Facial care around the sauna: the simple 3-step routine

For many, the sauna is a ritual for both body and mind. Yet, the face is often neglected: a quick rinse in the shower, some cream from the bathroom cabinet, and you're done. However, a thoughtful facial care routine around your sauna session is well worth it. Your skin is warm, well-hydrated, and after cooling down, it welcomes a little extra attention. In this guide, we show you what a simple facial care routine before and after the sauna looks like, which products you truly need, and which mistakes you should avoid.

We have been running the Meri Sauna at Lake Kulkwitz for over 18 years. One of the most frequent questions from our guests is, "What should I actually do with my face?" This question inspired our Facial Care Set – and this guide.

Why facial care around the sauna makes sense

In the sauna, the skin is heated intensely; it sweats, and as it cools, it contracts. Many sauna-goers find their skin feels especially fresh and rosy afterward. At the same time, it can feel a bit dry, especially in winter when exposed to cold air outside and heating air inside. A simple facial care routine helps maintain that good feeling: start clean beforehand, nourish afterward.

For us, an honest assessment is important. Facial care is cosmetic, not curative. It ensures a pleasant skin feel, cleanses, and nourishes – that is all we promise. If you have skin concerns, you should consult a dermatologist.

What happens to the skin in the sauna

The heat increases blood circulation in the skin, giving it a rosier appearance. It sweats, and the sweat loosens residues on the surface. When cooling down, the skin contracts. For facial care, this means: the skin should be clean and free of makeup before the sauna; after the sauna is the right moment for nourishment.

Facial care in three steps

Good facial care doesn't have to be complicated. We recommend three simple steps that take only a few minutes: cleanse, occasionally exfoliate, and nourish. This is exactly how our Facial Care Set is structured.

Step 1: Cleanse

The first step of any facial care routine is cleansing. Before the sauna, remove makeup, sunscreen, and the day's dust. Our Cleansing Foam for normal skin comes as a fine foam from the pump dispenser. Apply it to your damp face, massage it in briefly, and rinse off with lukewarm water. It contains chamomile extract, panthenol, and glycerin, among other ingredients. There is a specific version for dry skin: the Cleansing Foam for dry skin.

Step 2: Exfoliate – but not before the sauna

The Gel Facial Exfoliant works with 2.5% lactic acid instead of abrasive particles. Lactic acid belongs to the alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) family and gently dissolves dead skin cells. Important: This exfoliant does not belong directly before or in the sauna. Skin is more sensitive after an acid peel, and the heat would be too much. Instead, schedule the exfoliation as its own little ritual on a quiet evening – once or twice a week is enough.

Step 3: Nourish

After the sauna and cooling down comes nourishment. Our Face Cream contains almond oil, avocado oil, and panthenol. It absorbs well and leaves the skin feeling soft. A small amount is enough: two pumps, distributed over the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, then gently patted in.

Facial care on a sauna day – step by step

Here is what a simple facial care routine on a typical sauna day looks like, as we recommend to our guests at the Meri Sauna:

1. Arriving and removing makeup: Completely remove all makeup. Otherwise, it will mix with sweat in the heat.
2. Shower and cleanse: Take a warm shower, then wash your face with the cleansing foam and pat dry.
3. Sauna session without cream: Do not apply cream before the sauna. The skin should be free to sweat.
4. Cool down: Fresh air, a cold shower, or a plunge pool – don't forget the face; a splash of cold water feels great.
5. Between sessions: Drink plenty of water, rinse your face only with clear water, and do not apply any products in between.
6. After the last session: Cleanse briefly one more time, let the skin cool down for 10 to 15 minutes, and then apply the face cream.

A good sauna-day facial routine needs nothing more. If you like, you can add hand cream – hands are often forgotten in the sauna.

Which facial care for which skin type?

Not all skin is the same. The following tips will help you adapt your facial care. They do not replace professional advice but provide good guidance.

Normal skin

Normal skin feels neither greasy nor tight. The classic routine with cleansing foam for normal skin, face cream, and an exfoliant once or twice a week is sufficient. This exact combination is included in the Facial Care Set.

