• Regular sauna use improves complexions by cleansing skin and increasing circulation.beautiful young woman is relaxing in sauna image by NiDerLander from Fotolia.com
  
  Great complexions come from a combination of healthy practices. Exercise and good nutrition are proven skin-enhancing techniques; many believe use of a sauna also contributes to skin's health and appearance. Used since the Stone Ages for everything from arthritis to respiratory problems, saunas increase circulation to the skin and reduce muscle tension. Meanwhile, heavy perspiration pushes impurities out through skin pores, resulting in cleaner, softer skin. The result? A rosy, radiant complexion.
  
  

Improved Circulation

• Spending 15 to 20 minutes in a sauna increases the heart rate by 50 to 75 percent, roughly the same amount a brisk walk increases the heart rate. The sauna's heat dilates the blood vessels. As blood flow increases, it carries oxygen and nutrients to the skin, which may reflect those changes with a healthy glow.
  
  

Detoxification

• Routine trips to a sauna enhances elimination of toxins through the skin, according to Pure Inside Out, giving credit also the role of lungs, kidneys, bowels, liver and lymphatic and immune systems in filtering toxins out of the body. When body temperature increases, skin generates cool perspiration and can turn oil-based toxins into water-soluble forms that are easier to eliminate.
  
  

Enhanced Elasticity

• The inner layer of skin, or dermis, relies on collagen fibers to support skin traits such as resilience, strength and texture. Aging, sun damage, free radicals and smoking can all damage collagen, and the skin's command of collagen replacement wanes with age. Regular exfoliation can boost collagen production; the heavy perspiration prompted by time in a sauna exfoliates the skin, accelerating removal of dead cells and encouraging generation of new cells. The process may prompt creation of collagen, which, in turn, enhances skin elasticity.
  
  

Considerations

• According to the American Journal of Medicine, people who have unstable angina pectoris, who have recently had a heart attack and those with aortic stenosis should not use saunas. Avoid alcohol use while in a sauna; it raises the risk of hypotension, arrhythmia and sudden death. Pregnant women should consult a doctor before spending time in a sauna.