Why is sauna good for your skin?

From a Scandinavian cultural tradition to a global self-care practice, people have been drawn to a sauna’s purifying and rejuvenating heat throughout history. Today, many find the practice just another trend or relaxation luxury. However, research shows that saunas offer more than just relaxation – they provide remarkable sauna skin benefits that enhance overall wellness. 

Saunas have been shown to impact overall health and wellness profoundly. From stimulating the immune system to improving heart health, saunas benefit the whole body and have a clear and glowing impact on the skin. As the body’s largest organ and the first line of defense against external toxins, healthy skin is crucial for total body wellness. The active sweating of heat therapy may not feel clean and detoxifying at the time. Still, this natural cleanse is just one of the many skin benefits that a sauna offers to facilitate healthier skin.

Effects of a Sauna on the Skin

Whether a dry sauna or a wet sauna, the small hot rooms have one main goal: to get you sweating. 

Sweating and Skin Health

The heat of the sauna raises internal temperatures and causes sweating. While the body tries to cool down naturally, the sweat helps to cleanse the skin. It cleanses pores by washing away dirt, debris, and dead skin cells that have gathered over time. Studies have shown that sweating removes toxins and heavy metals such as nickel, lead, and copper from the body. This detox leads to clean and rejuvenated skin.

Moreover, the more you sweat, the more blood circulates to the skin’s surface. This encourages the growth of new cells and the repair of damaged skin cells, leading to a fresh glow after a sauna session. Combine a consistent skincare and sauna routine for glowing skin and a brighter complexion.

Anti-Aging Benefits

Saunas provide unique anti-aging benefits. Elastin and collagen are key to keeping your skin youthful. Elasticity helps the skin keep its shape over time. As we age, our skin’s elasticity decreases, leading us to develop fine lines and wrinkles. One key sauna skin benefit is how heat encourages the production of elastin and collagen proteins.

Collagen provides structure to the skin, making it firm and smooth. Elastin makes up the skin’s elastic fibers, allowing it to stretch while maintaining its shape. Both proteins are difficult to replenish as we age, but studies have shown that heat therapy helps increase production.

Infrared saunas are known to be the best sauna for skin health and improving skin elasticity. Thanks to infrared radiation, which penetrates deeper into the skin, they are also perfect for anyone with heat sensitivity. So, if you are unsure about other saunas, try an infrared sauna for youthful skin.

Tips to Maximize Sauna Skin Benefits

Remember that engaging in healthy sauna practices is the best way to experience sauna skin benefits. It’s important to practice safe sauna therapy and speak to your healthcare professional before adding it to your health and wellness routine.

Sauna Sessions

• Sauna Length — Beginners should start with 5 to 10-minute sessions and gradually increase sauna session time as they acclimate to the hot environment. A 20-minute sauna session time is ideal. Just make sure you are staying hydrated. 
• Sauna Frequency — You should aim for a sauna session once or twice a week to help maintain overall skin health and take full advantage of the sauna skin benefits. Too many sauna sessions a week can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
• Infrared Sauna — Due to its unique type of heat, infrared sauna sessions can last as long as 45 minutes. If you are new to infrared saunas, discuss your sessions with a sauna professional to get the most out of each session while remaining safe.  

Skin Care Techniques

• Dermatologist — Before creating your perfect sauna and skincare routine, speak with a dermatologist to help find the right combination of sauna use and skincare products to keep your skin healthy and radiant.
• Cleansing — Before starting your sauna, maximize the effects of your sweating by cleaning your skin. Removing makeup, dirt, and oils will help with the detoxing effects of the heat.
• Dry Brushing — To elevate skin detoxification, consider dry brushing to remove debris and dead cells from your pores.
• Cool Down — A post-sauna shower is a must. Not only will this help cool you down to normal temperatures, but washing off the sweat is important for skin detoxification.
• Hydration — Apply moisturizer to lock in skin hydration. Also, drink plenty of water and replenish any lost electrolytes to refresh your body.
• Other Skin Products — Your dermatologist may suggest other skincare products or therapies to treat your specific skin concerns. Make sure you add these to your regular sauna routine so you can reach your overall skin health goals.

Beyond Sauna Skin Benefits

While many tout the health benefits of sauna through personal testimonials on YouTube, social media, and health and wellness blogs, science has been interested in heat therapy for years. From improved circulation and heart health to chronic pain relief to extended lifespans, sauna heat therapy has shown promising scientific results. 

Sauna Health Benefits

A recent study looked specifically at the potential health benefits of Finnish Saunas. This type of sauna is known for its low humidity, around 5% to 20%, and high temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius. Given the long history and frequent use of Finnish saunas in Scandinavia, researchers wanted to document the benefits of this wellness treatment.

Research has shown that regular sauna sessions can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. For patients with type 2 diabetes, sauna therapy was shown to increase insulin absorption. Potential sauna health benefits also include a lower risk of developing dementia, reduced potential of developing respiratory diseases, and improved deep sleep.

Overall, research shows that regular sauna sessions are associated with a better health-related quality of life and an overall lower risk of mortality.

Sauna for Healthier Skin

From skin detoxification to anti-aging, saunas offer more than just relaxation. Sauna skin benefits include increased elasticity, reduced toxins, and improved circulation. However, it is always important to approach sauna therapy thoughtfully regarding your skincare routine. Consider your session lengths, frequencies, and before-and-after routines when adding sauna to your health and wellness regimen.

Of course, saunas benefit more than just the skin. Research has shown that Finnish saunas have the potential to improve cardiovascular health, minimize chronic pain, and reduce overall mortality. Sauna sessions can increase your overall quality of health, and science is researching more sauna benefits every day.

Saunas offer impressive skincare benefits with little effort and risk. They’re a health and wellness practice that has stood the test of time, going far beyond simply being a self-care practice. While sweating might not sound like the best treatment for your skin, saunas leave it glowing, refreshed, and healthy. Visit Thermo-Wellness to learn more about sauna skin benefits.