Dry skin

Dry skin often feels tight, especially in winter and after showering. Here, we recommend the cleansing foam for dry skin and a slightly more generous amount of face cream. Be careful with exfoliation: start once a week and observe how your skin reacts.

Combination skin

With combination skin, the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) is often oilier, while the cheeks are drier. Targeted application helps: use cream sparingly on the T-zone and a bit more on the cheeks.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin reacts quickly with redness or tightness. Be cautious with the lactic acid exfoliant and test it on a small area first, for example, on the jawline. If your skin is very sensitive, it is better to avoid it. The full list of ingredients can be found on the product pages.

Facial care for men

Many men forgo facial care entirely in the sauna. Yet they, too, benefit from a simple routine – especially after shaving and in winter. The good news: it doesn't require a long list. Cleansing foam before the sauna, face cream after – done. Important: Do not use the facial exfoliant immediately after shaving, or it may sting. It is better to schedule it for a day you haven't shaved.

Explaining the ingredients in our facial care

Many people want to know what they are putting on their faces. That is why we explain the key ingredients of our VEGAN FOX facial care in simple terms. The full INCI lists are available on the respective product pages.

• Chamomile extract (Chamomilla Recutita): a classic plant extract used in many mild skincare products.
• Panthenol: a precursor to Vitamin B5, a proven conditioning agent that ensures a comfortable skin feel.
• Glycerin: binds moisture and is a component of many creams and cleansing products.
• Lactic Acid: a fruit acid that dissolves dead skin cells in the facial exfoliant.
• Almond oil and avocado oil: plant oils that give the face cream its smooth texture.
• Aloe Vera: a popular plant extract in the facial exfoliant.

All products are vegan. Some contain fragrances – this is noted in the respective INCI list.

Facial care in our sets

You can find VEGAN FOX facial care products individually and in several sets. This allows you to choose the combination that suits you best.

Facial Care Set

The Facial Care Set contains all three steps: cleansing foam, facial exfoliant, and face cream. It is the easiest entry into a thoughtful facial care routine and makes a lovely gift.

Your Sauna Routine

Your Sauna Routine combines the cleansing foam and face cream with a lightweight bathrobe, a hamam towel, and a shower gel. The set for those who want textiles and facial care in one package.

My Whole Wellness Day

My Whole Wellness Day adds the facial exfoliant and a hand cream to the sauna routine. Seven items for a complete sauna day.

Head-to-Toe Care Set

The Head-to-Toe Care Set includes the complete facial care plus all three shower gels, hand cream, and foot cream – without textiles. Ideal for anyone wanting to renew their care routine in one go.

An overview of all sets with their contents and savings can be found on our page Sets Overview.

Facial care in winter

In winter, skin has a particularly hard time. It’s cold and often windy outside, while indoor heating air dries it out. This is precisely when the sauna is most popular – and exactly when a good facial care routine is doubly worthwhile.

Our winter tips

• Don't shower too hot: Lukewarm water is more comfortable for the face than hot water.
• Nourish more richly: In winter, you can use a bit more cream than in summer.
• Reduce exfoliation: If you are prone to dry skin, exfoliate only once a week in winter.
• Protect your face after cooling down: Do not go out into the cold immediately with a wet face after the sauna; pat it dry first.
• Drink enough: Water or unsweetened tea, especially after the last sauna session.

And in summer?

In summer, skin is often a bit oilier, and many find lighter facial care more pleasant. Important note for fruit acid exfoliants like our lactic acid facial exfoliant: skin can be more sensitive to the sun afterward. Use sun protection during the day, especially in the days following exfoliation.

Your daily facial care routine

The sauna facial care routine can be easily adapted to daily life. Here is an uncomplicated routine that takes only a few minutes:

Morning

1. Wash your face with the cleansing foam or simply rinse with lukewarm water.
2. Apply face cream.
3. In the sun: use sun protection as the final step.

Evening

1. Remove makeup.
2. Cleanse face thoroughly with the cleansing foam.
3. Once or twice a week: apply a thin layer of facial exfoliant, leave on for 2 to 3 minutes, rinse off.
4. Apply face cream.

