10 things you shouldn't do after a sauna

Saunas are an integral part of many spa experiences, often paired with a variety of thermal experiences to support mental and physical health. So, how can you make the most out of them and what shouldn't you do afterwards if you want to maximise the benefits?

How to use a sauna

Using a sauna is a great pleasure for those who enjoy heat experiences. There are four basic types of sauna, drawing their heat from wood, electricity, gas or sometimes solar power.

These typically include Finnish saunas, dry saunas, steam baths, and infrared saunas. That's before you get to a world of wellbeing with hot and cold experiences that work in harmony with one another, from caldariums and sanariums to tepidariums, hydrotherapy pools and more.

The benefits are wide ranging, supporting the immune system, soothing muscles, and aiding detox.

Sauna aftercare: What to do and what not to do

What you do after time in a sauna is about as important as enjoying sauna experiences themselves. Those activities not only help to maximise the benefits, but also help to make sure you don't overdo it - after all, heat is a powerful wellness tool.

Amongst the things typically recommended you do after time in a sauna, include:

• Drink plenty of water
• Replenish your skin with good quality creams or oils
• Spend time in spa relaxation areas
• Book a spa treatment after you’ve spent time in thermal spaces

There are also things that aren't recommended after a sauna:

1) Avoid drinking alcohol

Try to avoid drinking alcohol after time in a sauna as it contributes to dehydration and the effects can be exacerbated having been in the heat.

2) Avoid drinking caffeine

It's not recommended that you drink caffeine after time in a sauna because of its diuretic effects. Instead, hydrate with water, water with cucumber, herbal teas, and drinks with electrolytes (like coconut water or lemon and ginger with a pinch of salt).

3) Don't jump into strenuous exercise

It's best to do your exercise before time in a sauna so your muscles stay relaxed afterwards. In addition, your body works hard in the heat, so heading into exercise afterwards not only undoes some of the relaxation benefits but it can leave you feeling dizzy too.

4) Avoid hot showers

It's fine to shower after time in a sauna, and indeed it’s recommended, but avoid scalding hot water in favour of lukewarm or cool showers to close pores, cool down, and boost circulation.

5) Avoid heavy creams

Don't slather on heavy creams straight away - let the body settle and rinse with cool water. Heavy creams can clog pores when applied straight away.

6) Don't rush

Time spent in a sauna can be deeply relaxing, and the rest period after the heat is as valuable as the heat itself. Instead, stop for a moment, spend time in relaxation spaces and cool down.

7) Avoid heavy meals

Avoid eating heavy meals straight away. It's common to feel hungry after time in thermal experiences, and it's a good idea to eat something to rebalance those blood sugars, but try to avoid heavy meals and rich foods immediately afterwards as it can make you feel sluggish and uncomfortable. Instead, gently ease your body in with light snacks like fruit and nuts, and leave it half an hour or so before eating more substantially.

8) Don't catch a chill

While it's part of the wellbeing experience to incorporate contrast therapy alongside time in saunas, with cooler spaces, experience showers, ice caves, and plunge pools, be careful not to catch a chill by sitting in cold spaces for too long. If you head into an air conditioned space, for example, make sure you dry off and put on a robe.

9) Don't forget to shower

Don't forget to shower after you've finished in the sauna. After sweating in hot spaces, rinse off in the shower to remove any surface oils from the skin.

10) Don't sit in a wet swimsuit

Don't sit in a wet swimsuit for too long. We always recommend that you take two swimming costumes on a spa day or break so you have one to change into after you've finished using the wet facilities. That way you can spend time on loungers in relaxation spaces, and enjoy spa treatments, without feeling uncomfortable or risking rashes and infections.