Dry Sauna vs. Steam Sauna Benefits
Saunas are growing in popularity and are great additions to residential homes and commercial properties, but before investing, take a second to learn more about the differences between a dry sauna and steam saunas
As people become more aware of the benefits of self-care, saunas are becoming more popular. There are a lot of dry sauna benefits and steam sauna benefits, but both offer different types of experiences. Before exploring the difference between a sauna and a steam room, it may be helpful to learn more about both experiences. This not only will help you determine if you should visit a sauna or a steam room but can help you ensure you are maximizing your experience.
Whether you are attempting to find the best sauna at a public gym or considering installing a dry sauna within your home, it is a good idea to test a few and see what fits you best. Overall, most people will tell you that both steam and dry saunas are excellent options and offer exceptional health benefits, but there are a few slight differences between sauna and steam room. Most of these differences have to do with your overall health and whether you might need a few adjustments to get the most out of your experience.
With that in mind, take a second to read about the characteristics of a dry sauna and dry sauna benefits, and then do the same for steam saunas. Then you can make the final decision of sauna vs. steam room with more certainty. Either way, you will enjoy the experience and likely incorporate more sauna or steam room visits into your daily and weekly routine.
What is a Dry Sauna?
Dry saunas are the most typical type of saunas, and are the type that most people are familiar with. These are the ones that are found in most gyms and are also sometimes referred to as a Finnish sauna. They feature extreme heat but without the use of humidity. In fact, the defining feature of a dry sauna and the reason for many of the benefits of dry sauna is the fact that humidity is always set at 0%. Therefore, if you think that your air is getting frizzy- we can assure you it is not.
What are the Overall Dry Benefits of Dry Sauna?
The dry sauna is an excellent option for those with health problems that humidity might hurt or aggravate, such as arthritis. Some of the many other dry sauna benefits include better regulation of metabolism, relief of joint pain, improved circulation, and skin detoxification.
In fact, many people use dry saunas as part of their daily skincare regime. Especially those who install dry saunas into their home for personal use. Saunas make your body sweat which then flushes out all of the impurities and toxins that are hiding in your skin. Most people find that after they wash off their sweaty pores, they are left with rejuvenated skin that looks fresher and is less likely to develop acne.
How do Most Dry Saunas Work?
Most dry saunas operate via electrical resistance that is produced by rocks that are heated to very high temperatures. There are many different ways to stage a dry sauna, and most designs usually aim to emphasize the natural wood and stone feel of a desert. Some feature wooden seats, while others have wooden seats with stone walls and ceilings. Some even more impressive dry saunas are completely covered in stone with limestone used to create seats. These features are usually just decorative, and all offer the same set of dry sauna benefits.
What is a Steam Sauna?
A steam sauna, also known as a Turkish bath or a wet sauna, is the opposite of a dry sauna, as the name implies. While a dry sauna is set at 0 degrees humidity, a steam sauna is set at around 100% humidity. This means your hair may get a bit more wave and bounce in it by the time you walk out. It is the high humidity levels that make the steam sauna feel hot because the actual temperature of most steam saunas sits around 55 degrees.
What are the Overall Benefits of a Steam Sauna?
Steam saunas offer a lot of the same benefits as dry saunas which is why some people struggle between the decision of a sauna vs. steam room. Steam saunas are also great for improving body circulation and naturally relieving pain that is related to constricted veins. They are also great at detoxifying the body and your skin as well as helping reduce rheumatic pain.
However, one of the top benefits of steam saunas is the fact that they are great for people with asthma, allergies, nasal congestion, or chest congestion. This is because the humidity can help clear the airways and the nasal airways much like a supercharged humidifier. Those with asthma or allergies often feel refreshed and able to breathe a lot easier when they leave a steam sauna.
How Do Most Steam Saunas Work?
Most steam saunas are powered by steam generators that heat water, therefore, releasing large levels of humidity into the air. Most steam saunas are covered with acrylic materials or stone since humidity does not harm either of these materials. You will not find much wood in steam saunas since the wood will warp when constantly exposed to high humidity levels.
What is the Difference Between Sauna and Steam room?
Overall the main difference between a sauna and a steam room is the way that what is produced and the level of humidity. A dry sauna uses heated rock and absolutely no humidity to create hot temperatures, whereas a steam room uses steam to create high levels of humidity. The temperature in a steam room tends to be low, but the high humidity levels create the same experience of heat. Aesthetically the main difference between a sauna and a steam room is that a sauna often uses wood whereas a steam room uses acrylics and stone only.
Who is the Winner? Sauna Vs. Steam Room
There is no clear winner in the fight between sauna vs. steam room. Due to the fact that they both offer high exposure to heat, many of the benefits of dry saunas are the same as steam saunas. There is a small difference when it comes down to treating health conditions. In this case, a dry sauna is better for arthritis and a steam sauna is better for those with allergies and asthma. Outside of those two facts, you will win a full array of dry sauna benefits and steam sauna benefits regardless of your final decision.