If you think you're breakouts are triggered by sweat then that could be the main reason for breaking out after using a sauna.

I don't know about whether the skin purges from using a sauna though

Hopefully someone else can be of more help to you!

Thanks! I am hoping as well.

My thought is that my pores are so clogged that occasional sweat means a pustule or papule.

By sweating it all in the sauna and keeping that regimen, I am hoping whatever is under will come out and purge.

Breakout is quite impressive. 4 big pustules came out but only one side of my face. Rest stayed clear which is encouraging and indicating sauna is not provoking a general adverse reaction.

Anyone else experienced initial breakout after a sauna session?

no one else trying degunking pores through sauna sessions rather than AHA creams?

I've been trying to go to sauna on a semiregular basis now that there's one in my building, and I think it helps clogged pores by getting rid of dead skin. It also really improves circulation, so It's a bit like exercise in that sense. I don't know if it's good for pimples though, since heat might aggravate inflammation.

I've been trying to go 1-2 times a week for about 15-20 minutes at a time, but unfortunately I don't usually manage quite that often. My clogged pores are better these days, but there are other important factors that may have played a part.

Last summer I tried BHA creams and differin, but they seemed to make everything just worse. Frequent gentle washing and sauna seems to suit me much better for exfoliation.

I've been trying to go to sauna on a semiregular basis now that there's one in my building, and I think it helps clogged pores by getting rid of dead skin. It also really improves circulation, so It's a bit like exercise in that sense. I don't know if it's good for pimples though, since heat might aggravate inflammation.

I've been trying to go 1-2 times a week for about 15-20 minutes at a time, but unfortunately I don't usually manage quite that often. My clogged pores are better these days, but there are other important factors that may have played a part.

Last summer I tried BHA creams and differin, but they seemed to make everything just worse. Frequent gentle washing and sauna seems to suit me much better for exfoliation.

Just curious - how does a sauna help exfoliate / get rid of dead skin? I'm guessing you still need to use a physical exfoliator of some sort?

I've been trying to go to sauna on a semiregular basis now that there's one in my building, and I think it helps clogged pores by getting rid of dead skin. It also really improves circulation, so It's a bit like exercise in that sense. I don't know if it's good for pimples though, since heat might aggravate inflammation.

I've been trying to go 1-2 times a week for about 15-20 minutes at a time, but unfortunately I don't usually manage quite that often. My clogged pores are better these days, but there are other important factors that may have played a part.

Last summer I tried BHA creams and differin, but they seemed to make everything just worse. Frequent gentle washing and sauna seems to suit me much better for exfoliation.

Just curious - how does a sauna help exfoliate / get rid of dead skin? I'm guessing you still need to use a physical exfoliator of some sort?

I usually wash and rub my face a little afterwards but I don't use anything else. I think the exfoliation is mostly caused by the sweating and moisture (a bit like steaming), perhaps also the increased circulation. It's nothing excessive but definitely noticeable, especially if you haven't exfoliated or been to a sauna in a while (this goes for all skin, not just face). I haven't used physical exfoliators for years since I found them too harsh on my skin, but using one after a sauna would probably be a great idea.

I've been trying to go to sauna on a semiregular basis now that there's one in my building, and I think it helps clogged pores by getting rid of dead skin. It also really improves circulation, so It's a bit like exercise in that sense. I don't know if it's good for pimples though, since heat might aggravate inflammation.

I've been trying to go 1-2 times a week for about 15-20 minutes at a time, but unfortunately I don't usually manage quite that often. My clogged pores are better these days, but there are other important factors that may have played a part.

Last summer I tried BHA creams and differin, but they seemed to make everything just worse. Frequent gentle washing and sauna seems to suit me much better for exfoliation.

Just curious - how does a sauna help exfoliate / get rid of dead skin? I'm guessing you still need to use a physical exfoliator of some sort?

I usually wash and rub my face a little afterwards but I don't use anything else. I think the exfoliation is mostly caused by the sweating and moisture (a bit like steaming), perhaps also the increased circulation. It's nothing excessive but definitely noticeable, especially if you haven't exfoliated or been to a sauna in a while (this goes for all skin, not just face). I haven't used physical exfoliators for years since I found them too harsh on my skin, but using one after a sauna would probably be a great idea.

I'm doing the same. My skin has broken out a bit but what an amazing feeling to wake up in the morning with a skin that is not congested! Pores feel really degunked and smooth. The downside is those pimples that came out but I will continue my sauna sessions once per day. Hope this is the cure to that adult acne I have. No cream or soap has ever worked. Sauna gives me a great feeling at least.

Be aware that sweat leaves your skin through totally different openings than oil. So sweating does not "clean" your congested pores. Instad of this, sweat can be an irritant and cause congested pores to inflame, and it can spread bacteria over the face.

So I would definately avoid sauna if you have inflamed acne.

Yeah, it may not be so good for very inflamed skin. And sauna doesn't make your clogged pores to come out or anything, but it just helps get rid of dead skin which then helps prevent clogged pores (and unclogging pores is a bit easier after a sauna). Like I said, the effect is not that different from rigorous exercise skinwise.

And of course you'd wash the sweat off afterwards. I've never found the sweating irritating my skin, but the heat at least could make inflammation worse in theory. I would skip sauna if I had a bad cyst.

Yes, I always did my extractions after hot steam or shower. The skin is softer and easier to remove comedones.

Sauna did help. But it seems sweat glands are not connected to the blocked pores we get. Anyone has more info?

Saunas cause purges because toxins are expelled through the sweat glands and onto the surface of the skin where they cause irritation and breakouts. I wouldn't discontinue saunas, but would look at overall diet and drug/supplement intake to see if any of them could be causing the purge breakouts. Our bodies can hold onto toxins for a very long time. Avoid ALL dairy and high glycemic index foods including processed grains and sugar. Consume healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, pastured butter, organic meats and cold-water fish. Avoid whey and soy protein supplements. Good luck!

Saunas cause purges because toxins are expelled through the sweat glands and onto the surface of the skin where they cause irritation and breakouts. I wouldn't discontinue saunas, but would look at overall diet and drug/supplement intake to see if any of them could be causing the purge breakouts. Our bodies can hold onto toxins for a very long time. Avoid ALL dairy and high glycemic index foods including processed grains and sugar. Consume healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, pastured butter, organic meats and cold-water fish. Avoid whey and soy protein supplements. Good luck!

Going to follow that regimen (except butter, as I am lactose intolerant). Still hesitating with saunas and steam rooms. My skin is pretty much clear, except for 2 major pimples that kept refilling for the past 3 days but which seem to be scabbing and healing now.

Saunas cause purges because toxins are expelled through the sweat glands and onto the surface of the skin where they cause irritation and breakouts. I wouldn't discontinue saunas, but would look at overall diet and drug/supplement intake to see if any of them could be causing the purge breakouts. Our bodies can hold onto toxins for a very long time. Avoid ALL dairy and high glycemic index foods including processed grains and sugar. Consume healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, pastured butter, organic meats and cold-water fish. Avoid whey and soy protein supplements. Good luck!

Going to follow that regimen (except butter, as I am lactose intolerant). Still hesitating with saunas and steam rooms. My skin is pretty much clear, except for 2 major pimples that kept refilling for the past 3 days but which seem to be scabbing and healing now.

By all means, avoid dairy entirely if you are lactose intolerant. I am not lactose intolerant, and am only sensitive to blood sugar spikes brought on by the IGF in milk, so I just avoid milk. Coconut oil is a great oil for cooking (be sure it's organic, cold-pressed and non-hydrogenated), and it's really great for healing tissues. Also, be sure to get a daily source of animal gelatin from either bone broths (homemade chicken stock, beef stock etc) or from an organic powder source. Gelatin is especially helpful for healing scar tissue. An amputee friend of mine swears by it, and I also take some every day. I've noticed that my skin texture improved overall when making sure to get plenty of protein and gelatin. My skin was clear, but after taking gelatin, I noticed it was smoother and had more of a glow. I use a powder (made by Great Lakes) that I add to all savory dishes. It's also good for making jello shots, though.

Saunas cause purges because toxins are expelled through the sweat glands and onto the surface of the skin where they cause irritation and breakouts. I wouldn't discontinue saunas, but would look at overall diet and drug/supplement intake to see if any of them could be causing the purge breakouts. Our bodies can hold onto toxins for a very long time. Avoid ALL dairy and high glycemic index foods including processed grains and sugar. Consume healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, pastured butter, organic meats and cold-water fish. Avoid whey and soy protein supplements. Good luck!

Going to follow that regimen (except butter, as I am lactose intolerant). Still hesitating with saunas and steam rooms. My skin is pretty much clear, except for 2 major pimples that kept refilling for the past 3 days but which seem to be scabbing and healing now.

