First issues first: Infrared saunas are higher than conventional saunas when it comes to pores and skin advantages (though, each variations have advantages for total well-being). “Infrared saunas are ideal for promoting overall skin health because the wavelengths penetrate skin directly to help increase circulation, detox the skin and unclog pores via sweating, and reduce inflammation,” board-certified dermatologist Kim Nichols, M.D., FAAD, tells mbg. (For these questioning: No, sweating itself doesn’t trigger breakouts; it is while you let that sweat and micro organism linger on the pores and skin that it could clog up these pores.)
Additionally, we all know that warmth can usually be a set off for issues like rosacea, pimples, and dermatitis. However, infrared saunas could present a loophole: “Because infrared saunas stimulate anti-inflammatory responses in the body, it is possible that symptoms could be alleviated,” Nichols notes.
Of course, the way you prep your pores and skin for the sauna can even affect how your pores and skin reacts. Here’s what Nichols recommends you do pre-sauna: