Using saunas and steam rooms is great for the purpose of detoxification through deep sweats and relaxation of sore muscles. But drying out the top epidermal layers will create visible skin issues. While you are in the sauna, your skin is losing moisture that must be replaced. If you over-dry the surface, even on oily skin, it will send a signal to your glands to produce more oil, creating a plug inside your pores and thus preventing hair and sweat glands from releasing toxins, creating the cystic buildups that result in acne. Thus, I recommend applying a water-soluble natural herbal balm on the face to prevent over-drying the surface of the skin.
Exfoliation prior to sauna and steam room use is also essential. There are two ways to exfoliate your skin: physical and chemical. Gentle scrubs, microdermabrasion, and dermal planing (done with a medical instrument) are the physical ways to slough off the dead upper layers of the skin.
To treat with chemical exfoliation, use glycolic acid (sugar cane), malic acid (apples), salicylic acid (plant derivative), and lactic acid (milk). Most common are glycolic (AHA) and salicylic (BHA). Choose a natural exfoliant with a small percentage of any of these ingredients for at-home treatment, or let your aesthetician know you are a frequent sauna or steam room user for a better facial.
Note: Remember that any of these products will make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure!
Contact: Emilia Kozlowski
800A Fifth Avenue, Suite 202, NYC
Phone: 212-421-4845 / 347-804-6809
