Steam rooms have many, many benefits both in the gym and also bespoke steam rooms and are becoming more and more popular in private homes up and down the breadth of the UK. Whether for the wow factor, the intense leisurely experience, and of course the many health benefits of steam rooms and a renewed (and most welcome!) focus on our own health and wellbeing are the vanguard forces pushing up adoption. So, here’s a question we can easily answer:
Are Steam Rooms Good for You?
(Firstly, you can take a look at the benefits of Saunas vs Steam Rooms in more detail here!)
Short answer, yes. Long answer: absolutely! Steam rooms are a hot environment (anywhere between 55oC and 90oC), with close to, or at, 100% humidity. These conditions set off a series of physiological changes in your body to stop your core temperature rising (it should always be at 37.5oC) – collectively these changes (which also kick in when you’re in a cold environment) are called Homeostasis.
So, what does a steam room do to your body when you’re inside?
The hot environment will make you sweat… a lot. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, however, your sweat will not evaporate to cool you down – because of the air already being saturated with water vapour (that’s 100% humidity).
The consistent sweating will allow for the drainage of sebum (collections of dead skin and skin oils) to naturally be sweated out and away – acting as both a remedy to and prevention for acne and other inflammatory skin conditions. In addition, it will open pores all over your body, allowing for a deep skin cleanse which is in itself a great preparation for applications of black-head and white-head removing products.
One function of homeostasis is to widen your blood vessels, particularly near your skin. This allows your skin to radiate heat away from your vital organs. The process allows for better circulation, lower blood pressure and better cardiovascular health.
So – how long is safe?
This varies from person to person depending on their genetics, blood chemistry and metabolism, among other factors. Remember you’ll be sweating from practically the moment you walk in so ensure you are fully hydrated before you go in. That includes both water and electrolytes. In general terms (so take this with a pinch of electrolytes) – a usual steam room session lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Make sure to read any warning signs on the door to the room, and consult your doctor before visiting a steam room if you are pregnant, or suffer from conditions including heart disease, very low or high blood pressure, epilepsy and if you are taking antibiotics. Also, don’t use a steam room if you’re on mind-altering drugs or alcohol.
If you start to feel uncomfortable or unwell – it’s time to leave! If that’s after four minutes or fourteen it doesn’t matter – everyone is different and the benefits are the same!
To find out more about how heat therapy can improve your wellbeing, Aegean is here to guide you!