On a sauna day

On a sauna day, the sauna routine replaces the evening routine: cleanse before, nourish after, skip the exfoliant that day. This keeps facial care simple without overwhelming the skin.

Common mistakes in facial care around the sauna

Mistake 1: Wearing makeup in the sauna

Makeup, sunscreen, and sweat are not a good combination. Therefore, always remove makeup and cleanse thoroughly before the first sauna session.

Mistake 2: Applying cream before the sauna

A rich cream applied before the sauna acts like a film on the skin. Facial care belongs after the sauna, not before.

Mistake 3: Exfoliating directly before the sauna

An acid exfoliant makes the skin temporarily more sensitive. In combination with the heat, this can become uncomfortable. Therefore, schedule your facial exfoliation for a different day.

Mistake 4: Too much product

More is not better. One pump of cleansing foam, a thin layer of exfoliant, and two pumps of face cream are perfectly sufficient.

Mistake 5: Applying cream immediately after the sauna

After the last session, the skin continues to sweat for a while. Wait 10 to 15 minutes until it has cooled down. The facial care will then absorb better.

Mistake 6: Forgetting the hands

After the face, it's time for the hands. A hand cream with shea butter and macadamia is a lovely addition to your facial care after the sauna.

Myths about the sauna and facial care

"The sauna cleanses the skin from within"

This is often heard but is not quite true. Sweating is primarily for temperature regulation. The sauna does not replace cleansing – that is why the cleansing foam should be used before the first session.

"The skin doesn't need care after the sauna"

Many people feel fresh after the sauna and skip skincare. However, especially in winter, the skin can feel drier afterward. A simple facial care routine after the last session is well worth it.

"The more products, the better"

A ten-step facial care routine sounds elaborate and is. For most people, three products are perfectly sufficient: cleanse, occasionally exfoliate, nourish.

"Pores open up in the sauna"

Pores have no muscles and can neither open nor close. Heat softens the skin, nothing more. Therefore, for the face with an acid exfoliant, "exfoliating beforehand" is not recommended: a separate day is the better choice.

Combining facial care and body care

Facial care is only one part of the sauna ritual. For the body, we recommend a body exfoliant under a warm shower before the sauna, for example from our Exfoliant Trio with ginger, peppermint, and coffee. Follow with a mild shower gel, and after the sauna, a hand and foot cream. This creates a head-to-toe routine.

Important: Body exfoliants and facial exfoliants are two different things. Body exfoliants with salt and apricot kernels are too harsh for the face. The face should exclusively receive the gentle gel exfoliant.

Facial care while traveling and at wellness hotels

Anyone planning a wellness weekend doesn't want to leave their facial care at home. The good news: cleansing foam, facial exfoliant, and face cream fit well in a toiletry bag. Tip: The usual liquid rules apply to carry-on baggage – the 50 ml tubes of facial exfoliant and face cream are ideal for this, while the 200 ml cleansing foam belongs in checked luggage.

At the hotel, it is worth maintaining your routine: cleanse before the spa, nourish after, save the exfoliant for the evening. And if you are traveling light, swap the heavy hotel bathrobe for a lightweight cotton bathrobe and a hamam towel.

Facial care as a gift

Facial care is a lovely gift for those who do not treat themselves enough. The Facial Care Set is ideal for this: three coordinated products that together result in a complete routine. For a larger gift, choose the Head-to-Toe Care Set or "My Whole Wellness Day" with a bathrobe and hamam towel. You can find all sets in our Gift Sets for Sauna & Wellness.

A tip from our experience: If you don't know the skin type of the person you are gifting, the version for normal skin is the safest choice. You can read the ingredients in advance on the product pages.

How long does the facial care last?

How long a product lasts naturally depends on how often you use it. As a rough guide: 200 ml of cleansing foam will last several weeks with daily use. The 50 ml of face cream also lasts several weeks with two pumps per day. You only use the facial exfoliant once or twice a week, so it lasts significantly longer.

Once opened, you should use the products within the time indicated on the packaging – the small symbol with the open jar shows the number of months. Store your facial care products in a cool, dry place, protected from direct sunlight.

The correct application technique

How you apply a product makes a bigger difference than many think. A few simple steps ensure the skin is not unnecessarily irritated and the products distribute well.

