The Sauna and Acne Treatment: A Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

A great sauna is, without a doubt, relaxing. But there's also long been a myth that a sauna is an effective way to add to your acne treatment program. True? False? Like most things in life, the answer is somewhere in the middle. There are ways in which a trip to a sauna can help you to get healthy, clear skin. There are also ways that it may make your acne worse or your skin less healthy overall. And, like most things in life, the results will likely depend on healthy choices that you make. So, is a sauna a good idea for acne-prone skin? Here's the breakdown on the pros and the cons.

Possible Pro: Open Pores, Sweat and Detoxification
There's some debate among skin care experts about whether sweating is technically good for your skin or not. On the "sweating is great for your skin" side, the open pores and sweat caused by the heat of the sauna allow the sodium and potassium in your sweat to work as an exfoliating agent. Anything that helps exfoliate away dead skin cells that can clog pores is good for your skin in the long run. However, the problem comes when that same sweat is left on your skin without being washed off for too long. When that happens, the sweat can cause irritations and even aggravate more breakouts. Solution? Enjoy the sauna and the benefits of the sauna, just be sure to use a gentle acne skin cleanser when you leave. Remember, you don't want to use a powerful cleanser after the sauna. Cleansing your face too many times during the day can result in over-drying, which can cause more clogged pores and blemishes. Stick to something gentle!

Recommended Product: Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser
This facial cleanser includes a mild dose of the acne medication Salicylic Acid to fight clogged pores and moisturizing ingredients to rehydrate skin.

Customer Review
"ABSOLUTELY love this new acne face wash!!!. It feels so clean and refreshing. Does not dry out like other washes and can really feel a nice cleaning sensation going on." Oasiss, Georgia

Definite Pro: Improved Relaxation and De-Stressing
Stress shows on your skin! With acne-prone skin, stress can cause over-activity with the adrenal gland. That means more production of pore-clogging skin and oil. A sauna gives you time to ease up, reduce noise clutter and clear your mind. The soothing heat and quiet environment may be just what you need to reduce some of the Cultural Stress™ in your life. When you stress less, your skin is healthier, you are healthier and your life is happier.

Definite Con: The Risk of Over-Drying Skin
Heat dries out your skin. While that may seem like a good thing if you have oily or acne-prone skin, skin that's too dry can actually experience even more breakouts. Your body's natural reaction to dry skin is to produce even more oil to try to balance things back out. Dry skin can also cause dry skin cells to clog pores, and it can result in skin irritations and red, dry patches that are just as unsightly as blemishes. If you love a sauna, how do you avoid the trap of overly dry skin? You'll need to hydrate both topically and internally. For internal hydration, you'll want to eat your water as described in Dr. Murad's best-selling Inclusive Health™ book, The Water Secret. Topically, you'll want to use an oil-free moisturizer that will restore hydration without clogging your pores.

Recommended Product: Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion
This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is ideal for restoring hydration without clogging pores.

Customer Review
"Really a nice product. Lotion provides plenty of moisture to my dry skin without feeling greasy. Keeps skin soft all day and all night. My skin looks smooth and healthy, too!" agefighter, California

Bonus Tip: Don't Forget the Back and Body Acne
Remember, your skin isn't limited to just your face! Sweat and possible over-drying happen all over your body when you're in a sauna (or any hot environment). Be sure to use a back acne treatment plan that will ensure that your pores stay unclogged and your skin remains blemish free not just on your face but all over.

Recommended Product: Murad Clarifying Body Spray
If you don't have the time to take a shower right after your sauna (or you just don't like gym or spa showers), Murad Clarifying Body Spray delivers gentle acne medication directly to anywhere on your body.

Customer Review
"I have been using this stuff for a few months and i love it…my back cleared up one week after i used it!! i have tried many other products and nothing seemed to work im soo glad i decided to try it" kerri, Texas

A sauna is great for your mental and emotional health, which means that it can be great for your acne-prone skin, too. Just be sure to stay hydrated and cleanse after each visit to the sauna.

Via: The Sauna and Acne Treatment: A Good Thing or a Bad Thing?