Never skip a sauna session? Here's how saunas actually affect your skin

For many, stepping into a sauna is the ultimate way of detoxing and unwinding after a long day or gym session. But beyond these relaxing effects, regular sauna sessions can have a profound impact on your skin. Saunas offer a number of surprising benefits, from reducing acne to boosting skin tone. However, moderation and proper care are key to ensuring that these effects are positive rather than damaging. 

Saunas utilise dry heat to increase your body temperature, which encourages heightened sweating and enhanced circulation. The heat causes your blood vessels to expand, promoting better blood flow to the surface of your skin. This boosted circulation helps in delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, contributing to healthier and more radiant skin. As you sweat, your pores become more open, allowing toxins, dead skin cells, and impurities to be eliminated, which may result in a clearer complexion. The warmth also encourages the production of collagen, which helps maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Whether you’re a seasoned sauna lover or you've just gotten into the swing of it, these are the skin benefits — and potential drawbacks — you should consider next time you step into a sauna. 

Potential Drawbacks

While a sauna session comes with great benefits for your skin, like anything else we use, it has some drawbacks. Whether you’re a seasoned sauna-user or you've just gotten into the swing of it, these are the potential drawbacks you should consider next time you step into a sauna:

• Dehydration: Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration, which can cause dry, tight, and irritated skin. Consider drinking water before, during, and after your sauna session. Once you step out, apply a moisturiser to restore moisture to your skin.  
• Skin irritation: Prolonged exposure to heat and sweat can irritate the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like rosacea or eczema. Consider consulting with your dermatologist before making use of a sauna. 
• Increased oil production: The body may react to dry skin by producing more oil, potentially leading to breakouts. Setting a time limit for you sauna session prevents your skin from drying out.

Safety Tips

Although saunas may seem harmless, keep the following safety tips in mind when making use of a sauna:

• Keep sessions short. Build up your tolerance for the heat with each session. 
• Listen to your body. If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous or uncomfortable, leave the sauna.
• Protect your hair with a towel or shower cap, as the heat can leave your hair dry and brittle.
• Rest and cool off afterwards for at least 10 minutes, then take a cool shower to bring your body temperature to normal.
• Bring a friend or family member with you in case problems do occur.