Sauna and relaxation is a relaxation ritual that has been around for centuries. And while the sauna was first introduced for hygienic reasons, today the benefits of the sauna go far beyond that, from its positive benefits for the body to its effects on sleep and psychological health. There is a growing body of research that seeks to find out and understand how the heat of a sauna can affect our bodies. Let's take a look at the already known and proven benefits of sauna.

Probably one of the most well-known benefits of a sauna - softer and brighter skin. Environmental pollution, poor nutrition, stress or improper skin care lead to the accumulation of toxins in the pores of the skin. A visit to the sauna is a great way to help the body get rid of these toxins - the heat stimulates sweating, which is the body's natural way of removing dirt, excess oil and toxins. This process is called detoxification or toxin release. Removing impurities from the skin improves skin tone, softens the skin and restores its overall condition.

Sauna - for preventing skin rashes. Sauna can be a useful tool for preventing skin rashes for several important reasons. Firstly, sweating cleanses the skin of impurities that can clog pores and cause rashes. The heat of the sauna also helps you relax and relieves stress, which is one of the main causes of skin rashes or deterioration of existing skin conditions. The relaxation and stress relief provided by the sauna can help to reduce the tension felt, thereby reducing the risk of skin rashes.

Sauna use has a positive effect on cellulite reduction. The heat in the sauna stimulates blood circulation, which can help reduce the appearance of cellulite marks. Improved circulation helps the body to absorb nutrients more efficiently and to remove toxins, which are the cause of cellulite formation. Heat also affects the elasticity and texture of the skin, which can slightly reduce the appearance of cellulite marks on the skin.

Despite the many positive effects of saunas - it can also affect the skin negatively. One possible negative effect is drying out of the skin caused by excessive use of saunas. The high temperatures can remove the skin's natural oils, which are essential for skin hydration and elasticity. This can lead to dry, flaky and sensitive skin surfaces.

Excessive heat and sweating can cause skin irritation or even burns. Particularly sensitive skin can find it difficult to tolerate high temperatures and humidity, leading to redness, itching or even rashes.

Although saunas are known to help cleanse the skin's pores, intense sweating can also clog them, worsening the overall condition. This happens when sweat and dirt are not properly removed after a sauna.

Less common is when prolonged and intense sweating removes the skin's natural bacteria and damages the protective sebum layer, which helps fight the spread of germs and infections.

However, moderate visits to the sauna can be a great way to care for your skin. It is important to follow the rules for sauna use, to moisturise and look after your skin properly after a sauna visit, and to consult a specialist if you have any doubts about your skin's condition or reaction to sauna exposure.

The benefits of a sauna are not limited to the skin - it also has a positive effect on the body's overall functioning. There are 6 main benefits of the sauna that help to improve the body's overall performance:

1. Improving circulation: the heat of the sauna stimulates blood vessels to dilate, which improves circulation throughout the body. This not only helps the body to get more oxygen and nutrients, but also helps to flush out toxins and impurities.
2. Boosting immunity: some studies show that regular sauna use boosts the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells and triggering the body's natural defence mechanism against infections and diseases.
3. Muscle relaxation: a sauna can be a great way to relax and relieve muscle tension after physical activity or stress. The effect of the heat can improve muscle flexibility and relieve physical pain and tension.
4. Stress relief: spending time in the sauna has a calming effect. The heat of the sauna stimulates the release of endorphins, which has a calming effect, and the relaxation of the body's muscles from the heat helps to relieve stress and tension.
5. Skin and hair health: we've discussed sauna benefits for the skin in more detail before, but it's worth noting that cleansing pores and removing toxins from the skin has a positive effect not only on the skin but also on the hair.
6. After the sauna, take a cold shower. If you take a cold shower after the sauna, your body will absorb even more benefits. First of all, it washes away sweat and dirt, which cleans the pores more effectively and promotes skin regeneration. Cold showers stimulate the immune system and increase the body's resistance to disease. It also helps to regain energy, improve mood and positively activate the nervous system. 

In addition to the exceptional benefits for the skin and the body, regular visits to saunas and saunas have a positive effect on our psychological health. First of all, it is a ritual that helps to relieve stress. The high temperature of the sauna promotes muscle relaxation and the reduction of tension in the body, and also stimulates the production of endorphins, or 'happiness hormones', which are 'responsible' for satisfaction, mood and emotional well-being.

A sauna has a positive effect on sleep quality, which is one of the most important components for maintaining good mental health. Sauna helps to reduce cortisol levels, or the stress hormone, which helps to reduce psychological tension and anxiety, which are often the main causes of insomnia and poor sleep. The heat and sweating in the sauna also reduces physical tension and relaxes the muscles, so that the body is relaxed and ready for sleep.

Sauna can be used as a form of meditation - staying in a calm environment, directing your thoughts and focusing on your senses.

Sauna time is a place to enjoy quiet, relaxing time with family or friends - social interaction also has a positive effect on psychological health, promoting relationship building and emotional support.

But note that all of this can have different effects on different groups of people - especially those with psychological exhaustion or other psychological problems. It is therefore important to be attentive to yourself, to listen to your body's signals, and to seek professional advice if you have concerns about your mental health.

Spending time in a sauna should not be expected to rejuvenate or stop the natural ageing process. It may contribute to a slight improvement in appearance and well-being by moisturising the skin, improving circulation and reducing stress - from more supple skin to better circulation and absorption of nutrients - but it will not stop the body's natural processes, which are determined by genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle.

Although we have discussed many of the health benefits of saunas, there is also insufficient evidence to show that people who regularly use saunas live longer. Research has tended to focus on the benefits of saunas for specific health problems or factors, such as their effects on cardiovascular health, skin conditions and stress reduction.

On the other hand, Studies show that saunas can have a positive effect on some health problems that can contribute to a longer life. For example, sauna use reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is one of the most common causes of death.

We know that life expectancy is determined by many factors - including genetics, lifestyle, diet and physical activity. So a sauna can be just one way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In many cases, all the insights discussed and shared above are scientifically proven. These facts are based on numerous scientific studies and research analyses that confirm the health benefits of saunas. The sauna as a health tool has deep roots going back millennia: from the ancient Roman Empire, where saunas were used for discussion and debate, through different cultures, to the present day, where it has become a symbol of a way of life that encourages people to find time to stop and relax in the rush and the chaos of life.