Actress Park Min-young has sparked conversation after revealing she installed a private sauna in her home to manage her health and appearance.
Appearing on the web variety show Salon Drip alongside her Siren co-star Wi Ha-joon, Park shared details of her home setup. "I highly recommend it," she told host Jang Do-yeon, describing a dedicated space complete with a table for snacks like eggs and sweet rice punch, and even bamboo decor to mimic a Japanese hot spring.
The actress previously drew concern after revealing she dropped to 37kg for her role as Han Seol-a in the tvN drama Siren, a feat she achieved by consuming three liters of water a day and strictly managing her intake. It appears the home sauna has become her primary tool for unwinding and reducing facial and body puffiness (edema) caused by a grueling filming schedule.
Can Saunas Effectively Reduce Puffiness?
Saunas are a popular pre-shoot routine for celebrities because they stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation through heat-induced vasodilation. This process helps the body eliminate waste products and can temporarily reduce the appearance of edema.
Research suggests that for healthy individuals, a sauna session can mimic the effects of light aerobic exercise by increasing the heart rate and promoting circulation. A long-term study by the University of Eastern Finland, which followed over 2,000 middle-aged men for 20 years, found that those using a sauna 4–7 times per week at approximately 80°C saw a reduction of more than 50% in the risks of dementia, heart attack, and stroke compared to those who went only once a week. Additionally, saunas can help clear skin impurities and activate immune cells.
Finding the Appropriate Frequency
While beneficial, moderation is essential. Excessive use can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and heat-related illnesses. Overexposure to high heat can also accelerate skin aging or place undue strain on the cardiovascular system.
For most healthy adults, a standard guideline is 10–15 minutes per session, 2–3 times per week. Depending on individual tolerance, some may prefer shorter 5–10 minute sets interspersed with rest periods and cool water to avoid cumulative fatigue.
Who Should Avoid the Heat?
Saunas are not suitable for everyone. Older adults and individuals with specific underlying conditions should exercise extreme caution:
Hypertension: Those with blood pressure readings of 160/100 mmHg or higher should avoid saunas. While those with stable, medicated hypertension may manage short sessions (under 10 minutes at 60°C or below), a physician’s consultation is mandatory.
Cardiovascular Disease: Patients with a history of heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction, or stroke are at a significantly higher risk of dizziness or even a recurrent stroke due to sudden vasodilation and dehydration.
Diabetes and Other Risks: Diabetics, pregnant individuals, and young children are more susceptible to heat illness. Furthermore, those with arthritis may find that extreme heat exacerbates joint inflammation.
Safety Precautions: Before and After
To maximize benefits and minimize risk, follow these safety protocols:
Hydration: Drink plenty of water before entering the sauna.
Timing: Avoid saunas when fasting, immediately after overeating, or after consuming alcohol. A light meal beforehand is ideal.
Monitoring: Breathe deeply and exit the sauna immediately if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Recovery: After your session, replenish electrolytes and rest in a comfortable environment for at least 10 minutes.
