Salt in the sauna: relaxation with risks and benefits

Introduction: Salt in the sauna

The sauna is a central place for relaxation and well-being for many people around the world. Various elements play a role in this, including heat, steam and tranquillity. But there are also other elements that can be used in the sauna to enhance the experience, and one of them is salt. In this blog post, we look at exactly how salt is used in the sauna and the effects it can have on health and sauna equipment.

Using salt stones in the sauna

A popular method of using salt in the sauna is to heat salt stones and then allow them to release their beneficial properties into the warm air. Some people believe that the resulting vapour has a positive effect on the respiratory tract and can strengthen the immune system. In addition, the mineral contained in the salt stones is said to support skin care and promote blood circulation. However, it is important to note that these benefits are controversial and there is currently no comprehensive scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of heated salt stones in the sauna.

Salt scrubs in the sauna

Another way to use salt in the sauna is to use salt scrubs after the sauna session while showering. You can either make these yourself or buy them. The application is simple: the scrub is applied to damp skin and then gently massaged in. This is intended to remove dead skin cells and deeply cleanse the skin. The minerals in the salt are also said to benefit the skin and make it softer and smoother. However, caution is also required here: The salt should not be too coarse in order to avoid skin irritation or even injury.

Possible risks of using salt in the sauna

Although there are many potential benefits of using salt in the sauna, there are also risks that need to be considered. One of these is that the use of salt stones in the sauna can increase humidity. Under certain circumstances, this can encourage the formation of mould and worsen the general air quality in the sauna. With salt scrubs, there is also a risk of the salt getting into the eyes or irritating wounds on the skin. It is therefore important to exercise appropriate caution when using them.

Effects of salt on the sauna heater and heating elements

A particular point of attention is the sauna heater. Salt is known to be corrosive and can attack metals.This can be particularly problematic when it comes to the metal parts of the heater and heating elements. Regular exposure to salt can gradually destroy these components and drastically shorten their lifespan. This corrosive process is due to the chemical composition of salt. When heated, salt can release chlorine, an element that can oxidise metals. In the case of the sauna heater, this can lead to considerable damage. We therefore strongly advise against using salt in any form inside the sauna, especially near the sauna heater, to avoid damaging the sauna heating element.

Summary

Whilst salt can certainly be an enriching component of the sauna experience, you should be careful how and where you use it. The safest place to use salt scrubs is probably outside the sauna, for example while showering. This way you can enjoy the potential benefits of salt without jeopardising your sauna or your health.

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