When cleansing

Place the foam in your palms and distribute it over your damp face with gentle, circular motions. Do not rub; massage lightly. Avoid the eye area. Afterward, rinse with plenty of lukewarm water until no foam remains on the skin. To dry, lightly press the towel onto the skin instead of rubbing. A small, soft cloth like the Mini Hamam Towel Diamant is well-suited for this.

When exfoliating

Apply the gel thinly to a dry, clean face, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Do not exceed the application time of 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water. A slight tingling sensation is normal with fruit acids. If it stings significantly, rinse off immediately.

When applying cream

Warm the cream slightly in your fingertips, then apply in small dots to your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Distribute from the center of the face outward and gently pat into the skin. Don't forget your neck – it's part of your facial care.

Steam room, banya, and infrared – do the same rules apply?

Not all heat treatments are the same. The basic rules – cleanse before, nourish after – apply everywhere. However, there are a few special features.

In the steam room

In the steam room, the humidity is very high, and the temperature is usually around 45 degrees Celsius. The skin becomes damp and warm there, but it is not heated as intensely as in a Finnish sauna. Here, too: no make-up, no cream beforehand. Many guests find the steam room particularly pleasant for the face.

In the Russian banya

In the banya, which we celebrate at Meri Sauna with our rituals, it is hot and humid, and birch branches are often used. For the face, this means: let it cool down in peace afterward and only then apply care products. Many banya-goers wear a felt hat, which also protects the head from excessive heat.

In the infrared cabin

The infrared cabin works with heat radiation at lower air temperatures. The skin is heated directly. Again: enter clean, leave nourished.

After sports and after ice bathing

Sauna after training

Many people go to the sauna after sports. By then, the skin may already have sweat and sometimes sunscreen from running outside on it. This makes cleansing before the first sauna session all the more important. Afterward, the usual sequence applies: cool down, drink, nourish.

Ice bathing and cold water

Ice bathing and cold water after the sauna have become very popular in recent years. A short cold shower is pleasant for the face. Anyone staying in cold water for longer or bathing outside in winter should dry their face well afterward and apply cream once warmed up. Wind and cold dry out the skin even further.

Why we chose VEGAN FOX

Before skincare products enter our shop, we test them ourselves – in the sauna, at home, and while traveling. With VEGAN FOX from Latvia, three things convinced us: the straightforward formulas with plant oils and well-known nourishing ingredients, the pleasant textures, and the fact that all products are vegan.

It was also important to us that the products work well together. The cleansing foam, exfoliator, and cream build on each other rather than overlapping. This creates a routine that you will actually stick to – not a collection of tubes gathering dust in the bathroom cabinet.

What guests say at Meri Sauna

Many of our regulars have their own skincare routine. We hear one observation time and again: those who consistently remove make-up before the sauna and apply cream afterward feel much more comfortable in their skin after a sauna day than they used to. This isn't science, but everyday experience – yet it is one that has been confirmed over years.

Small extras for facial care

• A dedicated face towel: A small, clean towel just for the face is more hygienic than the large sauna towel.
• A hair clip or headband: Keeps hair out of your face while cleansing and applying cream.
• A toiletry bag: All products in one place – so you won't forget anything in your sauna bag.
• A thermos bottle: Staying hydrated is part of every sauna day, for example with an IZY bottle.

We have summarized what else belongs in your sauna bag in our packing list What belongs in the sauna bag?

Facial care for mature skin

Over the years, the skin changes: it often becomes drier and more sensitive to wind and cold. Many of our older sauna guests report that they feel more tightness after the sauna than they used to. For them, facial care that is a bit richer is worthwhile: cleansing foam for dry skin, a more generous amount of face cream, and only exfoliating once a week. It is important to us to be honest: a cream cannot stop time. However, it ensures that the skin feels supple and nourished after a sauna day – and that is worth a lot.

Facial care for impure skin

With impure skin, the temptation is great to cleanse a lot and exfoliate often. But too much of a good thing can further irritate the skin. Gentle cleansing before and after the sauna, a light cream, and moderate exfoliation are usually the better choice. Please do not squeeze pimples in the sauna – the skin is warm and sensitive, and redness occurs easily. In the case of persistent skin problems, the right path is to a dermatologist, not to the next product.

