Do saunas really provide benefits for your skin? Are you really going to have clearer, healthier skin after a sauna session?
Great questions. While there is evidence to suggest sauna can help enhance blood circulation, kickstart the detoxification process, and even give collagen production a helpful boost, there are some risks to be weary of.
This is an interesting topic that we’ll dive deep into in this article. We’ll try to separate fact from fiction and debunk some myths regarding sauna and its benefits to your body, including your skin.
Ready to learn more? Let’s roll.
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Does sauna make your skin better?
Our skin, or “epidermis”, is the largest organ of our bodies, accounting for about 15% of our entire body mass. It is also one of the main components of our integumentary system.
Skin acts as the first line of defense against environmental stressors. It’s a complex ecosystem that requires adequate care to remain vibrant and healthy.
Here’s where saunas come into play, serving as a potent ally in the quest for better skin health.
What does a sauna do for your skin?
Heat exposure from saunas works wonders for your skin. It induces a mild stress response, which stimulates blood circulation, pushing nutrient-rich blood to the skin’s surface.
The induced sweating acts as a natural detoxifier, flushing out toxins, unclogging pores, and promoting healthier, clearer skin.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine suggests that sauna use can lead to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity due to enhanced blood circulation.
4 evidence-based sauna skin benefits
There are some other evidence-based insights related to sauna and skin health. Here are 4 main benefits based on peer-reviewed research:
- Improved Blood Circulation
Sauna sessions cause vasodilation – a widening of blood vessels. This results in increased blood flow, bringing nutrients and oxygen to the skin’s surface, giving it a fresh, rejuvenated glow.
2. Enhanced Detoxification
Sweating induced by sauna use is a potent detoxification method. As toxins are expelled from the body, you’ll experience fewer breakouts and clearer skin.
Another study published in the National Library of Medicine emphasizes the detoxifying properties of sweating, including its ability to purge the body of heavy metals.
3. Boosted Collagen Production
Sauna heat promotes collagen production, a key protein that maintains skin elasticity and prevents premature aging.
A study in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that heat exposure increased skin tightness and reduced the appearance of wrinkles.
4. Alleviation of Skin Conditions
Saunas may also provide relief from skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis by hydrating the skin and reducing inflammation. Research published in PubMed corroborates the therapeutic effect of saunas on these skin conditions.
Real world example
Health and wellness YouTuber Ebony Jane Nutrition shared her personal experience with sauna therapy as treatment for her skin in her video titled Sauna + Steam Rooms ???? ARE REALLY HELPING TO HEAL MY ACNE!
She discussed both the benefits and the potential drawbacks of using sauna therapy for clearing up one’s skin. “If you’ve got rosacea or really sensitive skin, I’d be really careful in the sauna or steam room.”
“I have actually noticed that some of the marks on my skin are healing a lot quicker.”
Ebony Jane Nutrition
However, she went on to share her personal journey: “I’ve been (using sauna therapy) for the past two weeks now and I’m already noticing such a big improvement.”
When speaking to the clarity of her skin, she mentioned: “I have actually noticed that some of the marks on my skin are healing a lot quicker.”
Keep in mind this is one person’s experience and the evidence is anecdotal. However, it does highlight that sauna may be able to help one’s skin become clearer when a regular routine is adopted.
4 tips for better skin through sauna
- Stay Hydrated: According to a study published by JAMA Network, keeping your body adequately hydrated is crucial during sauna sessions, as your body loses fluids through sweating.
- Cool Down: A piece by Harvard Medical School advises allowing your body to cool down naturally after a sauna. This gradual transition helps your body re-adjust to normal temperatures, preventing abrupt temperature shocks.
- Post-Sauna Skin Care: A study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports the use of a gentle cleanser and moisturizer post-sauna to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier and remove any residual sweat or toxins.
- Consistent Use: According to a report from the Mayo Clinic, frequent sauna usage, as part of a regular wellness routine, is associated with numerous health benefits, including skin health. However, the frequency can depend on your personal comfort and health conditions.
Sauna or steam room: Which is better for your skin?
While both saunas and steam rooms can benefit your skin, they do so in different ways. Saunas offer dry heat, which can help with conditions like psoriasis. In contrast, steam rooms provide humid heat, which can help hydrate the skin and improve conditions like acne.
Remember, like any wellness regimen, achieving radiant skin with saunas takes time and consistent effort. So, sit back, relax, and let the soothing warmth of the sauna work its magic on your skin.
Conclusion & wrap up
In conclusion, sauna does deliver skin benefits if you develop a regular, consistent routine. The heat can enhance blood circulation, promoting detoxification, boosting collagen production and temporarily alleviating (some) skin conditions.
We highly recommend working sauna into your daily or weekly routine. By taking a holistic approach to your health, you can slowly but surely transform your body into the temple that it is.
So with that, my friends, we’ll see ourselves out. We hope you enjoyed this article!
A message from Sauna Squad
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