Is Sauna Good For Acne?


Are you troubled by stubborn acne that just won’t go away? Acne can be frustrating and affect your confidence. But what if there’s a surprising solution? Discover whether sauna sessions could be the remedy you’ve been searching for.
What is acne?
Harvard Medical School explains that acne isn’t just a simple skin problem. It’s a common condition caused by inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
Among the many types of acne, there are six primary ones, including:
- Whiteheads: Small, white bumps under the skin.
- Blackheads: Dark bumps on the skin’s surface due to oxidation.
- Papules: Small, pink bumps that can be tender.
- Pustules or pimples: Red bumps with white or yellow pus.
- Nodules: Large, painful bumps deep within the skin.
- Severe nodular acne (cystic acne): Deep, painful bumps filled with pus, which can cause scars if not treated.
Acne can severely impact quality of life by causing individuals to feel unattractive, embarrassed, or self-conscious, as indicated by a research study.
Fortunately, there is a cure for acne; several effective methods can help manage its symptoms. First, consult with your doctor before starting any treatment.
Topical medications are commonly used to directly target the skin. These include retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene, which prevent blockages in hair follicles and reduce the severity of acne.
Antibiotics such as clindamycin and erythromycin, often combined with benzoyl peroxide, are effective in killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Additionally, azelaic acid and salicylic acid are utilized to manage acne by combating skin bacteria and preventing pore blockage.
If you’re worried about the negative effects of long-term medication used to treat acne, a sauna session might help alleviate your acne.
Is Sauna Good For Acne?
Research indicates that regular sauna sessions could benefit skin health, including those prone to acne. A study analyzed 41 healthy adults, comparing those with regular sauna exposure to controls.
Results showed improved skin hydration, faster recovery from moisture loss and pH changes post-sauna, and enhanced epidermal barrier function.
Volunteers exhibited reduced skin sebum on foreheads and improved skin pH stability, suggesting sauna’s protective effect on skin physiology, potentially beneficial for acne management.
Other Therapies that help with Acne
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil works great for acne because it fights the bacteria that cause breakouts and calms down red, swollen skin.
It also helps clear out clogged pores without being too harsh. In one study shared in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology , people used a tea tree oil gel and face wash twice a day for 12 weeks.
Their acne kept getting better over time, with fewer pimples and less redness by the end. Plus, no one had any serious side effects. This makes tea tree oil a gentle, natural option worth trying.
Blue light therapy
Blue light therapy works by killing the acne-causing bacteria that live on your skin. When this light hits your skin, it helps clear up breakouts and stops new ones from forming.
It also calms redness and swelling, so your skin looks and feels better. One study in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology , found that people who used blue light therapy at home saw fewer blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples in just one to four weeks. They also said the treatment felt safe, simple to use, and more helpful than past acne treatments.
Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel is a simple, natural way to help calm and heal acne-prone skin. It cools down redness, soothes irritation, and helps your skin recover faster from breakouts.
It also keeps your skin hydrated without making it oily, which is perfect for acne care. One study in Frontiers in Medicine , found that when aloe vera gel was used with ultrasound and a soft face mask, it made a big difference.
People saw fewer pimples, smoother skin, and better blood flow in just two months. This shows that aloe vera gel isn’t just gentle, it actually works and can be a great add-on to your acne routine.