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 looking at her skin in the mirror
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
Woman relaxing in sauna

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: Colleen Travers

Colleen Travers is a health and wellness freelance writer focusing on all things that make you feel healthy and happy from the inside out.  She's been an editor for sites such as FitnessMagazine.com and DoctorOz.com Her work has appeared online in outlets like Reader's Digest, SHAPE, HuffPost Life, Peloton, Fitbit, MindBodyGreen, and more.