The sauna as a wellness ritual

The sauna is one of the oldest and most natural beauty rituals. In Finnish tradition, it was not only a place for cleansing the body, but also a space for rejuvenating the skin and calming the mind. For generations, Finns have treated the sauna as a natural spa—without rushing, without chemicals, and with great respect for the body’s needs. However, to fully harness the potential of the sauna and enjoy healthy, radiant skin, it’s worth knowing how to properly care for it before, during, and after sessions.

Skin care before the sauna

Before entering the sauna, take a shower and thoroughly cleanse your skin of:

• makeup,
• creams and lotions,
• perfumes and SPF products.

The high temperature opens your pores, so any cosmetic residue could penetrate deeper into your skin and cause irritation. In Finnish tradition, people often use natural, simple soap without unnecessary additives for washing. We enter the sauna with clean, dry skin, free of lotions and oils. The skin should be able to breathe freely and sweat—this is one of the key elements of its cleansing.

What happens to the skin during a sauna session?

Under the influence of high temperatures:

• the skin’s pores open,
• blood flow increases,
• the skin sweats profusely, eliminating toxins.

Regular sauna visits help improve skin elasticity and firmness. The heat stimulates collagen production and improves microcirculation, resulting in better oxygenation, tighter, and more supple skin. This is one of the reasons why the sauna has been considered a natural “elixir of youth” for centuries.

Exfoliation – Between sessions

It’s a good idea to exfoliate between sauna sessions. After the first heating cycle, your skin is already warmed up, your pores are open, and your circulation is stimulated, making it easier and gentler to remove dead skin cells. It is important to remember to:

• exfoliate only once during your entire sauna visit,
• choose natural, fine-grained exfoliants (e.g., salt, coffee, herbs, honey),
• avoid exfoliating if your skin is irritated, very sensitive, or damaged,
• do not exfoliate directly in the sauna, where high temperatures could put excessive strain on the skin.

Skin care after a sauna

1. Cooling and closing the pores

After leaving the sauna, it is extremely important to cool down—a cool shower or fresh air helps close the pores and soothe the skin. This moment is considered just as important in Finnish tradition as the heating itself.

2. Hydration

Your skin reflects your body’s hydration levels. After a sauna, drink:

• water,
• herbal teas,
• herbal infusions.

Staying well-hydrated supports skin regeneration from the inside out.

3. Skin nourishment and regeneration

After a sauna, your skin is particularly receptive, making it the perfect time to apply natural skincare products. The Finnish skincare philosophy is guided by the principle: the simpler, the better. After a sauna, it’s worth reaching for:

• regenerating lotions,
• body oils,
• intensely moisturizing creams,
• nourishing, moisturizing, and soothing masks.

After a sauna, the skin “drinks in” active ingredients, which is why even simple skincare brings visible results.