8 keys to take advantage of and enjoy the sauna more

When cultures as different as the Scandinavian and the Arab share a health and beauty ritual as similar as sweating in a common space is because the practice supports its health benefits. By subjecting the body to intense heat sweating, circulation and, in turn, the health of the skin and the rest of the body are increased.

But if you want to enjoy the sauna and turn it into a pleasant beauty ritual to improve the appearance of your skin, it should be used well. Let’s see first the differences between sauna and Turkish bath. Then we will focus on its benefits for the skin and how to use them correctly to get the most out of them.

Dry sauna or Turkish bath?

Although both seek to take advantage of the beneficial effects of heat, the dry sauna and the Turkish bath present differences.

in the sauna, typical of Nordic climates, dry heat is used at between 60 and 90 ºC. It is a wooden enclosure in which the extreme dryness (less than 15% humidity) helps to tolerate the temperature, although the environment can be humidified by pouring water on hot stones to increase the sensation of heat.In the Turkish bath or hammam The temperature is between 43 and 46 ºC, but the humidity can reach 100%, so the heat is felt more. In some gyms it is called a wet sauna. As is the tradition in their countries of origin, it is usually tiled.

The dry sauna, as it reaches such extreme temperatures, is more recommended in winter. The Turkish bath is used even in countries with very hot climates.

Benefits of the sauna for the skin

The heat opens the pores and stimulates sweating., which favors skin cleansing. Besides increases your blood flow and oxygenationbecause the heart pumps faster.

With clean pores, oxygenated skin and the rosy color that increased irrigation gives, the appearance rejuvenates.

However, the benefits are more than cosmetic. Perspiring not only cleanses the pores, but the heat stimulates the lymphatic system, supporting the elimination of toxins from the whole body. The momentary increase in blood flow also promotes circulation.

Furthermore, both the moment of silence and tranquility that offers as the muscular distension that produces the heat help to relax.

The aforementioned effects on health, in turn, are reflected in the state of the skin, which relaxes and decongests.

8 keys to make the most of the sauna

Like any health routine, it is best to use the sauna often, once or twice a week. But whether you use the sauna occasionally or frequently, it is good to prepare beforehand.

Drink plenty of water before entering and when leaving It is essential to avoid dehydration and incidentally to support purification.Take a warm shower just before It’s also good. Eliminates residues of soap and creams, and opens the pores. The question when entering is where to stand: on the upper steps the heat is more intense, and recommended for those who have experience in the sauna; in the lower areas, the heat is lower.Lying down once inside helps to relax, although there are people who prefer to sit. In any case, you have to get up slowly so as not to get dizzy.To stimulate lymphatic function the body can be massaged with firm movements and in a direction towards the heart.After the sauna it is convenient to shower againusually with cold water, which stimulates circulation once more, tightens the pores and draws sweat away from the skin.To refresh and hydrate You can drink a glass of water with a slice of lime, lemon or cucumber.Moisturizing the skin well at the end is also basic. If you want to get active after the sauna, a cream with a citrus fragrance it is the ideal; If you prefer to maintain a state of tranquility, you can opt, for example, for a con lavender essential oil.

Precautions

The optimal time to be in the sauna is 15 minutesalthough there are those who can not stand more than five. In case of dizziness, you should get out immediately.Pregnant women should not use it.The heat can also be harmful for people with circulatory problems, such as varicose veins; the Mayo Clinic recommends in this case the infrared sauna, with a more moderate temperature.

How to do a dry and wet sauna circuit

If you have access to both types of sauna, dry and wet, you can do a circuit that relaxes and stimulates circulation:

Take a warm shower and enter the traditional sauna. After 10-15 minutes, you go to the Turkish bath. After another 10-15 minutes, you quickly go to the cold water pool, or to a cold shower. You are only there for a few seconds, enough to get your entire body wet (the head is not necessary). You return to the Turkish bath for another 5 minutes. You go back to the cold shower, before taking a shower at a pleasant temperature.

Every time you enter the sauna it is important to listen to the body. If we feel unwell, dehydrated or dizzy, we must leave immediately.