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Mikrodermabrazja kontra sauna - Która metoda pielęgnacji skóry jest lepsza?
Use High Temperature To Thwart The Spread Of Sauna Bacteria
Bacteria love moist and warm environments, but many microorganisms will die in high enough temperatures. You should always look for a sauna that is above 150°F. Most bacteria will die between 140°F and 158°F, so anything between those is perfect if you want to stay safe in the sauna. You will want to keep your eye on the hygrometer and thermometer in your sauna.
Although saunas can be breeding grounds for germs, they can easily be cleaned out. If you are sitting in a public sauna, you will want to ensure you wear the proper clothing, rinse off before and after the sauna, and sit on a towel to catch the sweat. If you feel comfortable, you should always wear flip-flops or foot covers because the floor tends to be the germiest. Having your own sauna means less risk, but you should still always clean regularly.
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What Infections Could Develop From The Sauna?
A few things are known to come from saunas and that you should be mindful of. None of them are life-threatening, and if you follow sauna etiquette, there are very slim chances of these happening to you. There is a chance of the following infections: a yeast infection on the skin, a fungal infection, impetigo, and a few other bacterial infections that are less common but still possible.
Are Steam Saunas More Conducive to the Spread of Bacteria?
Steam saunas do not get as hot as traditional saunas, so it is easier for bacteria to thrive in these conditions. You should always go to a steam sauna that practices proper cleaning protocols. This may be more of a risk. The steam rooms’ tiles do not have any antibacterial properties like the wood used in a traditional sauna.
Are Infrared Saunas More Conducive to the Spread of Bacteria?
Infrared saunas don’t have all the humidity floating around in the air, so this important ingredient for bacteria to thrive is thankfully missing. Without all that damp moisture that a steam sauna has, bacteria and mold are both less likely to grow. That said, people are still sweating a lot, and leaving their own fluids behind. So, while the likelihood of bacteria or germs being present in an infrared sauna is lower, it’s still not zero.
I Used a Sauna Every Day for 2 Weeks. Here’s What Happened to My Body
Saunas have been around for thousands of years, and today's celebrities still tout them as health and wellness essentials for everything from muscle recovery and stress relief to improved lung function and better sleep.
Lady Gaga, for example, has shared that she uses an infrared sauna every day to alleviate bone inflammation from a hip injury she suffered years ago. Actor Chris Hemsworth and former professional soccer player David Beckham have also been vocal about using a sauna for the alleged health benefits they provide.
Since I’ve heard about so many positive experiences from sauna users, I wanted to try one myself. Because my gym in St. Louis, Missouri, has a sauna that's available for all members to use, I was able to regularly access the facility to document how repeated sauna use did—or didn't—impact my physical and mental health.
I also wanted to incorporate a sauna session into my daily routine because I put my body through a lot of stress and strain through weightlifting, running, stair climbing, and hiking.
Here are the top things I noticed after using my gym’s sauna for 15 minutes every day for two weeks.
Risks
Overall, saunas are safe for most people. But if you have certain health conditions, you should avoid using saunas.
For example, individuals who have kidney disease, are pregnant, had a recent heart attack, have unstable angina (chest pain), or have severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the heart's major artery) should avoid the sauna.
Concerns about sauna use include:
- Dehydration: During a sauna session, an average person will expel a pint of sweat through their pores. This releases toxins, but requires replacing the water lost to avoid getting dehydrated.
- Changes in blood pressure: During a session in the sauna, blood pressure can increase and decrease, while pulse rate can jump by 30% or more. This doubles the amount of blood that the heart pumps by the minute. As such, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional before going to a sauna if you have a heart condition.
Does Sauna Use Kill Sperm?
Frequent sauna use may affect spermatogenesis, which is the origin and development of sperm cells. Therefore, people with testicles who are actively pursuing parenthood may want to refrain from regular sauna use.
My Skin Was Softer and Clearer
During colder months, my skin tends to get extremely dry, especially the areas around my face, neck, elbows, and hands. I was nervous to use the sauna at first because I thought sitting in a hot room would dry my skin out even more.
To my surprise, after using the sauna, my skin felt less dry, softer, and more hydrated. I left each session feeling warmed from the inside out, and my skin felt full and plump. I noticed that some acne on my face—particularly around my temples and forehead—had lightly cleared. Larger breakouts on my chin shrank in size.
Eric Ascher, DO, a family medicine physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, told Verywell that saunas help to open up pores, allowing them to expel toxins and waste that can lead to blemishes.
Mark Fierstein, MD, clinical assistant professor in the department of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, added that the dry heat from the sauna increases blood flow to the skin, which can improve conditions like psoriasis.
"This can make the skin firmer and more elastic, which makes the skin look better,” Fierstein told Verywell.
