Acne, a common skin condition that affects millions worldwide, can be a source of discomfort and insecurity. While there are numerous treatments available, one unconventional method that has been gaining attention is sauna therapy.
But could this heat-based therapy really be beneficial for acne? Let's delve into the science and explore the potential benefits and drawbacks.
If you aren’t already familiar with the transformative benefits a sauna can bring, using one for acne may sound strange. SISU Lifestyle believes that everyone should have access to a healthy lifestyle based on wellness and community.
And that’s exactly what we do: provide high-quality, handcrafted personal saunas as a tool for a healthier lifestyle, so you, your friends, and your family can maximize the health benefits of sauna therapy.
If you’re looking to get started, we have a guide to all the health benefits of a sauna, and when you’re ready to take the next step, check out our saunas today.
One of the main ways that sauna therapy may benefit skin health is through sweating. Sweating can help to flush out toxins from the body, which may help to clear the pores and reduce the risk of acne.
Furthermore, the heat from the sauna can help to increase blood flow to the skin, which can promote the healing of existing acne lesions. It can also help to increase the production of collagen, a protein that is essential for skin health.
For those looking to incorporate sauna therapy into their routine, check out SISU's line of premium barrel and cabin saunas.
If you're considering incorporating sauna therapy into your skincare routine, there are plenty of sauna benefits for acne specifically, but also to just help make your skin healthier.
The heat from the sauna leads to increased sweating, which is one of the body’s primary methods of expelling toxins. Less toxin buildup under the skin can reduce your risk of acne. Additionally, the heat from the sauna can help to increase blood flow to the skin, which can promote healing and improve skin health.
When our bodies are exposed to heat and we start to sweat, the pores in our skin open up, allowing pores to clear and our skin to detoxify.
Stress is a known trigger for acne, and sauna therapy may help reduce stress levels. The heat from the sauna can help relax the muscles and soothe the mind, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
For lasting results, consistency is key—which is why durability matters. SISU’s Western Red Cedar saunas are built to withstand decades of use, ensuring your acne-fighting routine stays uninterrupted. No replacements, just reliable heat therapy.
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. This can result in a variety of blemishes, including whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples.
While acne is most common among teenagers, it can affect people of all ages. Certain factors may increase your risk of developing acne, including hormonal changes, certain medications, diet, and stress. It's a complex condition with many contributing factors, which is why it can be difficult to treat.
However, due to the effects of heat therapy on the skin, such as detoxification through sweat and stress relief, many of the triggers for acne are mitigated by time in a sauna.
When the pores of your skin open under heat, the oil and dead skin buildup can be released through sweat, and the muscle relaxation from sauna bathing can contribute to stress relief.
Sebum production—the oily, waxy substance in the skin that helps lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated while also protecting the skin from damage—can be stimulated while in a sauna. When exposed to heat during a sauna session, your skin produces additional sebum. The extra sebum gives your skin a healthy appearance and helps keep you moisturized.
However, too much sebum may cause overheating, or even breakouts from the excess oil. That’s why precision temperature control is critical to avoid overheating (which can worsen acne). SISU saunas let you tailor sessions to the exact degree (110–230°F) via mobile app—so you can target sebum production safely.
In addition to flushing out harmful bacteria, a sauna will help acne by increasing blood flow and improving your body’s overall circulation. Regular sauna therapy can also help build your skin’s natural barrier function and help you retain water better, increasing skin elasticity and hydration.
If you have a history of inflammation, saunas have also demonstrated an ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body. The heat from a sauna helps reduce the symptoms of inflammation, including offering some pain relief during sauna sessions.
It’s important to remember that everyone's skin is different. What works for one person may not work for another, and it's always best to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting any new treatment for acne. But if you’re ready to explore sauna therapy as an option for acne treatment, here are a few things to consider:
Before hopping in the sauna, take a moment to gently cleanse your skin and avoid wearing makeup. This will help you avoid letting toxins right back into your skin once your pores open from the heat.
When deciding which sauna to pick for your experience, consider maximizing the spa-like environment as much as possible. SISU Lifestyle’s saunas feature soft-to-touch cedar that naturally repels moisture and allergens, offering a more aromatic, comfortable, and relaxing experience. This pleasant experience helps reduce stress, which in turn, reduces the likelihood of breakouts.
You should also make sure you are well hydrated, and drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session. A session of 10-15 minutes at about 100-130°F is generally recommended for those with acne-prone skin.
But before starting a session at all, you should consult your doctor or dermatologist, especially if you have severe acne or sensitive skin.
Your body loses a significant amount of moisture while in the sauna. To avoid dehydration, it is vital to stay hydrated before and after your sauna session. Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after using a sauna to avoid dehydration and minimize the chance of your body overproducing sebum, which lends to oily skin that can cause additional breakouts.
To help maintain hydration, it is also recommended to avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, both of which can also worsen acne.
If you’re looking to re-moisturize your skin after a sauna, try replenishing your moisture with lightweight, oil-free moisturizer, or if you have a prescribed topical, you can apply that as well. If you don’t have medication, natural acne treatments such as aloe vera or tea tree oil are also options after a sauna.
