Acne is the bane of our existence. It's like an uninvited guest that never fails to pop up at the worst possible time. But what if we told you that the path to clear skin might just be a sweat away? Yes, you heard it right. We're talking about using an infrared sauna for acne. You're probably raising your eyebrows in skepticism right now, but bear with us as we dive into the depths of this revolutionary acne management technique.
Understanding Acne and Its Causes
Acne is an irritating skin condition that plagues us all. Often synonymous with teenage angst, this pesky skin problem is much more than a mere adolescent nuisance. From painful cystic acne to blackheads and whiteheads, these skin eruptions can be quite a bother.
They occur when dead skin cells and sebum block our sweat glands, causing inflammation and breakouts.1 The situation exacerbates when bacteria join the party, leading to more severe acne. So, can infrared sauna therapy be our knight in shining armor in the face of this troublesome skin condition?
The Technology Behind Infrared Saunas for Acne
What is an infrared sauna? Infrared saunas are far from your traditional sauna. When comparing an infrared sauna vs traditional sauna, instead of heating the air around you, like a conventional sauna, these modern marvels use infrared light to heat your body directly. This infrared heat penetrates deep into your skin, helping to alleviate a range of health issues, including that pesky acne.2 So, how does this happen?
Infrared Sauna Benefits for Acne
The infrared sauna benefits are aplenty, and using them as treatment for acne is like a boon for your skin, tackling acne issues right at their root. Here's how:
Deep Cleansing and Detoxification
When you're basking in the gentle heat of an infrared sauna, your body's core temperature increases. This triggers sweating, which opens up your pores. The sweat that ensues helps wash away the impurities and dead skin cells that have been partying it up in your pores, leading to a deep cleansing effect.3 This detoxification is a significant sauna benefit that plays a vital role in preventing acne breakouts.
Improved Blood Circulation
As you warm up in the infrared sauna, your blood vessels dilate. This dilation boosts blood circulation, enriching your skin with essential nutrients and oxygen.3 Increased blood circulation also helps to carry away waste products, keeping your skin healthy and glowing.
Reduced Inflammation and Redness
The heat from infrared waves has an anti-inflammatory effect. It reduces redness and soothes the inflammation that's associated with acne, aiding in wound healing.4 Your skin will thank you for this heat therapy.
Balancing Oil Production
A sauna session can help regulate your skin's oil production. By clearing blocked pores and sweat glands, the sauna helps balance the natural oils on your skin, preventing the oily build-up that leads to acne.4
Accelerated Healing and Skin Rejuvenation
Red light therapy, an essential aspect of infrared sauna therapy, stimulates collagen production in your skin.4 Collagen is the key to skin elasticity and wound healing. Thus, regular infrared sauna use can result in accelerated skin healing and rejuvenation, helping combat acne scars and giving you that dreamy clear skin.
How to Use an Infrared Sauna for Acne Treatment
Excited about trying out an infrared sauna for your acne? Let's walk through the process:
Choosing the Right Infrared Sauna
Opt for a far infrared sauna for acne treatment. These saunas use far infrared waves, which penetrate deep into your skin, delivering maximum sauna skin therapy benefits.
Preparing for Your Infrared Sauna Session
Hydrate before your sauna session to replace the fluid you'll lose from sweating. And don't forget to cleanse your skin to remove any makeup or dirt that might clog your pores as you sweat.
Optimal Session Duration and Frequency
Start with 15-minute sessions, three times a week, gradually working up to 30-minute sessions. But remember, everyone's skin is different, so it's essential to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Post-Sauna Skincare Tips
After your sauna session, rinse off with lukewarm water to remove any sweat and toxins from your skin surface. Moisturize to prevent dry skin and apply a good quality, non-comedogenic sunscreen if you're stepping out in the sun.
Additional Tips for Managing Acne
Infrared sauna for acne is a promising treatment, but it's not a standalone solution. It's crucial to pair it with a healthy lifestyle and proper skincare routine.
Maintaining a Proper Skincare Routine
Cleanse, tone, moisturize, and don't forget the sunscreen! Keeping your skin clean and adequately moisturized can help maintain a healthy skin tone and prevent acne breakouts.
Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices
A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and staying hydrated are key to promoting skin health and preventing acne.5
Consulting a Dermatologist for Severe Acne
While infrared sauna treatments can help manage acne, severe or cystic acne should be addressed by a dermatologist. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if your acne persists or worsens.
Embrace the Power of the Infrared Sauna for Clearer Skin with Lifepro
The road to clear skin might seem like a never-ending marathon, but with the right strategies, you can indeed reach the finish line. Incorporating the infrared sauna for acne into your skincare regimen might be the missing puzzle piece you've been searching for. So why wait? It's time to bask in the soothing light of Lifepro's infrared sauna and embark on a journey towards healthier, acne-free skin. After all, beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle!
Sources:
- Ayer J, Burrows N. Acne: more than skin deep. Postgrad Med J. 2006 Aug;82(970):500-6. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.2006.045377. PMID: 16891439; PMCID: PMC2585707. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2585707/
- Aziz-Jalali MH, Tabaie SM, Djavid GE. Comparison of Red and Infrared Low-level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris. Indian J Dermatol. 2012 Mar;57(2):128-30. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.94283. PMID: 22615511; PMCID: PMC3352636. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3352636/
- Wilson, Lawrence. "Far-infrared sauna therapy." Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, no. 232, Nov. 2002, pp. 84+. Gale Academic OneFile, https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A93736414/AONE?u=anon~a39aa0c8&sid=googleScholar&xid=aaf5b7a7
- Barolet D, Christiaens F, Hamblin MR. Infrared and skin: Friend or foe. J Photochem Photobiol B. 2016 Feb;155:78-85. doi: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2015.12.014. Epub 2015 Dec 21. PMID: 26745730; PMCID: PMC4745411. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4745411/
- Niti Khunger & Krati Mehrotra (2019) Menopausal Acne – Challenges And Solutions, International Journal of Women's Health, 11:, 555-567, https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S174292
Author
Joel Gottehrer is the Co-Founder of Lifepro Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping people transform theirs. With over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and owner of two personal training studios, Joel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping transform lives. After suffering from physical injuries, Joel and his business partner, Abraham Brach, came together with a common goal to alleviate the pain caused by their injuries. They continued to find themselves disappointed with the results stemming from various products promising to relieve their pain, and with that – Lifepro Fitness was born. Joel's mission is to have a positive impact on millions of lives with the Lifepro brand. Whether it's finding new and innovative ways to help people recover from injuries or developing products to improve overall wellness, Joel is always looking for ways to push the boundaries. Thanks to his commitment to help people live their lives free of pain, Lifepro has been able to do this for thousands of people since its founding in 2017.
