Hot and dry vs. a gentle and steamy sauna?
Some people prefer hot and dry saunas, while other enjoy softer, gentler, steam room-like experiences. Both types of sauna bathing offer unique benefits.
Benefits of a hot and dry sauna
- The intense heat of a dry sauna aids in post-workout recovery, helping muscles relax and relieving tension.
- The powerful heat increases your heart rate, similar to a cardiovascular workout, which is beneficial for heart health.
- Sweating helps remove dead skin cells, offering a gentler exfoliation compared to many abrasive skincare products. Be sure to shower and cleanse your skin before entering the sauna, as bacteria and sweat combined can harm your skin.
- Sweating improves blood flow to the skin, also known as cutaneous circulation.
- Sweat from the heat helps reduce water retention and boosts metabolism – just remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Benefits of steam and lower heat
- For some, the steam and gentle heat offer a more relaxing and therapeutic experience. Not everyone views the sauna as a competition to see who can endure the highest temperatures.
- Many find the softer “löyly” (sauna steam) more relaxing and beneficial. The Wall Combi heater, for instance, features a stone cup where you can add fragrances and essential oils to elevate the experience.
- The steam helps open pores, making it easier to cleanse the skin and allowing skincare products to penetrate more deeply.
- Steam and humid air stimulate mucosal secretions and open up the airways, providing relief for asthma and congestion.
- For those suffering from rosacea, a skin condition where blood vessels dilate and cause redness, steam and lower heat are a gentler option. Sudden heat changes can trigger rosacea flare-ups, so lower temperatures are recommended.
However, there’s no need to choose between the two. The Wall Combi features an adjustable integrated steamer for those who enjoy the added humidity, but it can also function as a traditional sauna heater when the steam option is turned off. This versatile heater can be tailored to suit everyone’s preferences – a great feature when your sauna companions have different tastes.
