Have you ever wondered if you should use skincare products in conjunction with the sauna? What skin products should you use before, during, and/or after the sauna?
The best skincare products to use in a sauna are those that can cleanse the skin and provide relaxation and comfort all at the same time. Examples are moisturizers, face masks, toners, and cleansers. A moisturizer is one of the most important as it helps in inducing perspiration which draws out natural oils and water from the skin.
Keep reading as this article explains in detail the best ways to make the most of a sauna by using skin products. There are tips included that can help before, during and, after the sauna session.
Should you use skincare products with the sauna?
When used properly, a sauna can enhance beauty by stimulating circulation, providing relaxation, and reducing facial puffiness by clearing the sinuses. Unleashing the best potential and bringing the best out of a sauna involves you knowing what your skin needs and what works best for you.
One of the advantages of the heat and sweat of a sauna is that they can help detoxify the skin. Skincare products such as lotions and cleansers can help aid in detoxification, while face masks, moisturizers, exfoliators, and toners can increase the effects of the sauna when used afterward.
It is advisable to remove any makeup and wash away all impurities before using the sauna. Make-up products prevent the skin from breathing thus inhibiting cleansing and purification in the sauna.
Skin products to use before the sauna
Many factors affect the skin products to use before the sauna. Read further as we take a deep dive and explore some of the best skin products to ensure you enjoy the best sauna experience in any circumstance.
The best skincare products to use before the sauna are:
- Lotions
- Cleansers
Lotions
If you’ve ever put lotion on before heading outside on a hot day, you know that you’re likely to be a sweat-slick in those places much faster than you are anywhere else.
This is because some lotions can help to open skin pores and improve circulation and sweating. Lotions can even help speed up the loss of unwanted body fat through detoxification and perspiration. This helps create more benefits of the sauna treatments for the skin.
When choosing a lotion for the sauna, you should consider hypoallergenic lotions to help hydrate your skin. They also reduce the appearance of cellulite which arises from the build-up of fat.
If you want to visit the sauna to get better skin and lose a little extra weight at the same time, lotions may be the perfect choice for you.
Cleansers
A facial cleanser is a skincare product that is used to remove dirt, oil, dead skin cells, make-up, and other types of toxins/pollutants from the skin. It helps to clean skin pores and protect the skin against conditions like acne. The regular pH of the skin is within a range of 4.5 and 6.5 and with the use of a cleanser, the pH of the skin increases due to the presence of harsh surfactants which can alter the skin barrier.
It is always necessary to cleanse your face first before entering the sauna because with a cleansed face, after leaving the sauna you can easily remove whiteheads and blackheads from your face. If you don’t cleanse your face before using the sauna, dirt, sweat, make-up, etc. are more likely to enter your pores which will cause clogged pores which can, in turn, lead to skin breakouts.
Cleansers typically fall into one of three categories, all of which are good for saunas:
- Foam cleansers
- Cream cleansers
- Gel cleansers
Skin products to use during the sauna
These are tips that can make you get the best out of the session during the sauna session.
The best skincare products to use before the sauna are:
- Herbs
- Essential oils
Herbs
Dried or fresh herbs of your choice can be put into a small amount of water in a dish suspended over the heater stones in the sauna.
As the herbs heat up, the relaxing aroma is released into the room. These herbs also have helpful effects on the skin:
- Chamomile – Chamomile can help with dermatitis and skin inflammation and is great for all types of skin including sensitive skin.
- Rosemary – Rosemary is a fragrant herb and is good for people with oily skin.
Essential oils
There are essential oils that offer health benefits like skin treatment and detoxification during the sauna process. Certain essential oils are more beneficial than others for different skin types. Some essential oils are known to have an invigorating or relaxing effect on the skin.
Some of these essential oils can act as good skincare products for you before during the session:
- Lavender
- Geranium
- Eucalyptus
- Orange
You can use these oils alone or mix them to make your unique blend. However, you should always dilute them before use.
Skin products to use after the sauna
After using a sauna, it is time to cool down and relax.
The best skincare products to use before the sauna are:
- Face masks
- Moisturizers
- Exfoliators
- Toners
Face masks
After the sauna, you can make use of a mask. The skin is usually more receptive to the treatment after the sauna due to the enlargement of sweat pores from heat.
Putting on a face mask after a sauna helps make the mask work more effectively. Masks can help in extracting excess oil and impurities from the skin.
Charcoal masks in particular also very helpful in the treatment of acne. Make sure to choose the best kind of face mask to suit your skin.
New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask for Face and Body
A great charcoal mask that works for all skin types, removes dried skin cells, tightens pores, and draws out oils and toxins.
Moisturizers
It is important to take care of your skin appropriately after using the sauna especially after using the shower and your skin is still damp. Whether you have oily or dry skin, moisturizing as the last step will help in hydrating your skin.
You can use a light moisturizer if your skin is oily and you can use a heavier one like coconut oil if you have dry skin.
It is also recommended to apply a facial scrub to your face before using the sauna. Make sure you do not use heavy facial scrubs for your eye area. The application of serums and moisturizers to your face can make your skin look clearer and healthier.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Non-Comedogenic Face Lotion
Daily face moisturizer features a non-comedogenic formula that is oil-free and is from a dermatologist-recommended brand
Exfoliators
Facial exfoliators help in the removal of dead skin cells and stimulation of underlying tissues. They prevent the skin pores from being clogged and create a vibrant appearance.
The sauna heat opens skin pores, kills toxins, and allows dirt on the surface to be wiped away easily. The application of exfoliators is very beneficial to the skin. Whether wet or dry, the heat is beneficial to the skin and facial exfoliation fully complements it.
Make sure you apply mainly around the forehead and nose. Also, make sure you scrub gently and apply to areas of your face that are oilier than the others.
Toners
A face toner is a secret skincare weapon that helps gently refresh your skin without taking any of its natural moisture. A skin toner does not cause excessive dryness or irritate sensitive skin. It also prepares your skin to absorb any of your post-session moisturizer and any other skincare products you applied.
Using a toner will help remove any traces of dirt, impurities, and grime in your skin pores after you wash your face. When added to your post-sauna skin routine, it improves the tightness and appearance of your skin pores.
Face toners can also help restore your skin’s pH level and smooth your skin by improving the skin tone and refining rough patches.
People with oily skin or acne should consider toners that contain salicylic acid to help close up and clean out pores. It is recommended to use cotton wool to apply your preferred toner to your forehead, chin, cheeks, and nose.
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