Can you go in the sauna after a cold swim?

Author: Mr. Jamil Gibson MD  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

The quick answer is yes, you can sauna after a cold swim/dip, and no you shouldn't have a hot shower.

Can you go in the sauna after swimming cold water?

Don't take a shower or do a sauna or anything else that will warm you too quickly as that will make afterdrop worse and possibly dangerous.

Can I do sauna right after cold plunge?

When used together, they create a powerful contrast therapy that can supercharge your health and wellness routine. Whether you have a traditional, infrared, custom-cut, or InfraSauna® from Finnleo, you can reap many benefits from using a sauna after cold plunge therapy.

Is it okay to sauna after swimming?

Muscle Recovery: Post-swim sauna use can help relax your muscles and promote recovery by increasing blood flow to the muscles. Detoxification: Sweating in the sauna after swimming may help eliminate toxins from your body.

Should you go in a cold pool before or after a sauna?

It is recommended to first sauna then ice bath and not the other way around, as sauna sessions increase the blood flow and heart rate and make our muscles relax, which cold plunges slows down the heart rate and makes our blood vessels contract.

How Long to Sauna & Cold Plunge for Key Benefits | Dr. Susanna Søberg & Dr. Andrew Huberman

Should you swim or sauna first?

SWIM IN THE POOL FIRST

Taking a dip in the pool before you relax in the sauna could be exactly what helps you unwind. With your workout done, you're ready to rest your muscles. The sauna's penetrating heat has been shown to speed up the recovery process. This is especially true if your pool water is on the chilly side.

Is sauna and cold water good?

The combination of sauna and cold plunge, also known as contrast therapy, has been shown to have numerous health benefits—including improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mental clarity.

When not to go to the sauna?

Having a sauna is not suitable for people who have high blood pressure or problems with their heart, liver or kidneys. You should also avoid a sauna if you suffer from skin conditions (such as eczema or psoriasis) or have the flu, cold, fever or any inflammation. The high temperature could worsen your condition.

Is it healthy to jump into cold water after sauna?

Regular sauna sessions trigger the body to release endorphins, thus relaxing your body and mind, which has a positive effect on your energy levels. In combination with a cold plunge, your body releases even more positive hormones, especially norepinephrine, which boosts focus, attention, and energy.

Why is swimwear not allowed in sauna?

CAN YOU WEAR A SWIMSUIT IN THE SAUNA? Even though the swimsuit is a practical solution, it can be dangerous to your health. Like any other garment made of PVC fabric, it obstructs the breathing of your skin. Not to mention the possibility of it melting at high temperatures and releasing toxic chemicals and fumes.

Does sauna speed up cold recovery?

There's no evidence to suggest that sauna bathing can treat cold symptoms.

What not to do after cold plunge?

After a cold plunge, dry off and warm up by getting dressed in dry clothes. You can sip a warm beverage and move to a heated area. But don't head straight for a sauna or hot tub, because the extreme heat could cause too much stress on your body.

Is it OK to do sauna after cold plunge?

Combining sauna sessions with cold plunges not only enhances recovery but also has significant benefits for sauna and cardiovascular health, as the alternating heat and cold improve circulation and support heart health.

What happens to your body after cold water swimming?

While more research is needed into the effects of cold water on the body, we do know it can lead to hypothermia and raise our stress hormone levels, increasing the risk of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and possibly even cardiac arrest.

Why do I feel sick after a cold plunge?

Start Slowly & Build Tolerance: If you're new to cold plunging, jumping into frigid water for long periods can shock your system. Instead, start slowly by gradually lowering the temperature of your water exposure over time. Begin with cold showers or shorter plunges before attempting longer immersion.

Is sauna good for you after swimming?

Sauna Before and After Swimming

It relaxes muscles and intensifies the benefits of swimming. After Swimming: After your swim, returning to the sauna can help your body recover, soothe muscles, and prolong the endorphin high from the cold water immersion.

Should you sauna or cold plunge first?

Generally it is recommended to first sauna then cold plunge as sauna sessions increase the blood flow and heart rate and make our muscles relax. On the other hand cold plunges slow down the heart rate and makes our blood vessels contract.

Can I take my phone in the sauna?

The short answer is that it's generally not recommended to bring your phone into a sauna. The high temperatures and humidity levels can cause damage to your phone's internal components, and the risk of overheating or even explosion is not worth the convenience of having your phone with you.

Why should you not shower after a sauna?

Cooling off after the sauna is important because you can catch a cold if you sweat too much. Sauna-goers should leave enough time to cool down before warming up again. If you can, don't have a shower straight after the sauna. It's better for the body if you cool off in the fresh air first.

What are the negatives of a sauna?

Although sauna bathing does not cause drying of the skin-and may even benefit patients with psoriasis-sweating may increase itching in patients with atopic dermatitis. Contraindications to sauna bathing include unstable angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction, and severe aortic stenosis.

Why do you not wear clothes in a sauna?

CHEMICALS AND DIRT

The primary benefits of a sauna come from exercising your skin by exposing it to heat. Clothing blocks the heat transfer to your skin and holds the sweat against it that's trying to evaporate, negating most of those benefits.

Why do you jump in cold water after a sauna?

Coldwater gives you a rush of norepinephrine, and this is how it enhances pleasure after a hot sauna bath! Norepinephrine is a chemical in the body that serves as both a stress hormone and a neurotransmitter. It affects mood, anxiety, and other processes.

Do saunas burn brown fat?

The heat in the sauna also helps to boost the metabolism and thus fat burning. In this way, brown fat cells can be activated by sauna sessions: Cold stimulus: After a sauna session, when the body cools down quickly, the skin sensors report the sudden cold to the brain.

Why can't you bring water in a sauna?

Water: Hydration is key when using a sauna. It's important to drink plenty of water before and after your session to replenish any fluids lost through sweating. You can bring a water bottle inside the sauna, but make sure it's made of plastic or another non-breakable material.

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