How to Choose Between a Sauna and Steambath
Posted on 19 July 2024
The benefits of heat therapy are extremely profound, to the point where many people choose to participate in saunaing and steaming on a regular basis. Some people even go so far as to get a sauna or steambath installed in their homes for maximum benefits. But when it comes to reaping the benefits of heat therapy, which option is better? Saunas or steambaths? Both options have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, however, both have been shown to provide significant health benefits. Choosing which one to install in your home will simply come down to personal preference and goals. Saunafin offers a variety of indoor saunas, barrel saunas, and outdoor saunas in Muskoka, along with steamabaths. This ensures that your needs are met regardless of whether you prefer dry heat or steam. Contact SaunaFin today for a free quote!
This blog will aim to outline the major differences between saunas, steamaths and their uses so that you can make an informed decision on which one will benefit you the most.
The Fundamentals: Sauna vs Steambaths
Some people may not understand the difference between saunas and steambaths, so it is important to know the fundamental differences between each for a better understanding.
Saunas
Saunas provide dry heat that is generated by electric heaters and heating stones. Although sometimes water can be poured over hot stones for a little bit of steam, saunas are relatively dry. Temperatures in saunas are normally extremely high, sitting between 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 200 degrees. This high and dry heat allows the body to sweat very intensely.
Steambaths
As stated in the name, steam baths generate heat and produce steam. Steam generators release steam, providing a more moist environment. Temperatures in steam rooms tend to be lower when compared to saunas, normally sitting around 110 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees. The steam allows for hydration and moisturization of the body.
Health Benefits
Both saunas and steam baths are great options for anyone looking to invest in their health and wellness. However, each one has its own unique benefits, and knowing these differences can help you decide which product better aligns with your goals.
- Saunas provide heat that deeply penetrates the body, boosting blood flow, making this ideal for muscle recovery
- Saunas raise your heart rate significantly compared to steambaths. This promotes good heart health, and regular sauna use has been linked to a lower risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.
- Saunas can reduce stress by boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin while reducing stress hormones like cortisol.
- Steambaths provide moist air that is extremely beneficial for your joint health and arthritis
- Steambaths have high humidity levels, which can help with decongestion. When you breathe in the air, it can help loosen phlegm and mucus from your sinuses and lungs
- Steambaths can promote moisturization of the skin as steam promotes hydration and natural oil production. It also releases trapped sebum from the skin which can reduce acne.
Comfort
Arguably one of the most important factors to consider when choosing between saunas and steambaths is comfortability. You want to ensure that you actually use whichever system you invest in, so consider how the experience in each will impact your comfort.
As previously stated, saunas provide higher heat levels than steambaths. This can make it difficult for some people to comfortably sit in a sauna for an extended period of time. If you think you may struggle with being extremely hot or prefer a more gentle heat, then a steamabth may be more comfortable.
Steambaths provide moist air, while saunas provide dry heat. Each has its benefits, however, some people may find it difficult to breathe in environments that are extremely moist, as the air feels a bit thicker. So, if you have anxiety or asthma or prefer easier breathing, choose a sauna.
Both saunas and steambaths provide unique sensations to users, one of which may be more preferred than the other. Saunas cause intense sweating, which has its benefits but can cause discomfort to those with sensitive skin or skin issues like eczema or psoriasis. However, intense sweating is good for detoxification of the skin and body.
The moist air from saunas provides a gentle feeling on the skin and body, which makes it more comfortable for those with skin sensitivities as it provides moisture to those with dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis. However, steambaths can harbour bacteria more easily, which can cause sensitivity to those who may have bacteria lingering on their bodies, like those who have just gone to the gym.
Make the Right Choice for You
Overall, there are benefits to both sauna and steambath use, but their fundamental differences provide different benefits and results to users. Saunas provide an extremely warm and dry environment, which is great for muscle recovery, heart health, and stress. However, the high heat may be difficult to tolerate, and the dryness can be harsh on those with sensitive skin. Steambaths, on the other hand, are great for joint health, decongestion, and skin hydration. However, the moist air may make it difficult to breathe and can promote bacteria growth. Based on this information, it is safe to say that the decision you make should be based on your personal preferences and goals. SaunaFin offers both steam and sauna options for your home. We are well-versed in barrel saunas, indoor saunas, steambaths, and outdoor saunas in Muskoka. So whether you prefer the benefits of a sauna or steambath, call SaunaFin today for a quote!