Salt Therapy VS Infrared Sauna to Improve the Health of Your Skin

If you're wondering, like I was, the differences between Salt Therapy vs Infrared Sauna for skin health I think you'll be pleased to learn what I've discovered in my research. I was genuinely curious, so I did a deep dive, and thankfully I have access to both services at Ambiance Skin Care & Day Spa in Long Beach California.

Infrared Sauna or Halotherapy for Healthy Skin

Both salt room therapy and infrared sauna sessions offer distinct benefits for your skin, and the choice between them depends on your specific needs and goals. Might I also suggest you try both, as I definitely think there's a synergistic affect when you combine infrared saunas with halotherapy to optimize the health of your skin. Your best bet is to alternate between the two, rather than doing both on the same day. More on that later. 

Although this question might not sound very common, its totally logical when you consider how popular infrared saunas and halotherapy have become in recent years, and for way more than just skin health.

Lucky for me, and you too, if you live in Long Beach California, Ambiance Skin Care offers both treatments, including two types of infrared saunas. They also have Therabody compression therapy for lymphatic drainage in their personal care packages. If you're not in the Long Beach CA area check your local day spa or health & wellness center for availability on all types of self care services.

It may seem decadent or self-indulgent to employ multiple services or treatments just to achieve better skin, until you consider just how important or body's largest organ is (yes, it's your skin!) and how it does a whole lot more than just make you look hot (sorry, I couldn't resist the sauna pun).

Healthy skin is smooth and supple, with no breaks in the surface, and it is warm (not hot or red) and neither dry and flaky nor moist and wrinkled. 

Healthy Skin is Your Protective Barrier Against the World

Healthy skin acts as a protective barrier against bacteria, viruses, and pollution, and it also regulates body temperature, maintains fluid balance, and controls moisture loss. Healthy skin should feel comfortable, without soreness, burning, or itchiness, and it should appear flesh-toned, with minimal redness and no signs of a rash.

To maintain healthy skin, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables, and to stay hydrated. Additionally, protecting your skin from the sun is crucial. Use a safe and clean sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, wear protective clothing, and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours.

What Does Healthy Skin Look Like & How Can You Optimize Your Skin Health?

I must admit, there was a time in my life when I thought maintaining healthy skin just meant slapping on some lotion after every shower. Admittedly, I was way off. I now know there are plenty of actionable steps I can take in my skin care routine to help my skin thrive, not just survive.

I've come to realize my skin care routine can be just as important as my workout routine, sleep hygiene, and all other self-care steps I take to stay healthy in every way.
Knowing all this helps me realize what a vital role salt rooms and infrared sauna can play in my skin-care regiment. 

Healthy skin can be achieved at home but could be more effective through a monthly spa membership to keep you on course with professional skincare services. Spa services can ensure a higher quality of treatments and services, and maybe a bit of pampering you might want and surely deserve.

Great skin reflects overall well-being and a healthy lifestyle, showing signs of hydration, a positive mind, and good skin-related self-care habits such as:

• Clean Natural Diet
• Good Sleep Hygiene
• Facial Treatments
• Safe Sun Screen Products
• Microdermabrasion
• Infrared Sauna
• Halotherapy Salt Rooms

Healthy skin appears plump, smooth, and supple, with an even tone and no visible redness, irritation, or discoloration. Skin reflectance, measured at 685 nm, varies by population and hemisphere, with some populations showing higher reflectance indicating lighter pigmentation. That may be a level of detail you didn't bargain for but I want this article to be a complete guide if you're considering combining salt rooms and infrared sauna for boosting your skin's health.

Halotherapy's Role in a Skin Care Routine

Halotherapy, or salt therapy, can be incorporated into a skincare routine to improve skin conditions and overall skin health. It involves inhaling dry salt particles that can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, providing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. This can help reduce skin inflammation, improve cellular rejuvenation, and decrease symptoms of skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

Inhalation of the salt particles can also help normalize the skin's pH levels and stimulate the regenerative and restorative process in the epidermis, enhancing skin regeneration and elasticity. Additionally, halotherapy can be practiced at home using a halogenerator, which disperses dry salt particles into the air, allowing them to be inhaled and absorbed by the skin.

For those interested in integrating halotherapy into their skincare routine, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider, especially for individuals with serious health conditions or pregnant women.

Salt therapy involves enjoying some time in a salt den, inhaling dry salt particles in a controlled environment. These particles can:

Reduce Inflammation: The small salt particles can penetrate the skin's surface, reducing inflammation and improving conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

Detoxify: The salt particles help to cleanse the skin and respiratory system, promoting overall wellness.

