what is a dry sauna?
A dry sauna is not really a specific type of model of sauna in itself, but rather a term used in the sauna industry that describes the environment within a sauna itself. A traditional sauna uses stones that get heated up and in turn, heats up the entire inside of the room from a central location. This is the "dry sauna" experience that most people refer to.
You can ladle a little bit of water over the stones to create steam within the room, which makes it more of a wet sauna and is different than a "dry sauna".
what temperature should a dry sauna be?
Since a dry sauna is a traditional type of sauna, the temperatures will usually range quite a bit, somewhere around 158°F and 212°F (70°C - 100°C).
The most common temperature range is somewhere around 150°F to 175°F though and is what the majority of people are most comfortable with (in general).
These temperatures are a little bit hotter than what you would expect to see if you were to use an infrared sauna.
what are the benefits of a dry sauna?
The benefits of a dry sauna are typically what she would find in nearly any type of sauna whether it is a dry, wet or infrared model. There are a few different effects due to humidity, temperature and other underlying elements.for the most part the benefits are all the same. There is a great article on some of the other benefits of sauna use here.
Some of the most common benefits of a dry sauna are:
- the release of toxins through perspiration
- the ability to heal stiff and sore muscles
- a relaxed state of mind and body
- increased metabolic rates
- health benefits for some chronic illnesses/diseases
what is the difference between a wet and dry sauna?
We test a little bit on the main difference between a wet and dry sauna in the first question and really is a very small detail that most people overlook. A dry sauna refers to the environment in a sauna room where rocks are heated.
A wet sauna is basically the same environment as described above but with elevated humidity levels. This is achieved by ladling a little bit of water over the rocks to create steam which makes the air in the room more humid. That is basically the difference between a wet and dry sauna.
what is the difference between dry sauna and infrared sauna?
A dry sauna uses a sauna heater that typically heats up stones or rocks and is the primary source of heat that heats up the entire area from one central location. An infrared sauna uses many different heaters that are positioned closely to the body and heats up those specific areas.
Like I mentioned in one of the questions above, traditional saunas typically run a little bit hotter than an infrared model.
what is a dry sauna used for?
Dry saunas are used for many different things, just like any other type of sauna would be used for. These can range but are typically used for physical purposes like treating muscle soreness, releasing toxins from the body, treating some diseases, etc. There really are quite a few benefits to list and I will probably make a more extensive list in the future and when I do I will link to it here.
what do you wear in a dry sauna?
Apparel can really depend on whether you are using a public or private sauna and their requirements for a public one may be a little bit more strict than if you are using your own private one at home.
The best thing to wear is nothing at all because the less clothes you have on the better your body can sweat and the more effective the entire sauna experience can be.
Usually a towel made from a natural material is one of the best choices for coverage, if you have to go that route and even bathing suits made from natural materials can be used and still make the experience worthwhile and very beneficial. The overall rule of thumb here is less is more!
what does a dry sauna do for your skin?
There are a few main things that a dry sauna can do for your skin and some of them are quite surprising as far as how beneficial they actually are. Heat makes the skin sweat and perspiration is the skins way of removing impurities and cleansing itself. Another really great benefit is the fact that a sauna can put you in a very relaxed state which is the opposite of stressful and as we all know stress can cause all kinds of problems, especially to your skin.
