Are Saunas Good For Your Skin

From relaxation to detoxification to overall mental and physical wellness, saunas are renowned for a ton of health benefits. But the question as to whether or not saunas are good for your skin is something that’s often up for debate. 

You see, the idea of subjecting the skin to intense heat and sweating may not sound very promising. 

However, a lot of sauna experts and enthusiasts argue it is actually beneficial for overall skin health. In fact, some sauna-goers even suggest a Steamist sauna is the key to all things healthy skin. 
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So, what’s the reality, and more importantly what is science’s take on this? 
Well, read on as I’ve discussed everything along with my own insights as a sauna professional. 

Are saunas good for your skin or not? ​

​Saunas are super beneficial for our skin, we all know that. But what about the skin? 

Sauna lovers point to the fact that just like other body organs, their skin also benefits from regular exposure to the hot sauna ambiance. And this is true across all saunas, be it modern sauna rooms powered by the likes of a Steamist sauna heater, infrared saunas, or traditional Finnish enclosures. 

Talking about the skin benefits themselves, sauna goers highlight glowing and softening effects on their skin. Moreover, some sauna bathers even suggested that sauna bathing helped them get rid of skin acne permanently. 

As a sauna bather myself, I find such arguments relatable since I’ve experienced these benefits myself. 

However, let me also tell you that saunas can also do more harm than good if not used the right way. More on that later, first, let’s take a look at the science behind saunas and improved skin health. 

Why are saunas good for your skin as per science? 

We’ve all experienced that soft and radiant skin after a good 30-minute sauna session and got curious about how the sauna works such wonders. 

You might have asked yourself: What happened beneath your skin surface during the session? 

Well, here’s what actually happens to our skin during sauna bathing as per science: 

1. Sauna heat induces deep skin cleansing

One of the biggest advantages of saunas is that they promote natural detoxification by making you sweat profusely. 

You see, as our body temperature rises in the warm sauna ambiance, our sweat glands kick into action. And apart from regular water and salt, this also helps release impurities like trace minerals, lactic acid, etc. 

Furthermore, excessive sweating also flushes out dirt, oils, and other debris that otherwise clog skin pores and cause blemishes. 

What’s more? 

Sweating can also eliminate certain deeper-seated toxins that might be lingering in our bodies for months if not years.

Overall, there's a general scientific consensus that a good sweating session can leave your skin refreshed and cleansed. 

2. Improves blood flow to skin cells 
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Now, this is something I’ve discussed a lot: The sauna heat causes your blood vessels to dilate, thus improving overall blood circulation. And apart from other body organs, this improved circulation also reaches your skin. 

So, how does your skin benefit from this? 

Well, as the blood flow increases, a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients reaches your skin cells. This helps remove toxins, among other waste and promotes the regeneration of new skin cells. 

The result: You achieve a healthy and radiant glow on your skin.

3. Sauna bathing leads to faster exfoliation

Exfoliation is a natural process where our bodies get rid of dead skin cells. However, the combination of excessive sweating and increased blood flow can help quicken exfoliation, sloughing off those dead skin cells way faster. 

This swift natural exfoliation is sure to leave you with an improved skin texture. For instance, you might experience a softer and more radiant complexion as a result of regular sauna sessions. 

Bonus: Sauna can also make those wrinkles disappear Some skin experts suggest that sauna heat can stimulate collagen production, which will in turn help reduce signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. 

But that said, let me tell you that there’s no concrete scientific evidence of these anti-aging claims.

You might also want to read - Is It Safe To Sauna After A Tattoo? 

4. High heat helps combat stress-related skin issues 

You’ll agree when I say that stress can wreak havoc on your skin. That’s because from acne to eczema flare-ups to premature aging, and more, there are a lot of skin issues related to stress. 

Now, saunas are the number one source of natural stress-reduction. They soothe your nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and help you escape from that daily grind, thus reducing stress levels. 

And this eventually helps get rid of the associated skin issues and improves overall skin health and appearance.
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​Can saunas be bad for your skin? Here are some downsides

Apart from things sauna skin benefits, there are some potential risks too that your skin faces as you enjoy that cozy and warm sauna ambiance. 

So, it's important you understand the drawbacks and exercise caution every time you’re in the sauna. More so, if you’ve got certain skin conditions or have sensitive skin.