It is important to avoid heavy creams or heavily oiled or scented products after a sauna session, because your pores will still be open from the heat and these materials can quickly re-clog them.
When you finish your time in the sauna, avoid shocking your body with dramatic temperature changes. Cool down your skin gently, such as with a lukewarm water rinse. You should also cleanse your skin to remove sweat and toxins that were released during sauna therapy, but avoid over-drying.
Whatever your post-sauna experience looks like, you can pair it with a home sauna designed for convenience. SISU Lifestyle’s traditional Finnish saunas are perfect for indoors, outdoors, backyards, home gyms, and more.
Different skin types may require different sauna experiences. While it is always important to consult your doctor or dermatologist before beginning sauna therapy, here are some things to consider when determining if a sauna is right for you.
If your skin is oily by nature, then the increased production of sebum that can come alongside sauna therapy may result in excess moisture and oil, causing more acne problems rather than alleviating them. However, you can combat this by carefully cleansing and drying your skin after a sauna.
Similarly, if you have naturally dry skin, then sauna therapy will help produce sebum that can help bring moisture back to your skin. It can also mean you are likely to become dehydrated, so drinking plenty of water and not exceeding 10-15 minutes in the sauna will be vital for keeping skin healthy.
While you should always speak to your doctor and dermatologist before beginning sauna therapy, it is especially important if you have sensitive skin. The heat from the sauna can potentially irritate the skin, which could potentially worsen acne in some people.
Sauna therapy can also cause you to sweat profusely, which can potentially lead to dehydration if you're not careful. Dehydration can potentially worsen acne. Staying hydrated and knowing your heat and time limits while using a sauna will help mitigate these effects.
It is generally recommended that a session of 10-15 minutes at about 100-130°F is best for those with acne-prone skin. But it is important to note that everyone’s skin is different, and you may find that shorter but more frequent sauna sessions are best for your skin, or only once a week sessions are best.
With SISU Lifestyle’s saunas, you can easily adjust temperature via a mobile app to find your sweet spot without irritating your skin.
While saunas may help reduce acne, it will not singularly make the blemishes go away. Pairing sauna therapy with other holistic acne treatment plans can make a strong impact on your skin.
While the link between diet and acne is still a subject of debate among scientists, some research suggests that certain foods may contribute to acne. For example, foods high in refined sugars or dairy products may increase your risk of developing acne. Limiting these foods while using a sauna will give you an opportunity to test how diet is impacting your acne.
It's also important to note that what may trigger acne in one person may not have the same effect in another, highlighting the complexity of this skin condition.
Even if you don’t have a medically prescribed topical treatment for your acne, other topical solutions such as aloe vera or tea tree oil can help your skin rehydrate after a session in the sauna.
As you incorporate sauna therapy into your skincare routine, it’s important to note any changes in your skin, for better or for worse. This will allow you to adapt your treatment plan—and your sauna—accordingly.
While treating acne may be a short-term goal for you when using a sauna, there are many long-term benefits for your skin sauna therapy can provide.
Sauna therapy can also help boost the collagen in your body, improving your skin’s overall elasticity and remove the sagging, loose skin look that comes alongside aging.
Your skin texture may be impacted through sauna therapy. For example, if your skin is typically dry and rough, you may notice smoother, healthier skin after sauna therapy. The heat from the sauna increases blood flow, which boosts your immune system and can repair skin damage, smoothing out the skin.
While sauna therapy is great for loosening dead skin and trapped dirt in your pores, allowing you to clean your skin easier and avoid breakouts, long-term acne management will likely involve pairing sauna therapy with other treatment methods. Consult with your dermatologist and find a solution that is right for you.
While saunas are great for most people and can help treat acne, they are not a perfect solution, and most need to be paired with other methods for best results.
While saunas can definitely help improve your skin through detoxification and improved blood flow, they are not a cure on their own. Gently cleaning your skin before and after a sauna session, staying hydrated, and using topical treatments such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, or prescribed medical creams can all be beneficial when paired with a sauna.
Regardless of your health and wellness goals, your time in a sauna should never exceed 20 minutes. Exposing your body to heat for long periods of time can damage the skin, cause dehydration, and may even result in more serious medical reactions such as dizziness or heat stroke.
While most people have no trouble using a sauna, it is vital that you consult with your doctor before adding sauna therapy to your routine. This is especially important for individuals who are over 65, under 16, pregnant or trying to become pregnant, have an underlying health condition, are taking medication, or have concerns about male infertility.
In conclusion, while sauna therapy may have potential benefits for treating acne, everyone’s skin is different, and what works for some may not work for all. Always consult with your doctor or dermatologist before starting any new treatment for acne. They can help you determine if a sauna is a good option for you based on your individual skin type and acne severity.
But, when you’re ready to see if sauna therapy is right for you, check out SISU Lifestyle saunas to bring sauna therapy to your daily lifestyle.
Browse from a range of saunas perfect for personal use or larger group sessions:
