Can Sweating in a Sauna Really Help Clear Your Acne?
When you’re battling acne, there is a ton of information out there that can help you support your skin health and reduce your acne, saunas are one that has grown in popularity. Saunas are popular for their ability to induce sweating, thought to have various health benefits, from detoxification to stress relief. But when it comes to acne, can regular sauna sessions truly make a difference?
Let’s break down what saunas do for your skin, how they might impact acne, and which precautions to take if you’re looking to add a sauna sesh to your skin-care routine.
Disclaimer: the information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat. Make sure you contact your doctor if you think you have a medical problem.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links.
How Saunas Work & Why They Make You Sweat
Saunas, whether traditional steam or infrared, work by elevating the air or using infrared light to gently raise your core body temperature. This heat triggers your body’s natural cooling mechanism: sweating. As your pores open and sweat flows out, the skin releases surface-level impurities like oil, dirt, and toxins.
For centuries, saunas have been used to boost circulation, induce relaxation, and support detoxification. This increased sweat production not only cools down the body but also allows pores to excrete debris that might otherwise contribute to clogged pores and inflammation. For those of us who deal with acne, this sounds amazing for sure.
Benefits of Saunas for Skin Health
Pore Cleansing & Skin Purging
One of the first benefits of sauna-induced sweating is that it helps to cleanse pores. Sweat essentially opens the pores, releasing trapped dirt and oil. This makes saunas a natural ally in maintaining clear skin. However, this can also lead to something called "skin purging." As your skin detoxifies, it might bring more impurities to the surface before it gets better. So if you experience some initial breakouts, don’t be alarmed, it may be your skin adapting.
Improved Circulation & Skin Rejuvenation
A sauna’s heat also promotes blood flow to the skin, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the cells. This circulation boost aids in skin cell turnover, allowing for faster regeneration and a brighter complexion. The increased cell turnover allows for quicker healing of skin issues like acne and eczema because of the increased nutrient supply the skin is now getting. This helps to reduce acne-related inflammation, encouraging a healthier and more resilient complexion over time. With my skin, I notice that my skin feels and looks revitalized after a great sauna session.
BPA Excretion in Sweat & Its Potential Connection to Acne
One of the benefits of sweating in a sauna is its ability to help the body excrete toxins including bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly found in plastics. BPA has been shown to disrupt the body’s endocrine system, impacting hormones like estrogen. BPA mimics estrogen and can increase the signaling of estrogen in the body, higher estrogen has been linked to symptoms like acne, period pain, heavy periods, and irregular periods.
Studies have found that sweating can aid in eliminating BPA from the body, providing a way to reduce this toxin load and potentially lessen its hormone-disrupting impact.
For women with acne linked to hormonal imbalances, reducing exposure to chemicals like BPA is a great first step. Reducing use of plastic and switching to products made of glass or stainless steel is important. In order to reduce the BPA your body has already been exposed to, sauna is a great option. Sauna helps to mobilize the BPA that is stored in your body’s fat, liver, and lungs and helps to release the toxic chemical through sweat.
Stress Reduction & Hormone Regulation
Another significant benefit of sauna sessions is stress relief. Saunas help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body and reduces the levels of stress hormones like cortisol. High cortisol levels are well-known to aggravate acne by increasing inflammation and oil production in the skin.
After a stressful day at work, it’s incredibly calming to step into the warmth of a sauna, giving your body a chance to unwind. This relaxation can contribute to clearer skin as well, helping to regulate hormones and reduce acne flares caused by chronic stress.
Drawbacks & Considerations for Acne-Prone Skin
While the benefits are promising, saunas aren’t a guaranteed solution for acne, and they can sometimes have drawbacks for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Overheating and Inflammation Risk
Heat can be both a friend and a foe for acne-prone skin. The high temperature in saunas can sometimes increase redness and inflammation, which can exacerbate existing breakouts. Sensitive skin types or those with conditions like rosacea should be especially cautious with sauna use, as the heat may worsen skin irritation.
If you’re new to saunas, I recommend starting with shorter sessions, gradually working up to 10-15 minutes to allow your skin and body to adjust.
Risk of Clogged Pores Post-Sauna
While sweating can help clear out pores, it’s essential to cleanse your skin afterward. If sweat and impurities are left on the skin, they can resettle and clog pores, potentially leading to more breakouts. To prevent this, try gently washing your face with a non-comedogenic cleanser after each sauna session. This will help remove any remaining debris, oil, toxins, and sweat.
Hydration and Skin Barrier Support
Sweating heavily in a sauna can dehydrate the skin, so it’s essential to replenish lost moisture afterward. Hydrating your skin with a good lotion and drinking water post-sauna can help maintain a healthy barrier. Sweat can deplete electrolytes as well so it’s important to replenish the minerals lost. Try a pinch of sea salt in water with lemon or an electrolyte pack like this one.
Tips for Using Saunas for Acne-Prone Skin
Keep Sauna Sessions Short
For beginners, a good rule is to start with just 10-minute sessions, gradually increasing if your skin tolerates it well. Overdoing it may lead to irritation, so moderation is key.
Post-Sauna Skin Care Routine
After a sauna session, make sure to shower and cleanse with a gentle, non-comedogenic body wash to remove impurities and sweat. Choose a cleanser that’s free from harsh chemicals or exfoliants, which could aggravate sensitive skin.
Next, use a light moisturizer or hydrating serum to lock in moisture. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, which are gentle and help support the skin barrier without clogging pores.
Getting started with a sauna routine can be the biggest hurdle. I recommend finding a wellness space near you that offers infrared saunas, some even have monthly memberships where you can go multiple times per week. Another option is to invest in an at home sauna, it doesn’t need to a whole infrared sauna, you can get a sauna blanket like this one.
While saunas aren’t a cure-all for acne, they offer several potential benefits that can support skin health, from pore cleansing and stress reduction to BPA detoxification. When used in moderation and followed by a thoughtful skincare routine, saunas may indeed contribute to a healthier complexion and fewer breakouts.
As with any self-care practice, it’s important to pay attention to your skin’s unique response. I’ve found sauna sessions to be a peaceful way to de-stress, which in itself is a huge win for my skin. If you’re looking for a way to unwind and support clearer skin, consider adding a sauna session to your routine. Your skin might just thank you for it!
Talk soon,
xx Dr. Alyssa
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