Actress Hwang Bo-ra (42) expressed her skin concerns.
Recently, on Hwang Bo-ra's YouTube channel ‘Hwang Bo-ra Variety’, a video titled ‘(First) Hwang Bo-ra's Skincare Routine Revealed’ was posted.
On that day, Hwang Bo-ra appeared without makeup and said, “My skin used to be really good. I was confident, but I got too complacent. After giving birth, dark spots started to appear,” and she visited a dermatologist.
The doctor analyzed, “You feel like your face is drooping.” Hwang Bo-ra acknowledged this, saying, “I love going to the sauna. When I come out, my face looks shiny.” In response, the doctor advised, “Doing it excessively is not recommended because it dehydrates the skin.”
Then, in response to Hwang Bo-ra's statement, “I’ve never done Ultherapy or Thermage because I heard they are very painful,” the doctor replied, “That also depends on the case.”
Using the sauna too often can lead to sagging skin and wrinkles
If you use the sauna excessively like Hwang Bo-ra, it can actually decrease skin elasticity. In a high-temperature environment like a sauna, blood vessels expand, and you may feel that your complexion looks better and that waste is being expelled, but if this state is repeated, the collagen and elastin structures that maintain skin elasticity can gradually weaken.
Especially since the skin on the face has a thin subcutaneous fat layer, frequent exposure to high heat and rapid temperature changes can lead to decreased elasticity and sagging. If sufficient hydration is not done after the sauna, the moisture lost due to the high temperature will not be replenished, leading to faster development of fine lines and sagging.
Ultherapy and Thermage, lifting procedures, can improve skin elasticity
When skin elasticity concerns arise, procedures like Ultherapy and Thermage mentioned by Hwang Bo-ra can be helpful. Ultherapy is a procedure that uses ultrasound energy to stimulate the deep fascia layer of the skin, inducing a lifting effect. It aims to lift already sagging skin. Thermage promotes collagen regeneration in the dermis layer through high-frequency energy, improving skin elasticity.
These procedures can cause pain because heat and energy are transmitted to the skin and the tissues beneath it. Ultherapy can cause a stinging pain as it stimulates the deep layers of the skin, while Thermage can cause a tingling sensation on the skin surface as it acts on the epidermis and dermis layers. Especially if the skin is thin or sensitive, the pain may be felt more intensely.
Immediately after the procedure, the skin is already in a stimulated state due to heat, so it is advisable to avoid additional actions that raise body and facial temperature. For 2-3 days after the procedure, it is best to use gentle skincare products and avoid spicy foods, hot foods and drinks, alcohol, and saunas to achieve optimal results.
Moreover, if frequent sauna use continues after recovery, the effects may not be felt for long. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the frequency of sauna visits or, if you do go, to stay for a short time and lightly cover your face with a towel to reduce heat exposure. Especially, developing a habit of applying moisturizer within 3 minutes after the sauna can lower the risk of skin sagging.
