Is Sauna Good for Your Skin? What Dermatology Research Shows
Your skin is your largest organ. It breathes, sweats, absorbs, and protects. So what happens when you expose it to sustained heat? The answer is more nuanced than the wellness industry suggests.
How Heat Affects Your Skin
When you sit in a sauna, your skin temperature rises significantly—sometimes by 10°C or more. This triggers a cascade of physiological responses.
Increased Blood Flow
Heat causes vasodilation—your blood vessels expand, increasing blood flow to the skin by up to 50-70%. This delivers:
- Oxygen
- Nutrients
- Immune cells
- Waste removal
The result is that post-sauna glow. It's not just perception—your skin is genuinely receiving more resources.
Sweating Mechanics
Sweat glands activate aggressively in a sauna. You can lose 500ml or more of fluid in a single session. This sweating:
- Opens pores
- Flushes surface debris
- Helps clear some (not all) toxins
- Improves skin hydration afterward (counterintuitively)
Heat Shock Proteins
Elevated temperatures trigger heat shock proteins—cellular repair mechanisms that help protect and repair damaged proteins. These proteins:
- Support collagen integrity
- Reduce oxidative damage
- May slow cellular aging
What Research Actually Shows
Infrared Sauna and Skin Aging
A 2006 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy found that participants using near-infrared heat showed improved skin texture, reduced wrinkles, and enhanced collagen density after 12 weeks.
Infrared penetrates deeper than traditional sauna heat, potentially stimulating collagen production in the dermis layer.
Acne and Pore Clarity
The evidence here is mixed. Heat opens pores and promotes sweating, which can help clear debris. However, excessive heat and sweating can also:
- Trigger breakouts in some people
- Worsen rosacea
- Irritate sensitive skin
The key factor is what you do after: showering promptly removes sweat and debris before they can clog pores.
Psoriasis and Eczema
Some studies suggest infrared sauna may benefit inflammatory skin conditions. A 2017 study found improvement in psoriasis symptoms with regular infrared exposure. However, results vary significantly between individuals.
Traditional high-heat saunas may worsen these conditions for some people due to the intensity.
Sauna Types: Which Is Best for Skin?
Infrared Sauna
Pros for skin:
- Lower temperatures (less drying)
- Deeper tissue penetration
- Evidence for collagen stimulation
- Better tolerated by sensitive skin
Temperature: 120-150°F
Traditional Finnish Sauna
Pros for skin:
- Intense sweating for pore clearing
- Strong circulation boost
- Heat shock protein activation
Potential downsides:
- Can be drying
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Higher heat can worsen rosacea
Temperature: 150-190°F
Steam Room
Pros for skin:
- Hydrating environment
- Excellent for dry skin types
- Gentle on sensitive skin
Potential downsides:
- Can trigger breakouts in acne-prone skin
- Bacteria growth concerns
Temperature: 110-120°F
Best Practices for Skin Benefits
Before Your Session
- Remove makeup and skincare products
- Hydrate well
- Clean skin allows better sweating
During Your Session
- Start with 10-15 minutes
- Listen to your skin (redness is normal; burning is not)
- Avoid extremely high temperatures if you have sensitive skin
After Your Session
- Shower within 10-15 minutes
- Use lukewarm water (hot water further dehydrates)
- Apply moisturizer to slightly damp skin
- Hydrate—replace fluids lost through sweating
Frequency
2-3 sessions per week appears optimal for skin benefits. Daily intense sessions may be counterproductive, especially for dry or sensitive skin types.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Rosacea sufferers: Heat can trigger flares; start with lower temperatures
- Active acne: Some do well; others break out more
- Extremely dry skin: Ensure proper post-sauna hydration
- Sunburned skin: Avoid until healed
Related Reading
The Bottom Line
Sauna can be beneficial for skin health, but it's not a universal solution. The benefits come from improved circulation, heat shock protein activation, and pore clearing—not magic.
Infrared sauna appears gentler and may offer specific anti-aging benefits. Traditional saunas provide intense circulation and sweating benefits but require more attention to hydration.
The key is matching the type and frequency to your skin type and showering promptly after each session.