By all means, avoid dairy entirely if you are lactose intolerant. I am not lactose intolerant, and am only sensitive to blood sugar spikes brought on by the IGF in milk, so I just avoid milk. Coconut oil is a great oil for cooking (be sure it's organic, cold-pressed and non-hydrogenated), and it's really great for healing tissues. Also, be sure to get a daily source of animal gelatin from either bone broths (homemade chicken stock, beef stock etc) or from an organic powder source. Gelatin is especially helpful for healing scar tissue. An amputee friend of mine swears by it, and I also take some every day. I've noticed that my skin texture improved overall when making sure to get plenty of protein and gelatin. My skin was clear, but after taking gelatin, I noticed it was smoother and had more of a glow. I use a powder (made by Great Lakes) that I add to all savory dishes. It's also good for making jello shots, though.

Never thought about animal gelatin. Where do you usually find good quality for that?

Saunas cause purges because toxins are expelled through the sweat glands and onto the surface of the skin where they cause irritation and breakouts. I wouldn't discontinue saunas, but would look at overall diet and drug/supplement intake to see if any of them could be causing the purge breakouts. Our bodies can hold onto toxins for a very long time. Avoid ALL dairy and high glycemic index foods including processed grains and sugar. Consume healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, pastured butter, organic meats and cold-water fish. Avoid whey and soy protein supplements. Good luck!

Going to follow that regimen (except butter, as I am lactose intolerant). Still hesitating with saunas and steam rooms. My skin is pretty much clear, except for 2 major pimples that kept refilling for the past 3 days but which seem to be scabbing and healing now.

By all means, avoid dairy entirely if you are lactose intolerant. I am not lactose intolerant, and am only sensitive to blood sugar spikes brought on by the IGF in milk, so I just avoid milk. Coconut oil is a great oil for cooking (be sure it's organic, cold-pressed and non-hydrogenated), and it's really great for healing tissues. Also, be sure to get a daily source of animal gelatin from either bone broths (homemade chicken stock, beef stock etc) or from an organic powder source. Gelatin is especially helpful for healing scar tissue. An amputee friend of mine swears by it, and I also take some every day. I've noticed that my skin texture improved overall when making sure to get plenty of protein and gelatin. My skin was clear, but after taking gelatin, I noticed it was smoother and had more of a glow. I use a powder (made by Great Lakes) that I add to all savory dishes. It's also good for making jello shots, though.

Never thought about animal gelatin. Where do you usually find good quality for that?

I use Great Lakes gelatin. It's relatively inexpensive and can be purchased online, though I buy mine at my local health food store to save on shipping.

Saunas cause purges because toxins are expelled through the sweat glands and onto the surface of the skin where they cause irritation and breakouts. I wouldn't discontinue saunas, but would look at overall diet and drug/supplement intake to see if any of them could be causing the purge breakouts. Our bodies can hold onto toxins for a very long time. Avoid ALL dairy and high glycemic index foods including processed grains and sugar. Consume healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, pastured butter, organic meats and cold-water fish. Avoid whey and soy protein supplements. Good luck!

Going to follow that regimen (except butter, as I am lactose intolerant). Still hesitating with saunas and steam rooms. My skin is pretty much clear, except for 2 major pimples that kept refilling for the past 3 days but which seem to be scabbing and healing now.

By all means, avoid dairy entirely if you are lactose intolerant. I am not lactose intolerant, and am only sensitive to blood sugar spikes brought on by the IGF in milk, so I just avoid milk. Coconut oil is a great oil for cooking (be sure it's organic, cold-pressed and non-hydrogenated), and it's really great for healing tissues. Also, be sure to get a daily source of animal gelatin from either bone broths (homemade chicken stock, beef stock etc) or from an organic powder source. Gelatin is especially helpful for healing scar tissue. An amputee friend of mine swears by it, and I also take some every day. I've noticed that my skin texture improved overall when making sure to get plenty of protein and gelatin. My skin was clear, but after taking gelatin, I noticed it was smoother and had more of a glow. I use a powder (made by Great Lakes) that I add to all savory dishes. It's also good for making jello shots, though.

Never thought about animal gelatin. Where do you usually find good quality for that?

I use Great Lakes gelatin. It's relatively inexpensive and can be purchased online, though I buy mine at my local health food store to save on shipping.

Thanks. Will look for that.