Balance pH: Non-inhaled particles landing on the skin can help balance the skin's pH, inducing reparative and regenerative processes.

Skin Care Benefits from Infrared Sauna

An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared light to heat the body directly rather than heating the air around it. This form of heat penetrates deeper into the skin and tissues, leading to a more intense sweat that can help detoxify the body and improve skin health. 

Infrared saunas can be beneficial for skin care routines because they increase blood circulation, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, potentially resulting in a more radiant and youthful appearance.

Near-infrared light promotes wound healing, enhances cell regeneration, and supports skin health. It also activates collagen and elastin production while reducing the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines  

Infrared saunas help improve skin health by promoting sweating, which cleanses pores and removes impurities. This can lead to clearer skin, improved tone and elasticity, and a reduction in conditions like acne and eczema.

Infrared sauna sessions can also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that contribute to skin firmness and elasticity. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially when combined with microdermabrasion, a type of light resurfacing. Combining these treatments can help make your skin look smoother and younger, which we all want, right?

When we think of skin health, we often think of facial skin health as a top priority. It's important to take care of your whole body, instead of just the parts we most often show to the world: face, neck and hands. While facial treatments are important, the next step in skin care if to focus on your entire body by utilizing sauna and halotherapy.

To maximize the benefits of an infrared sauna for skin care, it is important to follow good aftercare practices. This includes staying hydrated before, during, and after each session, using a gentle, skin-friendly soap to shower, and applying moisturizer to hydrate and nourish the skin.

Incorporating infrared sauna sessions into a regular skin care routine can complement other natural anti-aging techniques such as using natural products and practicing red light therapy.

These methods can help maintain healthy, glowing skin:

Infrared Sauna: A type of sauna that uses infrared light to heat the body directly, promoting deep sweating and improved circulation, which can enhance skin health and appearance.

Red Light Therapy: A complementary treatment that uses low-level red and near-infrared light to stimulate collagen production and repair sun-damaged skin, further supporting skin health and vitality.

Natural Anti-Aging Techniques: Practices like applying natural products and using infrared sauna and red light therapy can help maintain healthy, glowing skin and reduce signs of aging.

Beyond Skin Care Infrared Saunas Use Heat to Promote Sweating and Relaxation

The benefits of infrared saunas include:

Detoxification: Infrared heat can increase blood circulation and stimulate sweat glands, helping to release toxins from the body.

Improved Skin Conditions: Regular use can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

Relaxation and Stress Relief: The heat promotes relaxation, which can indirectly benefit the skin by reducing stress-related skin issues.

Ultimate Skin Care Combination: Halotherapy Plus Infrared Sauna

As I mentioned earlier, combining halotherapy and infrared sauna therapy can be very beneficial for your skin care routine. 

Halotherapy, or salt room therapy, involves breathing in air with tiny salt particles, which can help reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration, potentially alleviating conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

Infrared sauna therapy, on the other hand, uses gentle warmth to increase core body temperature, assisting in the release of built-up toxins and enhancing circulation.

Ambiance Sampler Packages combine both halotherapy and infrared sauna therapy, offering a synergistic approach to skin care and overall wellness. This combination can provide deeper penetration of salt particles into the bronchi when the air is warm and dry, enhancing the efficacy of halotherapy.

How Often Should You Use Sauna and Salt Rooms?

I've learned that for optimal results, it's best to practice halotherapy regularly, as the benefits are cumulative. People with chronic skin conditions may benefit from using the therapy at least 3-4 times a week, while those incorporating it into a regular wellness routine might benefit from a weekly session.

I'll remind you that before starting any new treatment, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare professional to ensure it is suitable for your specific health needs.

While both therapies offer significant benefits, combining them can enhance the overall wellness experience. However,

It is important to use Salt Therapy and Infrared Sauna separately to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of each modality.

So, separate appointments for saunas and salt rooms seems to be the best approach. Achieving a high level of skin health isn't a rush job. It requires patience and a willingness to take one step at a time.

Alternating between the two can provide a more comprehensive approach to skin health. Respiratory wellness, overall relaxation and even a bit of meditation are all happy side effects of this routine.

Should You Combine Halotherapy & Infrared Sauna for Advanced Skin Care?

If your primary goal is to improve your skin's health, or address skin conditions and reduce inflammation, salt therapy might be more beneficial. If you are looking for detoxification and overall relaxation, an infrared sauna could be a better choice.

For the best results, consider incorporating both therapies into your wellness routine, but use them separately to maximize their individual benefits.