Sauna day or care day?

A question we hear frequently: Should you do sauna and intensive facial care on the same day? Our recommendation is to separate the two. On a sauna day, simple facial care consisting of cleansing and cream is sufficient. It is better to schedule exfoliation, a mask, or other intensive treatments for a different evening. This gives the skin enough rest between treatments.

A simple weekly plan could look like this: Sunday sauna with cleansing and cream, Wednesday evening facial exfoliation at home, and regular facial care every morning and evening on the other days. This routine is easy to maintain and does not overwhelm the skin.

How we put together our care sets

When putting together our sets, we were always guided by the same questions: What do you really need? What is actually used? And what fits together? For facial care, the answer was: cleansing, nourishment, and a gentle exfoliator for the week. Nothing more. That's why our face care set consists of exactly three products.

In the larger sets, we have combined facial care with textiles or other body care products. This way, everyone can choose the entry point that fits their sauna daily life – from a small care set to a complete wellness day.

Small habits for a relaxed sauna day

In addition to the products, there are a few simple habits that make a sauna day more pleasant for the skin and the mind. Plan enough time so you don't have to rush – three hours is a good rule of thumb for two to three rounds with breaks. Leave your phone in the locker so your mind stays free. Eat a light meal beforehand, but not directly before the first round. And after the final round, consciously take a few minutes before you get dressed: rest for a moment, drink something, then apply cream in peace.

These small things often make more of a difference than any additional product. They ensure that the sauna day becomes what it should be: a real break from everyday life. Those who arrive without time pressure also prefer to apply their cream in peace rather than quickly jumping into their jacket.

By the way: textiles also play a role. A light hamam towel on the bench and a bathrobe for the breaks ensure that you feel completely comfortable. We explain which combination suits you in detail in our bathrobe set guide.

Your checklist for facial care

• Make-up completely removed before the sauna?
• Face cleansed with cleansing foam?
• No cream applied before the sauna session?
• Allowed 10 to 15 minutes to cool down after the last session?
• Face cream applied thinly?
• Exfoliation only once or twice a week and not on a sauna day?
• Thought about sun protection during the day, especially after exfoliation?

Frequently asked questions about sauna facial care

Should I apply face cream before the sauna?

No. Before the sauna, you only cleanse your face. The face cream comes after the last sauna session, once the skin has cooled down.

Can I use a facial exfoliator before the sauna?

No. Facial exfoliators with lactic acid make the skin temporarily more sensitive. Better to schedule it for a day without sauna.

How often should I use the facial exfoliator?

Once or twice a week is enough. For sensitive or dry skin, it is better to start with once a week.

Which facial care is suitable for dry skin?

The cleansing foam for dry skin and the face cream. Be careful with the exfoliator and adjust the frequency.

Is the facial care also suitable for men?

Yes. Cleansing foam and face cream are suitable for everyone. Do not use the exfoliator immediately after shaving.

Are the products vegan?

Yes, all VEGAN FOX facial care products are vegan.

Where can I find the ingredients?

The full INCI lists are on the product pages for Cleansing Foam, Facial Exfoliator, and Face Cream.

Can I use the facial care without the sauna as well?

Yes. Cleansing foam, facial exfoliator, and face cream are made for daily facial care at home. The sauna is just a nice occasion to consciously take time for it.

What is the correct order?

Always cleanse first, then – if planned – exfoliate, and finally apply cream. On a sauna day, you skip the exfoliator.

Is the face care set a good gift?

Yes, especially for people who already have a bathrobe and want a simple, well-thought-out routine.

Conclusion: Simple facial care, big difference

Good facial care around the sauna does not have to be expensive or complicated. Cleanse before, nourish after, exfoliate occasionally – that's all it takes. This way, you start the first sauna session clean and give your skin the care it deserves after the last session. Our Face Care Set brings all three steps together in one package.

You can find all skincare products in our Skincare products category. And if you have any questions, write to us – we are happy to help.

Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and a sauna operator at Kulkwitzer See for over 18 years.