You just crushed a sweaty, intense hot yoga class. You finally sink into Savasana and the instructor walks around the room gently offering a chilled, aromatic towel. It sounds like pure bliss, but before you press it to your face, it's worth asking how it might affect your complexion.
Many yoga studios offer a moist towel infused with essential oils at the end of a session, which can be a wonderful way to aid in relaxation and cooling down post-hot yoga. If you have normal and balanced skin, go ahead and indulge in this soothing ritual! It’s a great way to close out your practice.
When You Should Pass
However, if you have sensitive skin, rosacea or active breakouts, you should definitely pass. As nice as the towel might smell and feel, it can actually have a negative impact on your skin.
While aromatherapeutic, essential oils can severely irritate sensitive or stressed skin, increase overall redness and easily cause rosacea flare-ups. Additionally, if the towels have not been properly disinfected prior to use, the added bacteria, detergent residue and dirt can cause sudden skin flare-ups and irritation on freshly opened pores.
The best alternative? Bring your own clean towel from home and wet it with water from your cold water bottle to get all the cooling benefits with zero risk of cross-contamination.
The Ultimate Post-Class Cool Down
Want to give your skin exactly what it needs after a heavy sweat session? Skip the heavy oils and harsh studio towels entirely.
Additionally, using a hypochlorous acid spray post-class can help balance the skin, effectively reduce irritation and instantly calm post-class redness. Just a few spritzes will purify your complexion before you even leave the studio!
Stay glowing, balanced and hydrated!
