Sauna vs. Steam Room, Which One Is Better For You?

If you want to invest in your health by buying a sauna or a steam room, but you can't decide which option will suit you best, you have come to the right place.


Saunas and steam rooms have always been known for providing numerous benefits and similarities, so it is very common for people to get them confused. In this blog, we will give you all the information we have available so you can learn about their benefits and differences and decide which option will suit you best. 

What is a sauna? 

Saunas are wooden rooms that utilize a heater to produce dry heat and induce a deep sweat. Even though saunas use dry heat, temperature and humidity are adjustable by adding water to rocks, and these humidity levels can range from 5 to 10%. Saunas require 30-40 minutes to preheat the stones before use and can reach temperatures between 150°F and 195°F (65°C to 90°C). 

What is a steam room?

Steam rooms are small, airtight, and made from materials that easily withstand high humidity and reduce the possibility of the growth of bacteria and mold. The steam generators produce hot steam by boiling water, which is used to heat the room. The temperature in steam rooms is typically around 110 degrees Fahrenheit. (43°C) Since their humidity hovers around 100 percent, it can feel much hotter than saunas, which are kept between 150°F and 195°F (65°C to 90°C).

The Health Benefits That Saunas and Steam Rooms Share

Saunas and steam rooms share numerous health benefits, and although they are mostly known for being excellent means of relaxation, they can also improve our health in many more ways. Here are some of the ways they can help your body:

Improved Blood Circulation

In 2018, a group of Finnish researchers released an assessment of the health advantages of sauna bathing. Several studies have linked regular sauna usage (four to seven times per week) to reduced blood pressure and a lower risk of cardiovascular illness, such as sudden cardiac death and stroke.

An excellent workout recovery tool

We enhance blood circulation and release endorphins when our bodies are exposed to intense heat, such as that offered by a sauna. Better blood flow transports more oxygen to your body, which helps replace worn-out cells. And endorphins are the body's natural painkillers; they help reduce inflammation. It's no surprise that they're known as "feel-good hormones."

Improved brain health

According to studies conducted at the University of Eastern Finland, people who used saunas or steam rooms 4-7 times a week for 15 minutes lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer's & Dementia.

Improved skin health

During your therapeutic retreat, your pores will open as you begin to sweat. This will help eliminate the accumulated dirt and dead skin cells that cling underneath your skin. The dead skin cells and dirt can cause irritation and breakouts, so it is essential to remove them.

The Pros and Cons

Now that you know what each one does and its benefits, we will discuss their pros and cons. 

Sauna Pros

  • Indoor sauna cost is less expensive. 
  • Pre-build saunas take up less space in a home. 
  • Saunas require very little maintenance. 
  • The resale value of your home will increase.
  • Installation is quick and painless.
  • If you are sensitive to humidity, the sauna is a better choice.
  • You can choose between three different heaters: electric, gas, and wood-burning.

Click here if you'd like to learn more about the different types of heaters.

Sauna Cons

  • The sauna will take up some of your home's interior space no matter where you put it.
  • Risk of dehydration, make sure you are ALWAYS well hydrated before entering a sauna.
  • They can be uncomfortable for those who have heat sensitivity.

Steam Room Pros

  • Steam rooms eliminate the possibility of scalding. 
  • If you suffer from heat sensitivity, the steam room is better. The humidity makes your body feel hotter even though the temperature is more relaxed than in the sauna. 
  • This option works better for treating dry skin. 
  • The resale value of your home will increase.
  • Includes a PowerZone® sterilizer that helps maintain the steam room clean.

Steam Room Cons

  • Risk of dehydration, make sure you are ALWAYS well hydrated before entering a steam room.
  • If not properly sanitized, steam rooms can hold bacteria. 
  • They can be uncomfortable for those who are sensitive to high humidity levels.

So, which is better? A sauna or a steam room?

Sauna
Steam Room

Although saunas and steam rooms share many health benefits and have similar purposes, one cannot be placed above the other. Steam rooms might be appealing to those who enjoy high humidity levels, whereas saunas will be perfect for those who enjoy the dry heat sweat sessions saunas offer. 


In the end, it will be a matter of preference. You can go to your local gym or spa to try both and see which one will fit you best. 

Last Words

We hope you find all the information we provided to be helpful and that with this information, you can finally choose which option will suit you best.


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