When considering the lifetime investment of a hot tub purchase, you may come across some contradictory research regarding the effects of hot tub soaking on skin. Myths around adverse effects on skin have to do with hot tub sanitation and the cleaning chemicals used. It’s true that if not properly disinfected, hot tubs can harbor bacteria that can lead to skin irritation or infection. Hence the importance of keeping your hot tub well maintained, and water sanitized!

But once that maintenance foundation is set, the beautifying effects of soaking in hot water are in the overwhelming majority. Similar to the effect of a steam room, soaking in hot water opens your pores so that oil and dirt can be removed. The process here is two-fold: the sweating you do at high temperatures helps to draw toxins to the surface of your skin. Your hot tub water then works to remove these toxins, which are destroyed by minerals in the water. As with a spa session, the glow you often notice as a result of a lengthy hot tub soak tends to linger. This is because the heat of hot tub water encourages the deeper flow of blood and lymph fluids as blood vessels dilate, which has lasting effects on the appearance of your skin.

Soak your way to clearer skin, by remembering these four tips!

1. Firstly, make sure that you keep your hot tub water well maintained, to avoid the opposite effect of skin irritation! Pay particular attention to the water care products you’re choosing if your skin tends to be sensitive. Beachcomber Softis your best bet, as a soothing water enhancer that helps stabilize pH levels while improving water quality for a silky water effect. Blended from naturally occurring borate salts, Soft’s moisturizing effects on your skin will compliment your soaking routine nicely. Find Soft, available in a pleasant green apple scent, on the Beachcomber e-Store: https://store.beachcomberhottubs.com/water-care/water-care-systems/soft

2. Spend at least 15 minutes in your hot tub.This will allow for maximum opening of your pores. While you soak, try gently rubbing the skin on your arms, legs, face and back, to stimulate the circulation at your skin’s surface. You can then use an exfoliating face scrub after your soak, for further cleansing action while your facial pores are still open.

3. Try following your soaking ritual with a quick cold shower.This rinse will seal your pores after their detox and draw the blood back to your core organs, which also reinforces your body’s immune system, as an added benefit. And you might want to drink a glass of warm water with a pinch of salt and honey to restore electrolytes after your soaking session. A proper electrolyte balance in your body will enhance the glow you’ll notice in your skin’s appearance.

4. Moisturize your skin following your hot tub session and cold rinse.Immediate moisturizing will lock in the hydrating effects of the lotion while your skin is at its most permeable. This will also allow you to combat any drying effects the heat may have on your skin, depending on your level of skin sensitivity.