If you haven’t tried either one, you might think both sauna and steam room are the same. Although similar in nature, there are lots of differences between the two.

For one, the heat in the steam room is generated by a generator that is filled with boiling water. A sauna, on the other hand, uses dry heat from a closed stove or from hot rocks.

Steam and sauna have similar benefits on your health. However, in a steam room these benefits come mainly from the humidity that exists in the steam. A sauna, on the other hand, will increase the core temperature of your body and make you feel invigorated from within.

Here are a few benefits you can experience from a steam or a sauna:

Better blood circulation

A steam room might be very beneficial for your cardiovascular health since moist heat can improve blood circulation. It can also lower your blood pressure and heal the broken tissues of your skin by releasing aldosterone, a hormone that has the power to regulate your blood pressure.

A sauna however, will relax and dilate your blood vessels so that the blood can start flowing more freely, making you feel relaxed. It reduces tension in your muscles and joints and can very helpful in managing the symptoms of chronic pain and arthritis.

Stress Relief

The steam generated in the steam room reduces the production of cortisol in your body. Apart from reducing cortisol, sauna will also stimulate the production of serotonin in your body, making you feel relaxed and happy. If you spend a few minutes in this relaxed state, you will be able to experience better physical as well as mental health. You can also improve your focus.

Clears congestion

Any congestion in your lungs or sinuses can be cleared by being in a steam room. The steam promotes deep breathing by warming up the mucous membrane. You might find it tough to do steam therapy at home as there is always the risk of getting scalded. Steam rooms, however, are relatively safe, provided you don’t stay inside for too long. But make sure you don’t enter a steam room if you have fever.

Promotes skin health

The best alternative for a smooth and glowing skin is being in a steam room. The steam will open up all your pores and remove all the toxins from underneath your skin. By rinsing away all the dirt and dead skin, the warm condensation in the steam room gives you a clear and even-toned skin. Sauna does this by stimulating your sweat glands.

Faster recovery after workout

The muscle soreness that you generally feel after working out can be relieved by spending time in a steam room or sauna. The heat that is generated here can penetrate deep into your muscles, and make you feel relaxed instantly.

Having a steam room at home can be tough since it requires a lot of maintenance. However, you can always get a custom infrared sauna installed and experience the numerous benefits of the calming heat that comes out of it.