natural to your wellness rituals, why not try sauna sessions? We offer year-round outdoor sauna sessions in our handcrafted wooden sauna pods at our open water swimming lake, located in the heart of Surrey. 

Incorporating regular sauna sessions into your skincare routine can provide amazing benefits for your skin. Saunas have been used for centuries, and their health benefits are well-documented. From detoxification to improved circulation, saunas offer a natural and non-invasive way to achieve healthier, glowing skin.

So, let’s dive into the benefits of sauna bathing, the best practices for use and ways to maximise the effects of the heat of the sauna! 

Love the Skin You’re In

Taking good care of your skin is essential for maintaining a healthy and radiant complexion. While there are countless skincare products and treatments available, sauna bathing offers a natural and holistic approach to skincare. Saunas have been used for centuries in various cultures, and their benefits extend beyond relaxation and stress relief. By incorporating regular sauna sessions into your skincare routine, you can experience a wide range of benefits, from detoxification and improved circulation to acne reduction and collagen production.

Wondering how saunas work as part of your skincare routine? Read on to find out more!

Benefits of Sauna for Skin

Sweating

Sweating is a natural process through which your body regulates its temperature. When you spend time in a sauna, your body's core temperature rises, leading to profuse sweating. This sweating helps eliminate toxins from your body, including heavy metals and chemicals. By promoting detoxification, sauna sessions can help cleanse your skin from within and contribute to a healthier complexion.

Detoxification

Detoxification is a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy skin. Sauna sessions promote detoxification by stimulating sweat production and supporting liver function. 

By removing toxins, saunas can prevent the buildup of impurities that contribute to skin issues like acne and blemishes. Regular sauna bathing can aid in purifying your skin, leaving it clean and refreshed.

Acne Reduction

Acne is a common skin condition that can affect people of all ages. Sauna bathing can help reduce acne and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Sweating in a sauna unclogs your pores and eliminates bacteria and impurities that contribute to acne breakouts. Sweating also helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells, preventing them from clogging your pores. 

Weight Loss

While sauna sessions should not replace regular exercise and a healthy diet, they can contribute to weight loss. Spending time in a sauna raises your body's core temperature, which leads to an increased heart rate and calorie burn.

While the weight loss experienced in saunas is primarily due to water loss and sweating, it can complement a comprehensive weight loss regimen when combined with exercise and a balanced diet.

Better Circulation

Improved circulation is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Sauna sessions can enhance blood flow and promote better circulation throughout your body. The heat in saunas causes the blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the skin and other parts of the body. This increased circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, aiding in their rejuvenation and promoting a healthy complexion. 

Additionally, improved circulation can help heal skin injuries, such as cuts and bruises, more efficiently by providing the necessary nutrients and oxygen.

Collagen Production

Collagen is a vital protein that provides structure, elasticity, and strength to your skin. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to the formation of wrinkles and the loss of skin elasticity. Sauna bathing can stimulate collagen production, helping to improve the texture and appearance of your skin. 

Sounder Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, including the health of your skin. When you sleep, your skin's blood flow increases, allowing it to rebuild collagen and repair damage caused by environmental factors like UV exposure. Sauna sessions can help improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and balancing hormones in the body, including melatonin, which regulates sleep. 

Tips for Sauna Bathing

To maximise the benefits of sauna sessions for your skin, it's important to follow a few key tips. By preparing your skin, using the right facial cleanser, staying hydrated, activating your pores, sweating effectively, trying cold water exposure, and hydrating your skin afterward, you can enhance the effects of sauna bathing and achieve optimal results.

Preparing Your Skin

Before entering the sauna, it's essential to prepare your skin properly. Cleanse your face with a gentle facial cleanser to remove sweat, oil, and makeup, ensuring that your pores are clear. This step is crucial for preventing pore clogging and breakouts.

Using the Right Facial Cleanser

Choosing the right facial cleanser is vital for maintaining the health of your skin during and after sauna sessions. Opt for a cleanser specifically formulated for your skin type and any specific concerns, such as acne or sensitivity. 

Staying Hydrated

Sauna sessions can cause significant sweating, leading to fluid loss from your body. It's essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session. 

Activating Your Pores

To activate your pores and enhance the effects of sauna bathing, consider gentle exfoliation before entering the sauna. This can be done using a soft brush or a gentle scrub. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and allows for better absorption of nutrients and treatments during your sauna session.

Sweating Effectively

During your sauna session, aim to sweat effectively to maximise the detoxification and cleansing benefits. Ensure that you spend enough time in the sauna to allow for ample sweating. However, it's important to listen to your body and not overexert yourself. If you feel lightheaded or uncomfortable, it's time to leave the sauna and cool down.

Hydrating Your Skin

After your sauna session, it's essential to hydrate your skin to replenish moisture lost during the sauna session. Choose a hypoallergenic lotion or moisturiser that suits your skin type and apply it generously to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated and supple.

Sauna and Cold Water Therapy

The Tradition of Sauna and Cold Water in Finland

Finland is renowned for its sauna culture, where the combination of sauna bathing and cold water immersion is a longstanding tradition. Finnish saunas are typically followed by a plunge into cold water, such as a lake or a specially designed cold water pool. This contrast in temperature provides numerous health benefits and invigorates both the mind and body.

Combining Sauna and Cold Water for Maximum Benefits

The combination of sauna and cold water therapy offers a unique and invigorating experience. Cold water immersion after a sauna session helps tighten the skin, close pores, and stimulate blood circulation. This combination can amplify the benefits of sauna bathing, promoting overall wellness and revitalization. 

Try Cold Water Therapy in Surrey

Ready to give contrast therapy a go? After leaving the sauna, take a cold shower or take a dip in cold water to close your pores and rinse away sweat, salt and impurities from your skin. Cold water helps to tighten and tone your skin, promoting a fresh and rejuvenated appearance. Additionally, the contrast between the heat of the sauna and the cold water can invigorate your senses and provide a refreshing experience.

Based near Surrey, and looking to try contrast therapy? Combine hot and cold at Divers Cove, where our sauna sessions include cold dips in our open water swimming lake. 

Make Sauna Sessions a Part of Your Wellness Routine

Incorporating regular sauna sessions into your skincare routine can offer a multitude of benefits for your skin and overall well-being. From detoxification and acne reduction to improved circulation and collagen production, saunas provide a natural and non-invasive way to achieve healthier, glowing skin. 

By following our tips for sauna bathing and considering the combination of sauna and cold water therapy, you can personalise your sauna experience and make the most of its benefits.

So, why wait? Start your sauna journey at Divers Cove, and experience the ultimate wellness ritual of open water swimming and sauna sessions, all just one hour away from London. 

‍