If you’ve tried hot yoga, you’ve probably already experienced feeling great afterward. Yoga is excellent for flexibility, muscle tone, and relaxation, but part of that terrific post-yoga feeling is from the benefits of hot yoga for the skin.
Let’s crank up the heat and explain how hot yoga makes your skin look and feel great, and how to prolong the benefits of this yoga practice.
Why Hot Yoga Is So Good for Your Skin
Hot yoga uses steam to make your body sweat, which comes with several benefits, such as:
- Blood circulation: The high heat, in combination with holding a difficult stretch, increases blood flow circulation. Blood cells deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the surface of the skin, so increased circulation enhances this effect. When the capillaries throughout your body open after hot yoga, you develop an even skin tone many refer to as “glowing.”
- Detoxing: The sustained sweating you experience from hot yoga leads to amazing skin detoxification. Sweat removes excess alcohol, bacteria, and even cholesterol, so perspiring is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
- Hydration: The 40% humidity and steam involved in hot yoga hydrates your skin cells, keeping the surface of your skin looking healthy and moisturized.
- Emotional release: Hot yoga helps release endorphins, which reduce stress and gives you a feeling of rejuvenation. The lack of stress, the rush of feel-good endorphins, and increased relaxation help your skin look great.
- Reduced acne: When your pores open, they release the excess oil within your skin called sebum, which is a primary cause of acne. With regular sebum release, many people notice less frequent blackheads or severe acne.
Ready to take advantage of these benefits? Check out Ignite Yoga: your local hot yoga studio in Dayton.
Increasing the Benefits of Hot Yoga for Your Skin
You can prolong the benefits of hot yoga for the skin by following daily skin care and pre-yoga precautions that include:
- Remove your makeup and wash your face before hot yoga.
- Remain hydrated during the session by drinking more water than normal.
- Shower or wash immediately after the session.
- Get a good night’s sleep before and after your session to help your skin recharge and reform its natural defenses.
While your skin experiences increased hydration during yoga, if you don’t seal it in, it will eventually dehydrate your skin. Apply lotion after yoga to prevent the moisture from evaporating.
If you have sensitive skin, consider skipping the hot yoga or taking extra precautions to protect your skin. For some people, sweat can cause bacterial growth that leads to eczema, rosacea, or other skin irritation. A rinse-off shower after your yoga practice should help with this.
If you want to reap the benefits of hot yoga for the skin or deepen your yoga practice for a less stressful and more relaxing life, Ignite Yoga has a place for you. Through our studio, events, and courses, we impel powerful living. Whether you’ve integrated the practice into your daily life or are newly curious, you can take the next step on your wellness journey with yoga.
