Skin Care Before And In The Infrared Sauna

Infrared sauna sessions are beneficial to your health, starting with your skin, your body's shield. This vital organ protects us, and plays a crucial role in the production of vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. This process is essential for bone health and immune function. The skin also regulates temperature and detoxifies through sweat. Read more about the scientific support for the benefits here.

However, to benefit optimally from the heat of the sauna, your skin needs good preparation. Incorporate the following steps into your pre-sauna routine to prepare your skin for the sauna session.

A quick tour of the blog post

Hydrate

Drink a good amount of water, around 2 to 3 cups, about an hour ahead of your sauna time. This preps your skin from the inside, enhancing its resilience against the sauna's intense heat.

Such hydration not only primes your body for an increased sweat response, which is key in eliminating bodily impurities but also safeguards against the drying effects of the heat.

To maintain this optimal state, continue to sip water throughout your sauna experience and afterwards, to replenish any fluids lost.

Cleaning Process

Thorough cleaning before a the sauna sessions cannot be overstated. It ensures that your pores are clean and ready to release toxins effectively. Cleansing allows your skin to optimally perform its natural functions, and makes your sauna session a rejuvenating experience.

Start by thoroughly cleanse your face and body before you get into the sauna.

Facial cleansing

Wash your face well to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. Although not mandatory, using a facial cleanser is beneficial because it's specifically designed to clean deeply without blocking your pores. Choose cleansers that keep your skin's natural oils and help maintain its health.

Pick a gentle cleanser that keeps your skin's pH stable. Your skin's pH, normally between 4.5 and 6.5, is slightly acidic [1]. This acidity protects against harmful microbes. Some cleansers can disrupt this balance, leading to dryness or acne. Foam, cream, or gel cleansers can all be good choices.

Ensure they align with the mentioned conditions before applying them prior to entering the sauna. If you have acne, choose a cleanser made for it. Pick one that's gentle to avoid extra irritation from the sauna's heat.

Occasionally use a mask with activated charcoal, bentonite clay, or kaolin clay before sauna. It is good for removing dirt and unclog pores.

Shower

After washing your face, enter a warm shower to cleanse your body. This eliminates impurities and unclogs pores, enhancing detox in the sauna.

Additionally, the warm shower slightly boosts blood circulation and heart rate, which can be likened to a light cardiovascular warm-up. This readies your body for the sauna's intense heat, improving the experience.

Exfoliate

After showering you can remove dead skin cells by exfoliating. You can choose to exfoliate a day before or just before the sauna, based on what suits your skin best. Trust what feels right for you. Exfoliation maximizes the detoxifying effect of the infrared sauna. It can be done mechanical, using scrubs or tools, or chemical, using products that dissolve these cells.

This process unclogs pores, preventing clogs and paving the way for the sauna's heat to work more effectively, but exfoliate gently. Harsh scrubs or chemicals can irritate your skin, making it overly sensitive to the sauna's warmth.

For a softer approach, consider using a salt scrub or sauna honey, or a loofah sponge for a mild exfoliation. After the exfoliation you can rinse away any loosened cells and residues, leaving your skin clean and ready for the sauna.

Dry Brushing

Incorporate dry brushing into your pre-sauna routine as a unique, natural method to complement your exfoliation routine. Unlike conventional exfoliants that primarily remove dead skin cells through chemical or mechanical means, dry brushing also stimulates the lymphatic system and enhances blood circulation, a holistic approach to skin health.

But it's not, one or the other, dry brushing and traditional exfoliation coexist in proper skin care. This combination has complementary benefits, but tailor this integration to your skin's tolerance and the specific results you are looking for.

While dry brushing primarily focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system and boosting circulation, traditional exfoliation methods target the removal of dead skin cells more directly.

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Dry Brushing: Before Or After Infrared Sauna?

Sensitive Skin

While dry brushing can be beneficial, it's perhaps not suitable if you have sensitive skin. In that case, or should you have a skin condition, consider consulting with a dermatologist before incorporating dry brushing into your routine. Using a softer brush and lighter strokes can also help mitigate irritation for those with sensitive skin.

Complementary, Not Compulsory

Dry brushing amplifies the benefits of a sauna session and regular exfoliation, but it's not a necessity for everyone. Listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.

Scheduling

If you choose to include both practices in your routine, consider spacing them out to avoid overstimulation. For instance, you might dry brush in the morning before a sauna and use chemical or physical exfoliants on alternate days, depending on your skin's sensitivity and recovery ability.

Gentle Approach

If you’re new to dry brushing or with sensitive skin, starting with a softer brush and lighter pressure is advisable. Observe how your skin reacts and gradually adjust the frequency and intensity.

How to Dry Brush Effectively

Use a natural-bristle brush with a long handle to reach all areas of your body.
Start from your feet and move upwards in long, smooth strokes towards your heart. Use circular motions on your abdomen and joints.
Dry brush for about 3-5 minutes before your sauna session, avoiding over-exfoliation.

Moisturizing

Moisturize your face and body right before or as you enter the sauna. You can opt to prep with a hydrating serum. Choose one with hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides, this helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It prevents your skin from drying out due to the infrared heat, keeping it hydrated and full.

After the serum, protect your skin further with a moisturizer rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, E, or green tea extract. These ingredients help protect the skin from potential heat-induced oxidative stress. You can use heavier creams around delicate areas like your eyes.

