Key Takeaways
- Leave Electronics Outside: Avoid bringing phones, gadgets, or devices to prevent damage from heat.
- Skip Jewelry: Metal and tight jewelry can cause burns or skin irritation in the sauna.
- Keep Food and Drinks Out: Eating or drinking disrupts the peaceful sauna experience and can lead to dehydration.
- Avoid Strong Fragrances: Scented products can overwhelm the air and cause discomfort in the sauna.
- Wear Loose Clothing: Tight clothes restrict sweating and comfort; opt for loose-fitting or no clothing at all.
What Not to Bring to a Sauna: Essential Guidelines for a Safe and Comfortable Experience?
Avoid Bringing Electronics and Gadgets
It’s best to leave your electronics, such as phones and gadgets, outside the sauna. Using a phone in sauna conditions can lead to serious damage, including overheating or battery failure. Phones, especially, can suffer from battery performance loss or even shut down entirely when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, the sauna’s intense conditions can void the warranty on your devices. For safe storage, always keep your electronics in the changing area or a designated safe place.
Leave Your Heavy Jewelry and Accessories Behind
Jewelry made from metal or non-precious materials can pose a risk in the sauna. Metals can heat up rapidly, causing burns on your skin. Even costume jewelry can suffer from heat, potentially warping or losing its shine. Tight rings or necklaces might also lead to skin irritation or damage. Sweating in a sauna can further tarnish jewelry over time, and delicate gems could loosen in their settings. To avoid all of these issues, it’s best to leave your jewelry in a secure area before entering the sauna.
Don’t Bring Food or Drinks into the Sauna
Bringing food or drinks into the sauna is unhygienic and distracting. Eating can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature and cause discomfort. Alcohol in the sauna is especially risky, increasing the chances of dehydration or overheating. The sauna is a place for relaxation, and eating or drinking can disrupt the peaceful environment. If you’re thirsty, it’s fine to bring water in, but avoid other beverages and food to maintain a clean and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Skip Strong Fragrances and Scented Products
Strong fragrances, whether from perfumes or scented oils, should be avoided in the sauna. The heat amplifies these smells, which can become overwhelming and even cause discomfort, like headaches or breathing difficulties. Scented oils and products can also affect the sauna’s air quality, making it harder for everyone to breathe freely. In addition, certain chemical fragrances can release toxins when exposed to heat. To ensure a pleasant environment, stick to unscented products and enjoy the natural aroma of the sauna.
Avoid Wearing Tight or Restrictive Clothing
Tight clothing in the sauna is uncomfortable and unsafe. It can restrict blood flow and interfere with your body’s ability to sweat, which is essential for cooling down. Tight clothes can also cause chafing and irritation, making it harder to relax. They might increase your risk of overheating, as they trap sweat and heat against your skin. For comfort and safety, opt for loose-fitting clothing or go without, allowing your body to sweat and regulate heat more effectively.
Leave Your Towel or Bathrobe Outside
While towels and bathrobes are useful outside the sauna, they should be left outside the room itself. Wearing a towel or bathrobe inside can trap moisture and heat, creating an uncomfortable environment. It can also disrupt the sauna’s air quality by introducing extra humidity. To maintain proper hygiene and prevent distractions, follow the sauna’s etiquette by leaving your towel or bathrobe in the changing area or at the door before entering.
Do Not Bring Wet Clothing into the Sauna
Wet clothing in the sauna can significantly affect the environment. It increases humidity levels, making it harder to breathe and enjoy the heat. The excess moisture can also create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, posing a health risk. Wet clothes trap moisture against your skin, interfering with your body’s natural temperature regulation. To make the most of your sauna experience, always enter the room with dry clothes or simply go without for the most effective heat therapy.
Avoid Using Oils or Lotions That Can Clog Sauna Surfaces
Oils and lotions should be avoided before entering a sauna. Applying them can cause slippery surfaces, leading to accidents. These products can also leave behind residue on the sauna’s wood or other surfaces, potentially clogging and damaging them. Over time, oils may stain and degrade the sauna’s materials, affecting both its cleanliness and aesthetic. For a safe and comfortable sauna experience, keep oils, lotions, and other greasy products to a minimum to maintain hygiene and preserve the space.
FAQs
Can I bring reading materials like books or magazines into the sauna?
If you’re thinking about bringing reading materials like books or magazines into the sauna, it’s important to consider the environment. While it’s okay to bring a book or magazine, the heat and humidity can cause damage. Paper materials, like books and magazines, can get warped, crinkled, or even torn in such a hot, steamy environment. E-readers like Kindles are generally safer to bring, but they can still overheat or malfunction, especially in high temperatures. To prevent damage, consider using a waterproof case or opt for materials that can handle the sauna’s conditions, like waterproof books or digital formats. Just be mindful of how much time you spend reading, as the sauna is best enjoyed for relaxation.
Is it safe to bring plastic water bottles or containers into the sauna?
When it comes to bringing plastic water bottles into a sauna, there are a few concerns to keep in mind. First, high sauna temperatures can cause plastic bottles to degrade over time, especially if they’re left in direct heat. As plastic breaks down, it may release harmful chemicals into your water, which can be harmful to your health. Additionally, plastic can leach chemicals when exposed to extreme heat, giving your water an unpleasant taste or even a bad smell. While plastic bottles may not melt immediately, they can warp or soften under intense heat. Some specialized plastic bottles are designed for high temperatures, but it’s generally safer to opt for materials like stainless steel or glass for sauna use. These alternatives won’t degrade or release harmful substances, ensuring you stay hydrated without the risks associated with plastic in the sauna.
Should I bring my phone or smartwatch into the sauna if it’s “water-resistant”?
Bringing your phone or smartwatch into a sauna may seem harmless, but it’s risky. Even though water-resistant devices can handle some moisture, the intense heat and humidity in a sauna can damage them. Steam, for example, can compromise your device’s water resistance, leading to malfunction. Saunas can also cause your phone or smartwatch to overheat, which may shorten their lifespan or cause them to shut down unexpectedly. Water-resistant smartwatches, in particular, have a temperature limit—exceeding that can lead to permanent damage. The real danger lies in how sauna conditions affect both the battery and internal components of your devices. In short, it’s better to leave your electronics outside to keep them safe and working properly.
Can I wear makeup or skincare products into the sauna?
When heading to the sauna, it’s best to avoid wearing makeup. The heat can cause makeup to melt, clogging pores and possibly leading to breakouts. Removing your makeup before entering the sauna is a smart choice to keep your skin clear and fresh. As for skincare, it’s generally okay to wear sunscreen, as long as it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. However, be cautious with products like serums. The intense heat may affect their effectiveness, potentially leading to irritation. Always remember that the sauna’s heat can disrupt makeup, causing it to break down, leaving your skin irritated.
