Both the sauna and the Turkish bath offer a space where you can relax in silence and take advantage of the effects of the heat. This stimulates circulation, relieves muscle tension and improves the appearance of the skin.
When cultures as different as Scandinavian and Arab share a health and beauty ritual as similar as sweating in a common space, it is because the practice endorses their qualities. Subjecting the body to intense heat increases sweating, circulation and, in turn, the health of the skin and the rest of the body.
But if you want to enjoy the sauna and turn it into a pleasant beauty ritual to improve the appearance of your skin, you should use it well. Let’s see first the differences between sauna and Turkish bath. Then we will focus on their benefits for the skin and how to use them correctly to get the most out of them.
DRY SAUNA OR TURKISH BATH?
Although what is sought in both is to take advantage of the beneficial effects of heat, the dry sauna and the Turkish bath have 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%, which makes you feel hotter. In some gyms it is called a wet sauna. As is tradition in their countries of origin, it is usually tiled.
The dry sauna, reaching 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 the cleansing of the skin. It also increases your blood flow and oxygenation, because the heart pumps faster.
With clear pores, oxygenated skin and the pink color that gives the increased irrigation, the appearance is rejuvenated.
Now, the benefits are more than aesthetic. By perspiring not only the pores are cleaned, 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.
In addition, both the moment of silence and tranquility that it offers and the muscular distension produced by the heat help to relax.
The above effects on health, in turn, are reflected in the condition of the skin, which relaxes and decongests.
8 KEYS TO MAKING THE MOST OF THE SAUNA
Like any health routine, it is best to use the sauna often, once or twice a week. But whether the sauna is used occasionally or frequently, it is good to prepare beforehand.
- Drinking plenty of water before entering and leaving is essential to avoid dehydration and, incidentally, to support purification.
- Taking a warm shower just before is good too. Eliminates soap and cream residues, 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 less.
- Lying down once inside helps to relax, although there are people who prefer to sit down. 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 towards the heart.
- After the sauna, it is advisable to shower again, usually with cold water, which stimulates circulation once more, closes the pores and removes sweat from the skin.
- To refresh and hydrate you can drink a glass of water with a slice of lime, lemon or cucumber.
- Hydrating the skin well at the end is also essential. If you are looking to get active after the sauna, a cream with a citrus fragrance is ideal; If you prefer to maintain a state of tranquility, you can opt, for example, for one with lavender essential oil.
PRECAUTIONS
- The optimal time to be in the sauna is 15 minutes, although there are those who cannot last more than five.
- In case of dizziness, it should come out immediately.
- Pregnant women should not use it.
- Heat can also be harmful for people with circulatory problems, such as varicose veins; the Mayo Clinic advises in this case the infrared sauna, with a more moderate temperature.
HOW TO MAKE A WET AND DRY SAUNA CIRCUIT
If you have access to both types of sauna – dry and wet -, you can make 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 move on to the cold pool, or a cold shower. It is only a few seconds, enough to get the whole body wet (the head is not necessary).
- You go back to the Turkish bath for another 5 minutes.
- He goes back to the cold shower, before taking a shower at a comfortable temperature.
Every time you enter the sauna it is important to listen to your body. If we feel unwell, dehydrated or dizzy, we must leave immediately.