Tailor your approach to moisturizing based on your skin type for optimal protection and benefits during your sauna session:

Oily Skin: These skins benefit from the sweat in a sauna, which can help regulate oil production. A light moisturizer will suffice.
Dry Skin: Opt for a richer, more nourishing option like coconut oil to deeply hydrate and protect.
Sensitive Skin: Choose non-comedogenic serums (non-comedogenic means these serums don't clog pores). A barrier repair cream, which includes niacinamide, can help to soothe and strengthen the skin's protective layer.

Use these products in moderation before a sauna session. A light application is key; too much product can mix with sweat and potentially lead to irritation or clogged pores.

Considerations when choosing skincare products

When you use skincare products with sauna sessions, it's important to bear the impact of sweating on your skin. Some insights:

Enhanced Benefits

Certain lotions not only unclog pores but also enhance circulation and sweating, leveraging the detoxifying benefits of sauna sessions for improved skin health and potential fat loss through perspiration.

Choosing the Right Products

Select non-comedogenic skincare. Non-comedogenic products won't clog pores. The sauna's heat and sweat can increase the risk of breakouts, making it crucial to select products that allow your skin to breathe.

Lighter Is Better

It's wise to avoid heavy creams or oil-based products before sauna use. These can mix with sweat, potentially leading to clogged pores and undermining the sauna's cleansing effects.

Sun protection

If you're using an outdoor sauna or plan to spend time in the sun immediately after, it's crucial to protect your skin [2]. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield against the sun's UV rays.

Opt for sunscreens with physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are gentle and less likely to irritate your skin.

Other pre-sauna practices

Building on the foundation of pre-sauna skincare and hydration, there are other things you can do to prepare yourself for a session in the sauna. Keeping your body well-hydrated with water or nutrient-rich coconut water is just the beginning.

A light, nutritious meal, perhaps a medley of fresh fruits or a revitalizing smoothie, can provide the energy your body needs without overburdening your digestive system. Gentle physical activities, such as stretching or a leisurely walk, awaken your muscles and boost circulation, setting a harmonious stage for the heat you're about to encounter.

Skin care during sauna

You have prepared your body well for the next step: It’s time to relax, using your sauna. Let the heat work its magic on your skin and enjoy the benefits of a good sweat. Here are some skin health tips for during your sauna session:

Stay hydrated: Keep drinking water to stay hydrated. Adjust the heat to stay comfortable and pay attention to how your body feels.

Choose the right towel: Use a light linen sauna towel. It helps manage heat without making you too hot.

Protect sensitive skin: Cover your face with a damp cloth. A rose water compress can soothe your skin in the heat.

Incorporate aromatherapy: Enhance your sauna experience with aromatherapy. Select essential oils that complement the sauna's heat to promote relaxation and skin health.

aromatherapy for skin health

Aromatherapy can significantly enrich your sauna experience, not just by enhancing the ambiance but also by supporting skin health through the air you breathe. When using essential oils in a diffuser during your sauna session, consider these options for their specific benefits to skin health:

Chamomile: This gentle oil soothes skin inflammation and is ideal for sensitive skin types, infusing the sauna air with calming properties.

Rosemary: Great for those with oily skin, rosemary in a diffuser helps balance the skin's natural oils with its invigorating scent.

Lavender: A staple for relaxation, lavender also soothes the skin, reducing irritation and inflammation.

Geranium: Known to balance skin's moisture, geranium adds a floral note to the sauna.

Eucalyptus: This refreshing oil cleanses the air, supporting respiratory health and skin purification.

Orange: With its uplifting aroma, orange oil can brighten the mood and skin alike.

Cedarwood: Improves various skin conditions with its grounding aroma.

Patchouli: Helps in reducing skin imperfections, adding depth to the aromatic experience.

Birch: Known for enhancing skin health, birch brings a crisp, clean scent to your session.

You can find detailed guidance on incorporating these oils into your infrared sauna sessions in our article: 'How to Use Aromatherapy in Infrared Saunas'.

Questions and answers

Can I put makeup on in an infrared sauna?

It is advisable to remove any makeup and wash away all impurities before using the sauna. Make-up products prevent the skin from breathing thus inhibiting cleansing and purification in the sauna.

Can I mask my face in an infrared sauna?

In an infrared sauna, it's still generally advisable to allow the skin to sweat freely and maximize the sauna's benefits. However, the decision ultimately depends on personal comfort and preference. If you choose to mask your face, be mindful of how it feels on your skin during the sauna session.

Can I exfoliate in sauna?

Exposure to heat and sweating in an infrared sauna widens the pores and promotes the release of toxins from the skin. This might create an environment where exfoliation could be more effective. However, it's crucial to exercise caution and follow best practices: Use gentle products suitable for your skin type, stay hydrated, and be mindful of skin sensitivity.

If you experience discomfort or irritation, it's best to stop exfoliating. Ultimately, the decision to exfoliate in an infrared sauna should be based on your skin type, sensitivity, and comfort level.

Exfoliate before or after a sauna?

Whether to exfoliate before or after a sauna is up to personal preference. Some swear by exfoliating before to remove dead cells and boost circulation, while others skip it altogether. If you choose to exfoliate before, pick a gentle product to avoid irritation.

Can I use sauna with a sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin or skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, it's best to consult with a dermatologist before using a sauna, as the heat can sometimes exacerbate these conditions.

So, as you embark on your next sauna session, remember: wellness starts with your skin. Treat it well before, during and after.

Diane Sargent

References

1. Saba M. Ali and Gil Yosipovitch, Skin pH: From Basic SciencE to Basic Skin Care, Acta Dermato-Venereologica, https://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/html/10.2340/00015555-1531

2. United States, Environmental Protection Agency, Sun Safety Tips, https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/sun-safety-tips

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