When Skin Hits the Sauna

Sep 25, 2026 — Soft Services newsletter

A Field Guide to Sauna Skin Part II

Soft Services — When skin hits the sauna, part II 96 A Field Guide to Sauna Skin Part II A writer, devoted bathhouse regular, and sauna obsessive, Katie Stone joins us again for another newsletter investigation. This is Part II of her Sauna Guide. Last time, we got a nice overview of the dermatological effects of putting our bodies through temperature extremes, the high highs and low lows. This time, we’re covering what to actually do about it.

Pre-Bathing Precautions So then what, exactly, should we be doing to prevent our skin from freaking out? A few things. 1. Rinse and cleanse—Get the pollution, product, and impurities off of the skin before the sweat starts to flow. This way, you’re less likely to have anything trapped in your pores, which can lead to inflammation and irritation. Comfort Cleanse ’s water-oil texture binds to grime for a deep, yet non-stripping cleanse, no harsh scrubbing needed. 2.

Skip the harsh stuff—Using retinoids, exfoliating acids, and scrubs immediately before the intense temperature changes can increase your chances of, how shall we say, dermatological agitation. 3. Bring a wool-felt hat—The hats you see at your local bathhouse aren’t just a fashion statement—they’re also utilitarian. Because the head often gets overheated before the rest of the body, wearing a hat can make the sauna more bearable for a longer period of time.

Plus, it limits direct heat exposure which can cause damage and irritation. As Cali Strauhs, esthetician and founder of Strauhs Studios, says: “Don’t forget, the scalp is an extension of our skin. ” While You’re Sweating—and Freezing Good personal hygiene matters for you, your skin, and your fellow bathers. 1. A. , reminds us that the little towel that’s provided is for our butts. ” Nobody wants to sit on a bench that’s been sweated on by someone else. 2.

Bring an extra towel for blotting—Key word: blotting, not wiping. “Constant rubbing can create friction, irritation and acne flares, particularly on the face, chest, and back,” according to Strauhs. Do so every 3-5 minutes, Dr. ” 3. Keep on rinsing—If you’re switching between sauna and plunge, rinse off every single time. Any sweat, salt, sebum, or residue will come right off, preventing future irritation while keeping communal spaces clean.

Plus, it eases your body into the temperature change, so you’re not shocking your system—and your skin. Post-Game Protocol The right aftercare cannot be overstated. Here’s what the pros suggest. 1. End on cold—While the jury is still out on matters of cold plunging and female fertility, from a skin health perspective, it’s definitely preferable.

“It’s much better for your skin and body overall,” says de Feis, since cold water can reduce visible inflammation and ease heat-induced redness. 2. Barrier repair, stat—“We know transepidermal water loss is increased for approximately 60 minutes post-sauna,” says Dr. Fergie, so ideally we’re applying a moisturizer while the skin is still damp.

She recommends Carea Cream , of course, since its more emollient texture forms a protective barrier over skin, preventing further moisture loss. Plot Twist: the biggest bathhouse skin offender is not the sauna or the plunge. Perhaps you saw this coming, but it’s true: the locker room is the source of so many body care woes. “Fungi, viruses, and bacteria are more likely to spread through damp locker-room floors, shared towels, and improperly maintained water,” says Strauhs.

While “most sauna and bathhouse operators are pretty comprehensive about cleaning,” says Courtney Wittich, it’s true that no process here is perfect—especially when other humans don’t have the best... sweat-iquette . A few rules for the road, with the road being the locker room: 1. Wear flip flops—I’ll come forward and say I learned this the hard way after a particularly bad bout of athlete’s foot a few months ago.

Now, my Havaianas are always in my sauna bag, as I fear the day I’ll have to step on a tiled floor with my bare feet. 2. Don’t shave before you bathe—Any sort of openings or rawness in the skin can leave it vulnerable to potential icky stuff, scientifically speaking. On that note, make sure you don’t have any serious cuts, abrasions, or recent scars which can also increase your chances of infection. 3.

Get out of your swimsuit ASAP—Most women are familiar with the risks that come with a wet bathing suit, but I’m sorry to say, a yeast infection is just the tip of the iceberg. Pseudomonas folliculitis, otherwise known as “the hot tub rash,” is when hair follicles become infected, causing itchy red bumps in places where your wet bathing suit covers the skin. Avoid it by spending the least amount of time possible in said bathing suit. 4.

Dry off thoroughly—I know we said to moisturize when you’re still a bit damp, but once applied, ensure it’s fully absorbed into your skin before putting on clothes. Moisture + friction + bacteria = bad news. Speed Soak delivers a punch of hydration that flash-absorbs to cut down on dry-down time. Sauna Skin Sounding Board Katie Stone Substacker and Creative Strategist Dr. A. COMFORT CLEANSE SPEED SOAK CAREA CREAM

Tags: Guides, Dry Skin, Ingrown Hair, Fungal Infections, Comfort Cleanse, Carea Cream, Speed Soak