Steam rooms improve skin health, both in appearance and function. Although statements like these are often made, we thought we’d go a little more into the details on exactly how and why steam rooms have this effect on skin.
A lot of the focus around skin and steam rooms is the effect on appearance. It makes a person look younger, more vibrant, gives the skin some bounce and plumpness, and just helps the appearance overall, many will tell you.
A large part of why a steam room affects skin apperance has to do with nutrient delivery to the cells. The more nutrients your skin cells have, the more building blocks there are to keep you looking your best. By making use of heat therapy through a steam room, this helps the microvascular function of the skin. We’re talking the opening and function of the veins to deliver nutrients.
A few academic studies have looked into the exact impact a steam room has on the skin, concluding mild heat stress has an anti-aging hermetic effect on the growth of human skin fibroblasts. ‘Fibroblasts’ are the cells in connective tissue known to produce collagen and other fibers. To this point, an increase in fibroblasts means more collagen and skin fibers, and hence, better-looking skin. This is excellent news for people looking to use steam rooms for skin appearance.
So the key to steam rooms in this capacity is to temporarily stress the skin cells and to motivate them to build up anti-oxidant defence systems while stimulating cell repair processes. Through these actions, it will also protect your skin and skin cells from future stresses such as toxins or sun exposure.
Another study has also shown further insight into the beneficial effects of steam room on skin, demonstrating improved hydration, maintaining surface pH levels, and ultimately resulting in less oil on the skin. In problematic zones on the face – such as the forehead, chin, and nose – steam rooms in this capacity can help to minimize oil production, handle blackheads and acne, and ultimately give the skin a glow while naturally hydrating it at the deepest level.
There’s also some evidence suggesting a steam room could benefit people suffering from psoriasis. This is because the heat is believed to help in the removal of scales.
We haven’t even gotten into the detoxification that can happen in a steam room. To put it succinctly, steam rooms initiate a deep sweat and from this deep sweat, not only is water expunged but toxins we carry in our tissue is also pushed out. As we wipe these toxins away alongside dead skin cells which are sitting on the surface of our skin, this clears the way for healthier-looking skin overall.
If you have a skin issue, you may certainly wish to consider stepping into a steam room. The benefits can be tremendous at helping the skin heal and recover, no matter what age you are and regardless of skin type. There’s at least a dozen major studies published in the past five decades, supporting the use of saunas and steam rooms in treating skin conditions and in hydrating the skin. All it takes is fifteen minutes in a steam bath. Do this a few times a week and after a month, you’re likely to see a noticeable difference in certain aspects of your skin.