Saunas vs. Steam Rooms: Which Is Better for Your Health?
Saunas and steam rooms are two different experiences for different people and needs. Knowing the differences will help you choose the right one for your wellness journey. In this article we’ll go over the characteristics, benefits and drawbacks of each and give you a full comparison so you can make informed decisions about adding these to your health routine.
What is a Sauna?
A sauna is a small room heated to very high temperatures, 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C). The heat is dry, from a stove or heated rocks. The air in a sauna is low humidity, you can pour water over the hot rocks to create steam for a few seconds.
Types of Saunas
- Traditional Finnish Sauna: The classic sauna experience, high heat and low humidity, dry environment.
- Infrared Sauna: Instead of heating the air, infrared saunas use infrared lamps to warm the body. They run at lower temperatures (120°F to 150°F or 49°C to 65°C) but can still be beneficial.
- Steam Sauna: A hybrid of saunas and steam rooms, a mix of dry heat and steam.
What is a Steam Room?
A steam room, or steam bath, is a heated room filled with steam, usually 100°F to 120°F (38°C to 49°C) with high humidity (around 100%). The moisture in the air can be very relaxing for many.
Types of Steam Rooms
- Traditional Steam Room: Uses a steam generator to create a humid environment, for relaxation.
- Herbal Steam Room: Infused with herbs or essential oils, for aromatherapy.
Sauna Benefits
1. Circulation
The heat in a sauna can cause vasodilation, where blood vessels dilate, and blood flow increases. This can improve cardiovascular health, deliver more oxygen to the tissues and aid in muscle recovery after exercise.
2. Detox
Saunas make you sweat, which can help the body eliminate toxins. Although the liver and kidneys do most of the detoxifying, sweating can help with the process and remove heavy metals and other impurities.
3. Stress Relief
The heat of a sauna relaxes the muscles and eases aches in the joints and muscles, and overall feeling of well being. And the quiet environment encourages mindfulness and stress reduction.
4. Respiratory Benefits
Inhaling warm air can help clear congestion and improve respiratory function, especially for those with asthma or bronchitis. The heat can relax the airways, making breathing easier.
5. Skin Health
Saunas can improve skin health by increasing blood flow and making you sweat, which can clear out impurities from the skin. The heat can also boost collagen production, for healthier skin.
6. Pain Relief
Using a sauna regularly has been shown to help with chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia and muscle soreness. The heat reduces inflammation and gives temporary pain relief.
Steam Room Benefits
1. Hydration and Skin
The high humidity in steam rooms hydrates the skin and improves its elasticity. The steam opens up pores and cleanses the skin and can help with acne.
2. Respiratory Relief
Steam rooms are great for respiratory issues. The moist air loosens mucus and phlegm and makes it easier to breathe which is good for those with allergies, colds or respiratory illnesses.
3. Relaxation and Stress Relief
Like saunas steam rooms provide a relaxing environment that reduces stress and makes you feel good. The warm humid air eases muscle tension and calms the mind.
4. Muscle Recovery
The heat from steam rooms can relax muscles after exercise. This helps recovery by improving blood flow to muscles and reducing soreness.
5. Circulation
Like saunas steam rooms improve circulation. The warmth dilates blood vessels and is good for overall cardiovascular health.
Sauna vs Steam Room: Key Differences
1. Temperature and Humidity
- Sauna: High temperature, low humidity.
- Steam Room: Lower temperature, high humidity.
2. Breathing and Respiratory Benefits
- Sauna: Dry heat is good for respiratory conditions but may be uncomfortable for some.
- Steam Room: Moist air is more soothing for those with respiratory issues.
3. Skin Benefits
- Sauna: Makes you sweat and helps with detox.
- Steam Room: Good for hydration and skin cleansing.
4. Health Conditions
- Sauna: Good for cardiovascular health, pain relief and relaxation.
- Steam Room: Good for respiratory relief, hydration and skin care.
5. Experience
- Sauna: More intense heat experience, some like it.
- Steam Room: Softer, more enveloping heat.
6. Comfort
- It’s personal, some like dry heat of sauna, some like the moistness of steam room.
Notes and Warnings
Saunas and steam rooms are great for your health but:
1. Hydration
You will sweat in both. Drink plenty of water before and after.
2. Time
Limit sessions to 15-20 minutes for both saunas and steam rooms to avoid overheating or dehydration.
3. Medical Conditions
If you have any medical conditions (heart problems, respiratory issues, skin conditions) consult a doctor before using saunas or steam rooms.
4. Personal Comfort
Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy, uncomfortable or unwell get out of the sauna or steam room straight away.
5. Cleanliness and Hygiene
Make sure the facility is clean. Both saunas and steam rooms can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not cleaned properly.
Conclusion
Saunas and steam rooms have different but overlapping benefits. The choice between the two usually comes down to personal preference for heat and humidity. Saunas are dry heat that can improve circulation, detoxification and relaxation. Steam rooms are humid that can hydrate the skin and support respiratory health.
Add saunas or steam rooms to your self care routine. As with anything health related listen to your body and consult a doctor when needed. Both are great additions to a balanced healthy life.
