Wading in a Korean Spa's Pools and Baths

The First Skincare Step: Sunscreen

Because SoJo Spa has outdoor areas — some with little shade — I always make sure my skin is protected. During my most recent visit, I slathered myself in Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 ($36), which goes on an opaque white so that I know that I've reached every inch of my body that I want covered, the Supergoop Superscreen Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 40 PA+++ ($38), which massages into my face and neck feeling like your lightweight, comfortable-wearing day cream, and the Supergoop Poof 100% Mineral Part and Scalp Powder SPF 45 ($38), which keeps the sun from burning or drying out my scalp.

1 / 4

Bathing in Volcanic Sand

Image Source: Instagram user jesamarie_

At this spa, I was able to bathe in volcanic sand — a treatment that the spa said quells muscle soreness and detoxifies skin (via sweating). During this treatment, I was buried under heated sand, which caused me to sweat so much, the clothes I'd borrowed were completely drenched. The timer was set to 15 minutes, but I only lasted 10 — and I chugged water. I was so thirsty and exhausted after the treatment (like I'd gone for a long run), but my skin felt incredible.

It's important to note that during this treatment, I was careful to listen to my body and hop out once I felt like I might have been overheating.

2 / 4

Sweating in the Dry Sauna

Image Source: Instagram user jesamarie_

I sweat easily, so the heat from both dry saunas and wet saunas at Korean spas caused me to do so profusely. After 10 minutes in a room that is heated over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, I left with soft skin and glowing, slightly pink cheeks. For one of my sweat sessions in a dry sauna, I threw on a sheet mask to give my skin some further R and R.

3 / 4