How does the heat of the sauna affect the appearance of the skin?
Going to the sauna is a favorite pastime for many people, where they can relax and unwind. The high temperatures in the sauna cause the body to produce a lot of sweat, which in turn can improve blood circulation to the skin and even temporarily give it a rosier color. While the improved blood circulation and pore-opening effects of heat can promote skin health in some people, the question arises: can saunas also cause or even aggravate acne?
Can saunas cause acne?
Although saunas help the body produce a lot of sweat, they are not directly responsible for the appearance of acne. Rather, it may be that clogged pores, bacteria, germs and unclean sweat lead to skin blemishes. To avoid possible breakouts, it is important to thoroughly cleanse the body after each sauna session and possibly wash the face with a mild soap or acne cleanser.
Removing the salt contained in sweat by applying cream to the skin after showering can also help prevent skin blemishes. To avoid clogged pores, you should also avoid applying makeup, cosmetics or lotions before going to the sauna.
How sauna sessions can help with acne
Sauna visits can help improve acne if used properly. Sweating in the sauna flushes excess oil from the skin. However, not only fats are flushed away with sweat, but also bacteria, germs and sebum, which can help keep the skin clean and clear. Sweating also helps to balance the pH balance of the skin.
When the pH balance is disturbed, this can create a favorable environment for germs and bacteria to multiply. Although sweat flushes many substances from the pores, it can aggravate acne if left on the skin for too long. When sweat dries on the skin after a sauna visit, it can trap pollutants that can lead to new pimples and more acne.
No soap or shower gels before your first sauna session
During saunas, it is important to drink enough fluids to balance sweat production. Otherwise, the skin may dry out more quickly, which in turn increases the risk of acne. You should not use soaps or shower gels before your first sauna session, as they can attack the skin’s delicate protective layer.
This can cause the skin to react even more sensitively when sweating. After a sauna session, it is important to cleanse the skin thoroughly and then moisturize it well to avoid dry skin and the risk of acne breakouts.
Acne is not contagious
Even though pimples are not pretty, they are not contagious to other sauna guests. Therefore, even with acne, you can go to the sauna without worrying. It does take some self-confidence, but after all, almost everyone suffers from acne at some point in their lives. So from that point of view, there are only aesthetic concerns that could speak against a visit to the sauna.
Besides, acne is not a sign of uncleanliness or lack of hygiene, so you shouldn’t worry about bothering others. Instead, you should focus on the many health benefits of taking a sauna and look forward to relaxing and unwinding.
Why sauna is not a hindrance for acne
There are also no medical reasons not to visit the sauna with acne. Those who enjoy going to the sauna or discover the steam bath for themselves can do so even with acne. Although the heat initially increases sebum production, it also allows the opened pores to drain better. After the sauna session, you can remove the excess sebum with a terry towel and at the same time achieve a light exfoliating effect.
In addition, the skin can better absorb care products after a sauna session. Even with acne, the skin’s appearance can be improved by a visit to the sauna. To avoid the risk of skin irritation and acne outbreaks, you should cleanse yourself thoroughly after a sauna session and care for your skin with moisturizing products.
Buying tip: Bodycare Face Wash Anti Pimple Facial Wax Gel
The face wash gel “Face Wash” contains 100% natural tea tree oil and is therefore particularly suitable for skin care. It helps with pimples and other skin impurities and moisturizes the skin. Australian Bodycare products are dermatologically tested and 100% vegan. For best results, we recommend using the face wash gel daily in the morning and evening. After cleansing the face with our wash gel, we recommend deep pore cleansing with our toner. Afterward, the face should be creamed with our moisturizing face cream “Face Cream” to keep the skin soft and well moisturized.
