Saunas do more than relax your muscles. They can become a powerful tool in your beauty and wellness routine. But when it comes to pairing your glow-up goals with high heat, it’s important to know the right way to prep, care, and protect your skin and hair.
Whether you're unwinding in a traditional wood-fired barrel sauna or relaxing in an infrared sanctuary, these beauty dos and don’ts will help you get the most out of your experience—inside and out.
Before You Step In: Pre-Sauna Prep
Do: Go in With Clean Skin
Let your skin breathe. Saunas are designed to release impurities, so make sure your face and body are free from makeup, heavy moisturizers, or SPF before entering.
These products can block your pores and interfere with your body’s natural detox process.
Try:
- Using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser
- Rinsing off in a warm shower beforehand
Don’t: Enter with Makeup On
Anything that clogs pores has no place in a sauna. Foundations, waterproof mascaras, and thick moisturizers can create clogged pores, breakouts, and uneven skin texture.
Let your skin breathe and sweat freely for a true glow.
Treat Your Hair with Care
Do: Apply Hair Oil or Conditioner Before
Steam opens the hair cuticle, making it the perfect time to nourish your locks. Apply a small amount of hair oil or leave-in conditioner before entering, then wrap your hair in a towel or shower cap to lock in moisture.
Bonus: The heat helps the product penetrate deeper, leaving you with softer, shinier hair post-sauna.
Don’t: Ignore Heat Protection
Just like with hot tools, extreme heat can dry out your hair over time. Avoid entering with dry, unprotected hair, especially if it’s color-treated or brittle.
Inside the Sauna: Staying Comfortable & Clean
Do: Go Loose or Go Nude
Tight clothing can trap sweat and irritate the skin. Choose whatever keeps you most comfortable and lets your body regulate heat naturally.
This helps promote healthy airflow and keeps your temperature regulated.
Good to wear:
- A towel
- Loose cotton robe
- Linen wrap
Don’t: Wear Tight or Synthetic Clothing
Avoid anything tight, elastic, or made from synthetic fibers. These trap sweat and heat, which can lead to skin irritation or discomfort.
Don’t: Sit Without a Towel
Keep it clean and respectful. Sitting directly on the sauna bench can spread sweat and bacteria. A towel under you helps maintain hygiene and protects sensitive skin from direct contact with hot surfaces.
Do: Try Dry Brushing Before You Enter
Dry brushing before a sauna session stimulates circulation, exfoliates dead skin, and preps your body to sweat more efficiently. Use long, upward strokes toward the heart.
Best time: Right before showering and stepping into the heat.
After the Sweat: Post-Sauna Beauty Rituals
Do: Rehydrate Inside and Out
After your session, drink plenty of water and apply a hydrating moisturizer or body oil. Your skin is primed to absorb nutrients and moisture after a good sweat.
Replenish with:
- Hyaluronic acid serums
- Light body oils
- Aloe-based moisturizers
Don’t: Skip the Cool Down
Jumping straight from heat to cold without a brief transition can shock the system. Step outside, breathe deeply, and give your body a moment before plunging into cold water or rinsing off.
Do: Rinse Off With a Cold Shower (or Plunge)
Going from hot to cold isn’t just invigorating—it tightens pores, boosts circulation, and reduces inflammation. If you're brave, try a cold plunge. Even a cool rinse will do wonders.
💡Curious how contrast therapy supports beauty and recovery? Read our take on hot-cold rituals here.
Don’t: Exfoliate After
Your skin is already stimulated. Avoid exfoliants, retinoids, or strong acids right after a sauna session. Instead, opt for gentle hydration and barrier-supporting products.
Make It a Ritual: Long-Term Beauty Benefits
With consistent sauna use, you’ll start to notice smoother skin, less inflammation, and an all-around more radiant complexion. It's not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about tuning into what your body needs and giving it the space to reset.
Whether you're using sauna sessions weekly or weaving them into your daily rhythm, consistency (and mindfulness) makes all the difference.
