If you’ve spent any amount of time in a sauna, you’ll know that you tend to sweat. A lot. And it’s eccrine sweat, which is a different type of sweat than your body produces during vigorous exercise.
Eccrine sweat tends to be clear and odorless, due to the lack of bacteria presence. Which is why you don’t necessarily smell bad after a sauna session but you do after exercising.
You might be thinking: “Okay then, I don’t have to shower after my sauna session since I won’t smell bad“. Au contraire mon ami! That is not the case. You do need to shower after a sauna session to wash surface-level toxins away and to keep your skin pores clear.
Now that you know you should indeed shower after a sauna session, this article aims to dive deeper into the why. We’ll look into the science behind it and why you really should have a quick shower post-sauna session.
Understanding Infrared Saunas
Before we can understand the science behind why showering is so important, we need to understand how infrared saunas work.
Instead of heating the air around you, infrared saunas use near-, mid- and far-infrared light to heat your body directly, which is referred to as the “full spectrum“. This direct heating provides a set of unique benefits, which is a topic we previously covered.
So now that we know that infrared light causes a person to sweat and it heats the body directly, the questions become: “How long should I wait to shower after sauna?” or “Is an infrared shower different?”
We’ll answer these and more as we explore infrared saunas, equipping you with knowledge for your next sauna session.
The Science Behind Sweating in an Infrared Sauna
As we mentioned above, infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly. This direct approach makes you sweat more than traditional saunas. And as we established at the top, it’s eccrine sweat, which is different than the electrolyte-heavy sweat produced during vigorous exercise.
Sweating helps the body eliminate toxins; infrared saunas are especially good at this. The light penetrates deep into the skin, making you sweat from within. This process helps in detoxifying the body more effectively.
Benefits of Infrared Sauna Sessions
Infrared saunas, especially far-infrared saunas, have gained immense recognition for their numerous health benefits. Unlike public saunas or outdoor saunas, they use infrared light to directly heat the body, offering a distinctive infrared sauna experience.
From enhancing blood circulation to elevating mood, here are the top benefits of infrared sauna sessions:
- Increased Circulation: Infrared light and infrared heat boost blood circulation, helping the body function better and potentially aiding in weight loss.
- Pain Relief: Many find relief from aches and pains after an infrared session in an infrared sauna cabin. The heat can also help reduce blood pressure by increasing the heart rate.
- Toxin Removal: Sweating in an infrared sauna helps the body eliminate harmful toxins, promoting a better skin tone and removing dead skin cells.
- Improved Skin Conditions: Regular sessions can lead to more precise, healthier skin, improving various skin conditions.
- Mood Enhancement: The heat can help reduce stress, improve overall mood, and offer a much-needed digital detox.
- Cardiovascular Health: The rise in core temperature and heart rate during a sauna session can enhance cardiovascular health.
The Great Debate: Should You Shower After Infrared Sauna?
After a relaxing infrared sauna session, many face the dilemma of whether to shower immediately or wait. This debate often stems from the unique infrared sauna experience that differs from traditional or public saunas.
Imagine this: Sarah, a regular at her local spa, recently tried the far-infrared sauna. As she stepped out, feeling the effects of the infrared heat, she noticed her skin tone looked more vibrant.
She remembered her friend advising her to wait 15-20 minutes before a cool shower to let her core temperature drop naturally.
But another friend had suggested a warm shower immediately to wash off the sweat. Confused, Sarah decided to research and find the best post-sauna practice.
Why Showering Post-Session is Recommended
Sweating is the body’s natural way of detoxifying. After an infrared session, the body sweats out toxins, and washing them off is crucial. Leaving sweat on the skin can clog pores, leading to various skin conditions and preventing the removal of dead skin cells.
Showering helps maintain a healthy skin tone and ensures that the detoxification process, started by the sauna, is completed.
So, do you need to shower after an infrared sauna? Absolutely.
It’s not just about feeling refreshed; it’s about ensuring that the numerous health benefits of the sauna, from improved circulation to cardiovascular health, are fully realized without any drawbacks.
Infrared Sauna Sessions: Cold Shower vs. Warm Shower
So, you’ve just stepped out of an infrared sauna and you’re feeling that cold, refreshing breath of air. Now comes the question: is it better to cool down with a cold shower or ease into a warm one?
From personal experience: Taking a cold shower after your sauna session can feel incredibly refreshing.
The cool water helps lower your body’s core temperature, gets your blood moving, and might even help you shed a few extra calories by kickstarting your body’s brown fat.
But a warm shower is the way to go if you’re looking for something gentler. It eases your body back to its normal temperature without the sudden jolt of cold.
And for those monitoring their blood pressure, a sudden cold shower might make your heart race a bit. Choosing a cold shower or a warm rinse after your sauna is all about what feels right.
Timing Your Shower: How Long Should You Wait?
After wrapping up a rejuvenating infrared sauna session, you might wonder, “how long should I wait to shower after the sauna?” It’s a common question, and for good reason.
Before hopping into the shower, giving your body some time to cool down naturally is essential. This stabilizes your blood flow and ensures you get the full range of health benefits from the sauna heat.
Pre and Post-Infrared Sauna Routines
Setting the right routines before and after your infrared sauna session can enhance the experience and benefits. These routines can make a difference, from hydrating properly to setting a relaxing mood.
Pre-Infrared Sauna Routines:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before your session. Consider having a couple of glasses of water or coconut water to ensure you’re well-hydrated.
- Eat Light: Consume a light meal, preferably fresh fruits, about an hour before your session.
- Set the Mood: Create a relaxing environment with soft music or meditation tracks to enhance relaxation.
Post Infrared Sauna Routines:
- Cool Down: Allow your body to cool naturally for about 15-20 minutes before considering a shower.
- Rehydrate: Drink plenty of water post-session. Avoid soft drinks and opt for coconut water or herbal teas.
- Rest: Take a moment to relax and let your body absorb the benefits. This can help reduce muscle tension and further promote relaxation.
Final Thoughts
So, should you shower after an infrared sauna? Absolutely, but waiting a bit is essential, allowing your body to cool down naturally.
Infrared saunas offer a unique experience, and by following the suggested routines, you can maximize the benefits. Remember, while these guidelines provide a good starting point, always listen to your body and adjust based on personal preference.
Give infrared saunas a try and embrace the wellness journey they offer!
A message from Sauna Squad
We hope we’ve provided some value in your research. But if you have any questions or concerns, hit us up on Instagram @thesaunasquad or feel free to fire us a message on our contact page.