3 things you need to know before using a sauna, Turkish bath or Jacuzzi
Some people avoid spa treatments such as saunas, Turkish baths or Jacuzzis. However, the scientific benefits of these feel-good features are proven to work all year round.
Regular exposure to saunas and steamy Turkish baths lowers blood pressure, relaxes muscles, relieves stress, flushes out toxins and cleanses the skin. Here’s what you need to know in order to enjoy the benefits of these detoxing treatments:
Stay hydrated
One of the most important things to remember when using a sauna or Turkish bath is to stay hydrated. When the weather is heating up, this is doubly important, since you’re likely losing double the amount of sweat as usual. Although each person’s hydration levels differ, try to aim for at least three pints of water before, during and after your spa session. You might even want to drink coconut water, or add a pinch of salt and honey, to replace the electrolytes lost through sweating.
When using a jacuzzi, drinking water is just as important. The effects of exercise - increased circulation, blood flow and heart rate - are all present in a hot tub, meaning you should up your fluid intake to suit.
Rinse before and after
Always shower before using a sauna, Turkish bath or jacuzzi. If you’re wearing sun lotion, make sure it’s completely washed from your skin to prevent a build-up in the jacuzzi water and to stop it melting into sauna and steam room facilities. Covering your skin with lotions and oils also prevents toxins from getting pushed out your pores when blood flushes to the surface of your body in a sauna or Turkish bath.
Immersing yourself in cold water afterwards is the best way to close your pores and pull blood back to your core organs. In Finland, saunas are often placed by the lakeside - perfect for taking a cool dip in the fresh waters after a deep cleanse.
Limit your spa time
The optimum time to stay in a sauna, steam room or jacuzzi is around 15 to 20 minutes. Use a timer and take time to cool off when needed, then re-enter if you want more spa-time. It’s important to wait until your body stops sweating before you go back in. If you begin to feel faint, nauseous, or dizzy - leave the facility immediately. An increased heart rate of up to 30% is considered normal, but if it speeds up significantly, this is a sign you need to exit the sauna, steam room or jacuzzi straight away. Your session should only last as long as it feels good.
Saunas, Turkish baths and jacuzzis are all highly beneficial for health and beauty. Enjoy them the right way with these three important tips and you’ll be glowing inside and out.