The spa is a wonderful place for the body and soul. As tantalizing as things like mani-pedis, massages, and facials are, a steam room is a spa secret that hits big with health benefits. Surprisingly, there are a lot of reasons why steam rooms are worth their time.
Steam rooms are not saunas. A steam room uses a water-filled generator to create moist heat, surrounding you with hot, humid temperatures. Comparatively, a sauna uses wood-burning, electric, or gas to create hot and dry heat. In a steam room, you’re getting moisture with is amazing for the skin as well as a higher temperature and humidity. Here are the top 5 reasons steam rooms get action at the spa.
Congestion
Like after you feel taking a hot shower, a steam room clears congestion from colds and flus immediately. Inhaling high amounts of moisture loosens nasal congestion, clearing sinuses completely. If you have additional symptoms however, such as a fever, you may not want your core body temperature raised so be sure to use a steam room carefully.
Prevents breakouts
Clear skin, free from breakouts. Imagine that! Steam rooms can clear up clogged or congested skin and prevents pimples that could be originating deep below the skin. Why people choose steam rooms has everything to do with the effects it has on the skin. That said, if you have complicated skin with conditions such as rosacea, consult a dermatologist prior to going into a steam as this can worsen these symptoms.
Improves circulation
A steam room for chronic pain is a perfect marriage as it helps circulation through the body. People with chronic pain oftentimes have circulatory issues diagnosed or undiagnosed. Steam rooms and saunas both can help elevate the heart rate, increase circulation, and improve cardiovascular conditioning. If your pain or lack of mobility has caused weight gain or your cardiovascular self to diminish, consider a steam room.
Blackhead treatment
A spa steam room makes for a natural blackhead treatment, more powerful than any hot washcloth on your face. The humidity opens up the pores, softens the oil and dirt in them, and before long they get washed away. All sorts of gunk from your face will come from a steamy visit. Although being blackhead-free can take some time, unless you have very oily skin, a steam room’s going to help a ton.
Post-workout recovery
A steam room for athletes is increasingly common as it helps them with body aches, muscle soreness, and recovery. Sitting in a steam room has been proven in a handful of studies to eliminate the pain that sometimes accompanies a workout. If you are prone to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) like some athletes are, after your next fitness performance, jump in a steam room for a little bit. The next day, when you wake up, you’ll notice the difference.
These are the most common reasons steam rooms have become so popular at the spa. For healthy adults, steam rooms offer these benefits among others. That said, if you’ve been diagnosed with any kind of medical condition, ensure you speak with your doctor first to ensure your symptoms will not worsen by enjoying some spa time. As long as you use a steam room intelligently and you stay hydrated before, during, and after, it’s a low-risk all natural activity with significant advantages!