Your Essential Guide to Sauna Skincare Tips

Closeup of sweat on a woman's face
March 23, 2026

Your Essential Guide to Sauna Skincare Tips

Skin Care, Longevity

Quick answer: If you want to use the sauna for glowing skin, there are three simple steps you can take. Clean your face thoroughly before the sauna, removing all products and makeup. Let the heat draw out the toxins during your session and hydrate, shower, and moisturize immediately afterward.

Woman applying skincare while looking in mirror before sauna session
Skincare Before a Sauna

Preparing your skin before a sauna is essential to keeping your pores from clogging as they open during sweating. 

Clean Thoroughly

Use a wipe or a damp towel to wipe off all makeup, lotions, and sunscreen. You can also use a coarse-bristled brush to dry-brush your skin. Dry brushing can improve blood flow to the skin while removing dead skin cells. Another potential benefit of dry-brushing before a sauna is that it can stimulate the lymphatic system, thereby enhancing detoxification.

Don't Apply Products

Once your face is clean, you are ready to head into the sauna. Don't use any heavy creams or oils before your session, as they can both block your pores and prevent the skin from sweating properly. If you are worried about your skin getting dry, hydrate from within. Drink plenty of water before your session to stay hydrated.

Skincare After a Sauna
A woman uses a sauna for healthy skin

Following a dedicated post-glow protocol is essential to lock in the session's benefits.

Rinse With Lukewarm Water

After your sauna session, immediately rinse off your skin to prevent sweat, bacteria, and impurities from settling into the freshly opened pores. You can also use a mild cleanser to remove all residue without stripping your skin.

Hydrate and Nourish

As sweat evaporates, it can take any remaining moisture left on your skin with it. This means it is important to moisturize quickly after a session. Since warm, clean skin is highly receptive to skincare products, use a hydrating serum after the sauna. Consider applying serums like hyaluronic acid, known for improving skin elasticity, or another quality moisturizer. Remember to keep drinking plenty of water after the session to rehydrate.

Can a Sauna Routine Help With Acne-Prone Skin?

Through sweating, saunas can facilitate deep pore purification. As you sweat, impurities stuck in your pores are purged. This purification process can help you handle one of the major causes of acne. Beyond detoxification, the improved circulation can help reduce inflammation. Ensure your post-session routine includes cleansing your skin to prevent bacteria from worsening the breakout. You can also consult a dermatologist for a personalized acne treatment program.

Sauna for Glowing Skin With Red Light

That coveted sauna glow is a result of increased circulation and deep hydration. Our mPulse saunas offer both infrared and red light therapy to support skin health at the cellular level. Light energy has been studied for its ability to improve skin texture and collagen production, both of which contribute to a longer-lasting glow that extends beyond the sauna session.

Build Your Ultimate Skincare Routine

Sauna skincare is about maintaining good hydration, thorough cleansing, and moisturization. Our infrared saunas are an ideal way to help you achieve your skincare goals. Browse our collection of infrared saunas and find a cabin that fits your beauty goals. 

Please consult our safety and contraindications information before use.

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WRITTEN BY: Sunlighten

Shining light on infrared technology, Sunlighten® is the #1 choice for personalized infrared light treatments. Since 1999, we have been committed to innovating wellness products and services that empower our customers to improve their quality of life. Our patented SoloCarbon® technology rejuvenates the body by delivering the highest dose of infrared energy to the body - proven up to 99% effective. Our technological innovations are fueled by our passion to make a difference. And we are building a global community of businesses, consumers, and trusted experts to support each other along the way and make the world a healthier, happier place.

Sunlighten saunas are not a medical device as defined by Section 201(h) of the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. Sunlighten provides general information relating to various medical conditions for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified health care professional. Please consult with your physician regarding diagnosis or treatment.