How do you get the best results from a sauna?

Author: Prof. Glennie McGlynn  |  Last update: Saturday, October 18, 2025

How to get the most out of your sauna:
  1. Shower before and after using your sauna.
  2. Maximize skin exposure to heat.
  3. Maintain a regular schedule and routine.
  4. Exfoliate and boost circulation to the skin.
  5. Stay hydrated.
  6. Stretch out or lay down.

How to get the maximum benefit from a sauna?

Getting the most out of your sauna sessions
  1. Aim for four to seven 20-minute sessions per week in a sauna heated to around 80° to 100° Celsius (176° to 212° Fahrenheit). ...
  2. Build up your tolerance slowly. ...
  3. Drink a glass or two of water and take a rinse-off shower before and after using the sauna.

What not to do after a sauna?

After the end of the sauna session, you should not clean yourself with shower gel or soap, just apply some lotion.

What's the best thing to do in a sauna?

7 Cool Things To Do Inside Your Sauna
  • Loosen Up. Looking for an easy way to squeeze some light exercise into your day? ...
  • Get Inspired. When you're inside a sauna, you're in a relatively distraction-free environment. ...
  • Take a Mental Vacation. ...
  • Enjoy Some Tunes. ...
  • Practice Your Pitch. ...
  • Try Deep Breathing. ...
  • Relish the Peace and Quiet.

How can I maximize my sauna results?

How to get the most out of your sauna:
  1. Shower before and after using your sauna.
  2. Maximize skin exposure to heat.
  3. Maintain a regular schedule and routine.
  4. Exfoliate and boost circulation to the skin.
  5. Stay hydrated.
  6. Stretch out or lay down.

The ULTIMATE Guide to Saunas & Heat Exposure | Dr. Rhonda Patrick

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 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.

Does sauna burn fat?

Saunas themselves do not directly burn fat. The weight loss observed after a sauna session is primarily due to water loss through sweating, which is temporary and regained upon rehydration. With that being said, there are a few ways that saunas can have indirect benefits that may support weight loss or body mass loss.

Is it okay to sauna everyday?

To achieve a positive effect, up to three sauna sessions are recommended per week. For healthy people, there is nothing to stop them from even taking a sauna every day. However, it should be noted that if you visit the sauna several times a week, you should reduce the number of sauna sessions per day.

How many calories do you burn in a 30 minute sauna?

How Many Calories Can You Burn in a Sauna for 30 Minutes? Another study[2] found that a 30-minute session in a sauna could burn between 300 and 500 calories, depending on current weight, metabolism, the sauna's temperature, and the time spent in it.

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.

What is a good sauna routine?

The recommended length of time to spend in a sauna is 15-20 minutes. First-timers should start with five to 10 minutes. People with certain health conditions should not use a sauna. If you're not sure if that's you after reading this article, consult with a healthcare provider.

What is the rule of 200 in a sauna?

Basically, the Rule of 200 states that adding your sauna temperature and humidity level together should equal 200 if you would like to achieve perfect comfort. For example, if your sauna's temperature is set to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, then you need the humidity at 40%, so that you can achieve the desired Rule of 200.

Is sauna good for skin?

Saunas induce sweating, a natural process that helps the body eliminate toxins. As pores open up in response to heat, impurities are released, promoting a thorough skin cleansing- which can contribute to a clearer complexion and improved skin health.

What is the best thing to do right after a sauna?

Use a cold towel

One effective way to start cooling down is by using a cold towel. Many sauna facilities provide cold eucalyptus towels for this purpose. The icy cold sensation can be invigorating and help kickstart the cooling process. If a cold towel isn't available, you can also consider taking a cool shower.

Should you sit on a towel in a sauna?

Regardless of whether you use a bathing suit or not, you need a towel in the sauna. Basically, if you do not want PVC fabrics on your skin while you enjoy the heat, the towel is all you need. Otherwise, you can wear a swimsuit, but also use the soft towel to put on a bench before sitting.

How long before bed should I sauna?

If you want to get the best out of your sauna time for your sleep therapy needs, start by going to the sauna before bed. Ideally, step in for a sauna session 15 minutes prior to bedtime. This will raise your body temperature to the right degree range for promoting muscle relaxation and sleep-inducing response.

Do saunas really sweat out toxins?

One is that sweating can remove toxins from the body. It's true that sweating occurs during sauna use, but there is no scientific research that proves sweating detoxifies the body. Toxins such as alcohol, mercury, and aluminum are mainly removed by the kidneys, liver, and intestines.

Should I cold shower after sauna?

Because you sweat during your session and toxins are released, having a shower after your sauna will help to cleanse the skin and close pores. A cold shower after your sauna can also activate cold shock proteins in the body, which may help assimilate fat for weight loss.

How long to stay in the sauna for detox?

Knowing how long to sit in sauna for benefits is crucial to ensuring safe and effective results. While the optimal duration may vary depending on individual factors and sauna types, a general guideline of 15-30 minutes per session, 2-4 times per week, is a good starting point.

What not to do in a sauna?

Don'ts:
  1. Avoid Alcohol. Never consume alcohol before or during a sauna session. ...
  2. Don't Overstay. Staying in the sauna for too long can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion. ...
  3. Don't Bring Electronics. Saunas are no place for phones or other electronics. ...
  4. Avoid Heavy Meals. ...
  5. Don't Use Strong Fragrances. ...
  6. Avoid if Unwell.

Should I wet myself before sauna?

Before entering the sauna

In fact, the only rule is that you enter the sauna with clean, showered and preferably dry skin. You can go to the swimming pool first, but it is necessary to dry well afterwards, before entering the sauna, so that the sweating effect starts earlier and is stronger.

How to get the most benefit from a sauna?

10 Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Sauna Experience
  1. Bring a Towel: Sit or lie on a towel to absorb sweat and maintain cleanliness. ...
  2. Stay Consistent: Regular sauna use can lead to better long-term benefits. ...
  3. Rest and Rehydrate: After your sauna, take time to cool down and relax.

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