Are saunas good for your skin? What is it about them that leaves you feeling so refreshed? We spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Erin Gilbert, MD, PhD to discover the relationship between saunas and your skin.
Saunas are like exercise for your pores.
Dr. Gilbert says, “The thing about saunas is that you’re getting pore dilation, you’re opening up your pores.” Pores are designed to help us regulate our temperature, she explains. “What you’re doing in a sauna is you’re saying, ‘Hey guys, it’s really hot in here, I need to get cooler.’” Part of the way your body cools down is by opening your pores and sweating. Being in a sauna, therefore, is like “exercising your pores.”
Sweating could help release toxins from your body.
Dr. Gilbert believes the act of sweating is extremely detoxifying, “Not only for your body, but for your skin.” Through sweating, you’re removing impurities (aka toxins) from your skin, and the process is highly restorative and rejuvenating. Cleaning out or unclogging your pores can also minimize future breakouts.
Spending time in a sauna can help increase circulation.
Spending time in saunas means you’re getting improved circulation to your skin, which, Dr. Gilbert says, “is effectively going to make your skin look healthier and better.” The increased circulation means more nutrients are being delivered to your skin, she explains, and more blood flow will see your skin glow with a rosier, healthier complexion.
Saunas may not be ideal for sensitive skin types.
Saunas may cause discomfort for those with sensitive skin. This is because, Dr. Gilbert points out, people with sensitive skin have sweat with a higher concentration of salt in it, and this can lead to irritation. For people with rosacea, saunas can be worrisome. Read more
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