How do you prepare your body for a sauna?

Author: Coty Harber  |  Last update: Sunday, September 28, 2025

To prepare yourself for what's to come, complete the following prior to your next sauna session.
  1. Drink plenty of water. ...
  2. Rinse off in the shower. ...
  3. Have two towels handy. ...
  4. Remove all jewelry. ...
  5. Leave the tech behind. ...
  6. Start off with a short interval. ...
  7. Sit on a towel. ...
  8. Relax!

What should I put on my body before a sauna?

Moisturize your face and body before or immediately upon entering a saunas. Use a light moisturizer - such as a day cream - if you have oily skin, and a heavier one - such as coconut oil - if your skin is dry. You might use both types of cream, reserving the heavier one for the area around your eyes.

Do I need to wet myself before a sauna?

Yes, it's generally recommended to shower before going into a sauna. Showering helps to remove sweat, dirt, and oils from your skin, which can enhance the sauna experience and promote better hygiene. Additionally, rinsing off can help your body acclimate to the heat more effectively.

Do you sit in a sauna with clothes on?

In a sauna, it is common and generally accepted to be undressed, as the heat can be intense and clothing can trap moisture and heat against the body. However, some people may choose to wear a swimsuit or a towel for modesty or personal comfort.

What's the healthiest time to sit in a sauna?

When is the Best Time to Use a Sauna to Maximise the Benefits?
  • morning sauna: Kickstart your day with a heat boost. ...
  • Pre-Workout Sauna: Loosen Up and Prevent Injury. ...
  • Post-Workout Sauna: Enhance Muscle Recovery and Relaxation. ...
  • Evening Sauna: Wind Down and Improve Sleep Quality. ...
  • Sauna for Cardiovascular Health: Timing Matters.

Sauna + Exercise 10X Health Benefits: NEW Science

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 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.

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.

Should you wipe sweat off after sauna?

Thoroughly wipe yourself off after your sauna. Optionally shower 15 minutes later with room temperature or cold water. Hydrate all the time and during your session, but avoid restroom breaks that interrupt your session.

What to do in a sauna for beginners?

Shower thoroughly prior to entering the sauna. Sit fully undressed on a large sauna towel. Only stay as long as you feel comfortable in the heat, but for a maximum of 12 minutes. Remain still in the sauna.

What is sauna etiquette?

Shower Before You Enter

Not only is this hygienic—rinsing off sweat, body oils, and any cosmetics—it also preconditions your body for the heat. Don't: Use heavy soaps or fragrances before entering. The hot air intensifies smells, and you don't want to overwhelm your fellow sauna-goers with a potent scent.

How soon should I shower after a sauna?

STAGE TWO COOLING DOWN

And even here, there are some rules to follow. According to the classic Finnish method, there is a short bath in ice-cold water, which can be replaced by a shower in cold or lukewarm water, waiting at least two minutes after leaving the sauna.

How long should a beginner sit in a sauna?

Among other benefits, regular sauna use can help relax muscles, improve blood flow, and bolster skin health. The recommended length of time to spend in a sauna is 15-20 minutes. First-timers should start with five to 10 minutes.

What is the best sauna routine?

Sauna Duration and Frequency: Begin with 5-10 minute sessions, 1-2 times per week, and listen to your body to gradually increase both duration and frequency. Maximizing Benefits: To reap the best benefits, stay hydrated, alternate between hot and cold, and incorporate relaxation techniques during your sauna routine.

Do you wear shoes in a sauna?

Maintain a harmonious steam experience by observing proper etiquette: Footwear: Kindly remove outdoor shoes or socks before entering the steam area, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment. Open-toe rubber shoes can be worn.

Does sauna flatten stomach?

While spot reduction is not possible through exercise alone, saunas can play a supportive role in reducing overall body fat percentage, including belly fat. The increased metabolic rate and calorie burn induced by sauna therapy can contribute to a calorie deficit, which is essential for fat loss.

What to wear to a sauna?

Comfort is essential in a sauna, therefore lightweight, breathable textiles such as cotton or linen are perfect. These materials improve heat regulation and prevent overheating, keeping you comfortable during your exercise.

What is the negative effect of 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.

How to prep for a sauna?

To prepare yourself for what's to come, complete the following prior to your next sauna session.
  1. Drink plenty of water. ...
  2. Rinse off in the shower. ...
  3. Have two towels handy. ...
  4. Remove all jewelry. ...
  5. Leave the tech behind. ...
  6. Start off with a short interval. ...
  7. Sit on a towel. ...
  8. Relax!

Can I use my phone in the sauna?

Humidity and Moisture: Saunas, particularly traditional steam saunas, have high humidity levels. Electronic devices, including smartphones, are generally not designed to handle such high moisture environments. Moisture can seep into the device, leading to corrosion of the internal circuitry.

What should you do after being in 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.

What is not allowed in a sauna?

Nicotine and alcohol should be taboo during the sauna bath. No sporting activities between sauna sessions. This would put unnecessary strain on the heart and circulatory system. In order to positively support the detoxification of your body, you should give your body enough liquid after the last sauna session.

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