Acne is the most common inflammatory skin condition in the United States. Acne occurs most often during puberty, but it can occur at any age and the condition affects almost 50 million Americans. Acne can be triggered by a variety of stressors including hormones, emotional stress, menstruation, cosmetics, and certain medications. There is a multi million dollar industry thriving on the sales from over-the-counter and prescription medications for treating acne.
What is infrared sauna therapy?
Traditional saunas use heat to warm the air around you, while infrared saunas heat your body directly. Infrared saunas are one of the few mediums that provide infrared heat in a controlled environment. Infrared heat is an invisible electromagnetic wave with a wavelength longer than that of visible light that helps improve blood flow.
Infrared saunas help restore skin to a clear and youthful appearance to skin. The near infrared wavelengths are the most effective wavelengths for healing the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin. Near infrared treatments stimulate collagen production to reduce wrinkles and improve overall skin tone. Far infrared wavelengths target deeper down, removing toxins that can have a negative impact on your skin.
A study published in The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy showed significant improvements in skin appearance after just 12 weeks of sauna skin therapy using near-infrared technology. Participants experienced a reduction in wrinkles and crow’s feet, as well as improved overall skin tone.
Scientific research has also concluded that infrared therapy greatly enhances the skin’s healing process by promoting faster cell regeneration and human tissue growth. Human cell growth increases to repair wounds and prevent infection.
How does infrared sauna therapy help get rid of acne?
Eating a clean diet and practicing good hygiene such as washing your face at least twice each day and avoiding oily makeup and hair products can help to prevent acne. Additionally, incorporating regular infrared sauna use into your holistic acne prevention and treatment regimen has shown to have amazing results!
Saunas have increased in popularity in recent years, however the use of saunas dates back thousands of years in cultures around the world. Regular sauna use has been shown to have positive effects on skin. In fact, regular infrared sauna sessions contribute to changes in the pH of your skin and helps to reduce the amount of sebum production. The less sebum production, the less likely you’ll experience breakouts.
Saunas cause vigorous sweating and an increased heart rate, similar to exercising. Interestingly, sweating can be incredibility beneficial to skin health. Human sweat contains a large amount of antimicrobial peptides. One peptide called dermcidin actually attacks the acne-causing bacteria that lives on the skin, known as propionibacterium acnes. Research has actually linked the presence of acne on the skin to the decreased amount of dermcidin. This link suggests that the increased amount of sweat produced when sitting in a sauna can help to diminish the acne causing bacteria on your skin.
To reap the full benefits of your sauna session, it is recommended to wash your face before your session to remove any oils, lotions, or makeup from your skin. After your sauna session, it is recommended to wash your face again, specifically with cold water. Sweating causes pores to open and rinsing with cold water helps to contract pores back to their resting size.
How much time should I spend in a sauna?
When you start with regular sauna therapy, it is recommended that you begin with 20 minute sessions and slowly increase the time you spend in the sauna.
Since you will be sweating during your sauna session, it is important to stay fully hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after your session.
Are you ready to try infrared sauna therapy for yourself?
Contact us at (386) 307-8207 if you are considering incorporating regular infrared sauna sessions into your health routine to aid in reducing acne breakouts.
We can help you design the perfect sauna regimen for your specific health concerns. Learn more about the Sunlighten infrared saunas available for use at our office here.
