TIMELESS RITUALS FOR GLOWING SKIN AND DEEP WELLBEING
To a Finnish eye, you are at your most beautiful right after a sauna. Skin glowing, relaxed and at ease. This moment — just after an invigorating löyly — is where beauty and wellbeing naturally meet.
BEAUTY AND WELLNESS BENEFITS OF THE FINNISH SAUNA
Regular sauna sessions offers several well-known benefits for skin and overall wellbeing:
- Deep cleansing: Sweating helps remove impurities, excess sebum, and surface buildup from the skin.
- Improved circulation: Increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients, giving the skin a healthy, natural glow.
- Enhanced absorption: Warm, open pores allow skincare products to absorb more effectively.
- Deep relaxation: Heat relaxes muscles, reduces tension, and lowers stress — which always reflects positively on the skin.
SAUNA SKIN CARE
The heat and humidity of the sauna open the pores, boost circulation, and allow the skin to breathe. Deep sweating softens the skin and makes it especially receptive to treatments such as scrubs, masks, and nourishing oils. This is why sauna and skincare work so well together.
Balance is essential. Overly hot or dry sauna sessions can dry out the skin. Ensure there is enough steam in the sauna, stay hydrated, and always moisturize before and after the sauna. Sauna treatments should support the skin, not stress it.
For sensitive skin, applying a light, all-natural moisturizer to the face and neck before entering the sauna can offer protection against heat. A traditional and effective option is a honey mask, which soothes and hydrates the skin beautifully in the löyly (instructions can be found at the end of the article).
SAUNA HAIR CARE
Sauna is also an excellent environment for hair care when done correctly. Apply a nourishing hair mask to towel-dried hair and cover it with a towel before entering the sauna. The gentle warmth enhances absorption while the towel protects hair from direct heat, leaving it soft, moisturized, and strong.
BEAUTY RITUALS IN THE SAUNA
- For the face: Apply a gentle moisturizing or cleansing mask to warm skin. If your skin is sensitive, use a light base cream before entering the sauna to prevent moisture loss.
- For the hair: Use a rich hair mask on towel-dried hair and protect it with a towel during the session.
- For the body: Light exfoliation in the warm, humid air removes dead skin cells more gently and effectively.
- To enhance the benefits further, try Finnish birch whisking (vihta) to stimulate circulation and refresh the skin.
Make sure you protect the sauna benches when doing treatments in the sauna with bench covers or towels. Oils and masks can stain the wood.
APRÈS SAUNA
After the sauna, let the body to cool naturally. This is when skincare becomes most effective. Apply a nourishing cream or serum while the skin is still slightly warm and damp to lock in moisture and support recovery.
In Finland, we believe true beauty comes from within. Sauna does not create beauty — it reveals it. Through heat, simplicity, and mindful care, sauna connects the body, skin, and mind in a way few other rituals can.
_____________________________
HOW TO APPLY A MOISTURIZING & CLEANSING HONEY MASK IN THE SAUNA
1. Take a small amount of all-natural honey (2–3 tbsp) into the sauna.
2. Wash your skin before entering the sauna and warm up for a while to activate circulation.
3. Apply the honey to clean, warm skin, massaging gently into the skin using circular motions.
4. Leave on for 20–30 minutes. You may take löyly while the mask is working. If the mask starts to drip, gently wipe away any excess with a washcloth.
5. Rinse off with water in the shower. Do not use soap immediately after rinsing.