1. You can end up with a dehydrated and dry skin 

It is common knowledge that dehydration is one of the biggest risks of sauna bathing. In fact, as you sweat profusely, you lose body fluids fast, something you need to replenish by drinking plenty of water. 

Its other health risks aside, dehydration leads to dry, tight, and irritable skin. Not to mention that it can also cause other unpleasant side effects such as dizziness and headaches.

What’s worse? 

The intense sauna heat strips your skin of all its natural oils, leaving it parched and overproducing sebum. And this imbalance can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and other skin problems.

2. Sauna isn’t the best place for people with sensitive and irritable skin 

Are you someone with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, or other inflammatory skin conditions? 

If yes, the heat and sweating from a sauna might worsen your symptoms.  

Moreover, the heat can cause redness, flushing, and overall irritation, thus causing flare-ups, among others.

As such, it makes sense to consult with your dermatologist before going in for regular sauna sessions, especially if you’ve got existing skin issues. 

3. Heat stress can cause premature aging 

Moderate heat exposure can promote collagen production and reverse aging. But the same can’t be said for prolonged exposure. 

In fact, exposing your skin to excessive heat for a long time can actually have the opposite effect. That's because over time high heat can break down collagen and elastin fibers, thus contributing to premature aging. 

Also, overheating can stress out your body’s vital systems, leading to rashes, inflammation, and other problems.

Bonus: Sauna can reduce asthma symptoms

Are you asthmatic and looking for natural remedies to reduce symptoms? 
Well, regular sauna bathing can help you reduce the worst of asthma symptoms. Also, it can prevent asymptomatic individuals from becoming symptomatic. 

Learn more on my blog - Is Sauna Good For Asthma? 

How to keep your skin safe in the sauna? 

While the skin benefits of sauna are profound it is also essential to keep your skin safe in the sauna in order to avoid the ripple effects. 

All in all, here’s what you can do to be safe in the sauna: 

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water or electrolyte-rich beverages to replenish the fluids you're losing through sweat. 
• Limit your time in the sauna to around 15-20 minutes to prevent overheating and excessive dehydration.
• Cool down gradually and never abruptly exit the sauna or expose your skin to a sudden temperature change. 
• Cleanse your skin after the sauna session to remove any impurities and apply moisturizer to replenish any lost skin moisture.
• Don't push yourself beyond your limits and exit the sauna if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or unwell.
• If you have any pre-existing skin conditions, allergies, or sensitivities, it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist. 

Frequently asked questions about sauna and skin health

Are some saunas better than others for skin?
While all saunas have more or less similar skin benefits, there could be slightly different effects depending on the sauna type. For instance: 

• Infrared saunas might be gentler than traditional saunas since the former is not too warm.
• Steam saunas are more humid which can prevent your skin from getting parched.
• Dry saunas can be more irritating for sensitive skin.

Are infrared saunas good for your skin? 
Yes, infrared saunas offer the same skin benefits as regular saunas. Also, they’re considered safer for the skin since the ambient temperature in infrared saunas is much lower than in traditional saunas. 

Are dry saunas good for your skin? 
Like all saunas, dry saunas are also beneficial for the skin. 
But that said, I suggest you be more careful while in a dry sauna. That’s because these saunas can dehydrate you faster and cause irritation among those with skin issues. 

Can you use skin care products in the sauna?
No, you should rather wait for your sauna session to get over. And that’s for two reasons:

1. Extreme heat causes increased absorption.
2. Sweat prevents proper absorption. 

You might also want to read - The 8 Best Sauna Heaters In 2024. 

Final words 

I am sure by now you’d have got the answer to the question: Are saunas good for your skin?

You see, like all things sauna, there are some really impressive skin benefits that you stand to reap. But the only catch is to be careful and follow the best practices. 

Curious how you can enjoy these skin benefits on a budget? 

Maybe it's about time you think about installing a sauna in your home. It costs a fraction of day spa charges and creates your own private retreat. 

You can get in touch with us for your ideal home sauna solution!

At Steam & Sauna Experts, we are seasoned sauna professionals and our storefront has a huge inventory from leading manufacturers like Amerec, Delta Faucet, and Mr Steam. 

Simply put, we’ve got all your home sauna needs covered with a click. 

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