Is Sauna Good For Acne?

We've pretty much all struggled with acne at some point. 

Most of us experienced it when we were teenagers and super hormonal and oily. It's super easy for pores to get clogged and GROSS at that stage. 

But, what they don't tell you is that adult acne is also super common. And, NOTHING kills your confidence like a pizza face as an adult and professional. 

Luckily, there are lots of ways to help acne beyond the harsh cleanser you used in middle school. Today, we're discussing whether or not the sauna is good for your acne. 

We all love to relax in a steamy room, but are there acne benefits of sitting in the sauna???? Let's answer that:

Is Sauna Good For Acne?

The sauna is so fucking good for your acne! The steam can help clear clogged pores and blocked glands by making you sweat. 

Wait . . . the sweat helps clean your face???? Yes! You get acne because your body’s sebaceous glands create what’s called “sebum” and it’s a natural oil moisturizer (the stuff that makes your skin look snatched and dewy). 

HOWEVER, that shit combined with dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and bacteria can get lodged in your pores and lead to acne. Including pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and boils. (Gag) That’s where your sweat comes in! 

Sweat actually helps filter out impurities without drying your skin out, meaning sweat can actually do more than some expensive cleansers. WIN!! 

A sauna is obviously great at making you sweat, so a regular sauna protocol can keep your skin moist but clear of acne. Plus, there are a ton of other health benefits to spending time in the sauna. 

It helps with injury recovery, inflammation, fat burning, mental toughness, immunity, lymphatic circulation, endurance, heart health, sleep, stress, AND skin conditions like cystic acne. (You can find more ways to reduce cystic acne on The Skinny Confidential blog.) 

So, basically you need to get your ass in a sauna STAT.

Benefits Of Sauna For Your Skin

• Improves blood flow for skin cell rejuvenation 
• Promotes collagen to keep that youthful glow
• Reduces acne for a beautiful smooth face

How To Use A Sauna For Acne

Try a sauna and cold plunge protocol. 

You know what’s better than a sauna for your health??? A sauna and cold plunge protocol. Hot and cold therapy has proven benefits for your brain and body! (Learn more about sauna and cold plunge benefits on the TSC blog.) 

The contrast is great for your skin too, because you get all the positive effects from sweating combined with the skin benefits from cold touch. Plus, you don’t run the risk of overheating, which isn’t great for your skin. 

You can hear about the mood, brain, and body benefits of hot/cold therapy on the Him & Her podcast hosted by our founder, Lauryn Evarts Bosstick and her husband Michael in the 2-part episode featuring Dr. Huberman. (Here’s part 1 and part 2.) 

As for skin health benefits??? There are a lot! Not only does it help clear acne, but the temperature contrast can reduce puffiness, excess oil, signs of aging, and skin irritation. 

Here’s Lauryn’s protocol if you’re ready to take the plunge (lol) 

• 2 minute ice bath
• 15 minutes sauna
• 2.5 minute ice bath
• 20 minute sauna
• 3 minute ice bath

Know your sauna options. 

There are a few different types of saunas, but really there is traditional or infrared. Honestly, they’re both good for your skin, because both will make you sweat like crazy!!!!

Infrared light heats up your body, rather than making the room really hot (potentially damaging your hair). It’s AMAZING for collagen production, improved blood circulation, and acne! 

However, it doesn’t have steam, so it may not have as many hydrating benefits. 

On the other hand, there’s traditional saunas and steam rooms that use steam and extreme heat to make you sweat. They have fewer skin benefits, but they still clean out your pores and actually help with your moisture barrier!

Traditional sauna sessions can be hard to get through for newbies, so infrared is a better place to start if you're a beginner. You get all the benefits without the extreme heat, humidity, and potential hair damage. 

Pick whatever you think will give you the best sauna experience! 

Don’t forget your sauna hat and water bottle!

You’re going to be sweating a lot, so grab your Stanelys, ladies, you’ve gotta stay hydrated! Drink water, and plenty of it, throughout your sauna session or hot/cold protocol. 

And, if you opt for a traditional steam sauna, make sure you have a hat!!! A steam sauna can seriously dry out your hair and cause breakage, so keep a hat on. Plus, it can help regulate your body temperature. Don’t you enter that sauna without this hat!!!

The HOT MESS ICE ROLLER is also a must-have.

Another great way to do the hot and cold therapy and prevent overheating is by using your HOT MESS ICE ROLLER in the sauna.

Your sweat clears out your pores while the HOT MESS ICE ROLLER alleviates redness, tones the face, soothes irritation, and reduces hyperpigmentation. It’s a must-have for your sauna experience!!! You’ll leave the sauna with the BEST FUCKING SKIN!!!

Sauna is great for your skin and can help get rid of acne! 

Your skin can GREATLY benefit from some steam and heat. Let your body’s natural cleansing process, AKA sweating, clear your pores and wash away acne. 

If you want to make your sauna work even better for you, add in a cold plunge element!! It feels fucking great and you’ll probably see a ton of skin, body, and brain benefits after just a few sessions. 

Try it out and def let us know how it goes!! For more health and beauty tips and the best wellness products, head over to The Skinny Confidential shop. We’re here to witness your glow-up, girlfriend!!