Santa Fe Saunas: Stealing Skin's Protective Oils?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

August 8, 2025

The allure of the Santa Fe sauna, with its promise of detoxification and relaxation, is undeniable. But for those of us battling dry skin, especially in already arid climates, the question lingers: is this wellness ritual actually sabotaging our skin? The answer, as with most things, is nuanced and depends heavily on individual skin type, sauna habits, and, crucially, a proactive skincare approach. Let’s dive into how to enjoy the benefits of a Santa Fe sauna without sacrificing your skin’s hydration.

The dry heat of a Santa Fe sauna, often reaching temperatures of 150-195°F (65-90°C), accelerates the evaporation of moisture from the skin. This is the core issue. While sweating can help flush out toxins, it also draws water and natural oils to the surface, which then evaporate, potentially leaving the skin feeling tight, dry, and irritated.

For individuals with naturally oily skin, this might be a welcome temporary effect. However, for those with dry or sensitive skin, or conditions like eczema, the sauna’s drying effect can exacerbate existing problems, leading to itching, flaking, and even inflammation. The key is understanding your skin and tailoring your sauna routine accordingly.

Let’s start with pre-sauna rituals. These are crucial for creating a protective barrier.

Hydrate Internally: Drink plenty of water before entering the sauna. Dehydrated skin is more susceptible to dryness. Aim for at least 16 ounces of water an hour before your session.
Cleanse Gently: Remove makeup and any heavy products with a gentle, hydrating cleanser. Avoid harsh soaps that strip the skin. Consider micellar water or a cleansing oil.
Apply a Protective Barrier: This is where the magic happens. For dry skin, apply a generous layer of a rich, emollient balm or oil. Think shea butter, coconut oil (if you tolerate it well), or a specialized sauna balm. This creates a physical barrier, slowing down moisture loss. For oily skin, a lighter serum with hyaluronic acid can provide hydration without feeling greasy.
Targeted Protection: Pay special attention to sensitive areas like the face, neck, and décolletage. These areas are often thinner and more prone to dryness and wrinkles. A thicker layer of balm is recommended.

Now, let’s consider sauna techniques to minimize oil stripping. It’s not just about what you put on your skin, but also how you use the sauna.

Limit Session Time: Shorter sessions are better. Start with 5-10 minutes and gradually increase as your skin tolerates it. Prolonged exposure to high heat will inevitably lead to more moisture loss.
Lower Benches: Heat rises. The lower benches in the sauna are generally cooler. Opt for a lower position to reduce the intensity of the heat exposure.
Avoid Overheating: Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or excessively uncomfortable, exit the sauna immediately. Pushing yourself too hard is never a good idea.
Gentle Cooling: Avoid shocking your skin with a cold plunge immediately after the sauna. A lukewarm shower is a gentler way to cool down and rinse off sweat.

Finally, the post-sauna routine is where you replenish lost moisture and soothe the skin.

Hydrate Internally (Again!): Replenish the fluids lost during sweating. Drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages.
Gentle Cleansing (If Needed): If you feel sweaty or oily, use a gentle cleanser to remove any residue. Otherwise, simply rinse with lukewarm water.
Hydrating Toner: Apply a hydrating toner to damp skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera.
Serum Application: Apply a hydrating serum. Again, hyaluronic acid is a great choice for all skin types. For dry skin, consider a serum with ceramides or peptides to help repair the skin barrier.
Moisturize Generously: This is the most important step. For dry skin, use a rich, emollient moisturizer. Look for ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and natural oils. For oily skin, opt for a lighter, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
Occlusive Layer (Optional): If your skin is particularly dry, consider applying a thin layer of an occlusive balm or oil over your moisturizer. This helps to seal in moisture and prevent further evaporation. Vaseline, Aquaphor, or a facial oil can work well.

Let’s tailor these routines to specific locations and skin types.

Los Angeles (Generally Milder Climate, but Still Dry):

Dry Skin: Pre-sauna: Shea butter balm. Post-sauna: Hyaluronic acid serum followed by a rich cream with ceramides.
Oily Skin: Pre-sauna: Lightweight hyaluronic acid serum. Post-sauna: Gel-based moisturizer.

Santa Fe (High Altitude, Arid Climate):

Dry Skin: Pre-sauna: Thick layer of coconut oil (if tolerated) or a specialized sauna balm. Post-sauna: Hyaluronic acid serum, rich cream with ceramides, and a thin layer of Vaseline.
Oily Skin: Pre-sauna: Lightweight hyaluronic acid serum. Post-sauna: Lightweight moisturizer with squalane oil.

New York City (Variable Climate, Pollution):

Dry Skin: Pre-sauna: Shea butter balm with added antioxidants. Post-sauna: Hyaluronic acid serum, rich cream with ceramides and pollution-fighting ingredients, and a facial oil.
Oily Skin: Pre-sauna: Lightweight hyaluronic acid serum with antioxidants. Post-sauna: Gel-based moisturizer with pollution-fighting ingredients.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them:

Using Harsh Soaps: Many soaps strip the skin of its natural oils. Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser.
Over-Exfoliating: Exfoliating too frequently can damage the skin barrier. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.
Ignoring Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredients in your skincare products. Avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances.
Not Hydrating Enough: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, not just before and after the sauna.
Skipping the Protective Barrier: This is crucial for preventing moisture loss. Don’t skip the balm or oil before entering the sauna.
Using the Sauna Too Frequently: Give your skin time to recover between sessions. Limit sauna use to 2-3 times per week.

The Santa Fe sauna experience can be a beneficial part of a wellness routine, even for those with dry or sensitive skin. The key is to understand your skin’s needs and adapt your skincare routine accordingly. By following these pre- and post-sauna rituals, you can enjoy the benefits of the sauna without sacrificing your skin’s hydration and health. Remember, consistency is key. Make these practices a regular part of your sauna routine, and your skin will thank you.