I Tried the Internet-Famous Sauna–Cold Plunge Combo—It Eliminated Skin, Sleep, and Stress Issues

Growing up in Northern Michigan, I was never phased by the cold and snow. It was commonplace and to be expected from November through late March. From the first snow of the season to when the late-spring sun would melt it away, I'd either A) hibernate at home or B) bundle up to go crunch across the ice and snow. I welcomed it, always looking forward to a season of slowness and retreat.

Eventually, I moved away to warmer climates and adjusted to the sun and warmth. So when I moved back home again, I struggled to readjust to cold, snow, and what felt like near-constant darkness. I started looking for new ways to incorporate self-care and wellness into my routine. I landed on the internet-famous sauna and cold-plunge combo.

After two months of consistent sauna–cold plunge cycling, I've felt healthier, happier, and, most importantly, *actually* appreciative of winter. It makes me sleep better and helps me better manage my stress. I swear it even makes my skin glow. While I'm no expert on sleep or stress, I am a beauty editor, which means I know a thing or two about skin. Seeing my glowing complexion made me want to dive deeper into the potential skin benefits of this practice. So I did. I reached out to three experts to learn everything there is to know.

Even though it's a trendy wellness practice for athletes and influencers to showcase on social media, it's nothing new. This specific combination of heat and cold has been a mainstay in Nordic culture for, well, forever. In fact, the facilities I use are intended to authentically replicate a traditional Finnish sauna experience: a wood-burning stove, rocks hissing with steam, and smooth wooden walls and benches.

According to Teresa Song, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical,my glowing-skin experience is valid. She says saunas offer legitimate skin benefits. Although, it's unclear if the effects are long-term. "The heat increases circulation by dilating blood vessels, which improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to skin cells. Depending on humidity levels, saunas may also enhance skin hydration by increasing moisture retention. The combination of improved circulation and hydration can give the skin a healthy glow and radiance."

Aesthetician Margo Copeland agrees. In fact, she's seen firsthand how heat has improved her skin—albeit with Bikram yoga, which is practiced in a heated room. "Practicing Bikram yoga has significantly enhanced my skin's glow," she says.

She goes on to say that saunas are more than just a place to relax. "They offer remarkable skin benefits that can leave you glowing. The heat opens up your pores, allowing for deep exfoliation and the removal of impurities. When followed by a gentle scrub, this process effectively unclogs pores, revealing fresh, rejuvenated skin," she says. Beyond that, "sauna sessions enhance circulation, increasing blood flow and delivering essential nutrients to skin cells. This boost promotes a natural blush and a luminous complexion."

Oh, one more thing. The internet is awash with claims that saunas "detox" the skin and body, or in other words, they remove potentially harmful materials through the act of sweating. Song says it's not so black-and-white. Although it's true that sweating helps clear out dirt and oil from the pores, "the body primarily removes toxins through the kidneys, liver, and digestive system. Sweating does not significantly eliminate toxins."

Madeline Brown is a licensed esthetician at Face Foundrié San Francisco. She says cold-plunging can also offer serious skin benefits. "Cold water can help reduce inflammation and calm irritated skin. It’s especially beneficial for conditions like acne, rosacea, or puffiness, as the cold helps to soothe inflamed areas. Cold exposure can also help improve skin elasticity. When in contact with cold water, our skin’s pores naturally contract. This won’t permanently shrink pores, but it does create a tightening effect that makes the skin appear smoother and more rejuvenated. This can be best during your morning routine or whenever you’re feeling puffy."

Song agrees, adding, "It may also boost circulation once the skin temperature normalizes." However, she points out that like the sauna, these benefits are likely short-term rather than long-term.

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