How to use sauna and steam room?

Author: Alexandria Moen  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

The sauna/steam room should be used “2-3 times a week for no more than 10-20 minutes at a time,” Jay says. Some individuals like to opt for intervals. “You can do 15 to 20 minutes inside the room, take a 5 minute break outside the room, and then go back inside, repeating this for 3-4 cycles.”

Should you do steam room or sauna first?

  • Always shower before going to sauna or the steam room
  • Its customary to do sauna first, then the steam room, then take a cold shower again and rest 20 minutes
  • Doing steam room first usually helps adjusting to high temperature better - its your call what you like more.

How to get the most out of a sauna and steam room?

How to get the most out of your sauna:
  1. Shower before and after using your sauna.
  2. Maximize skin exposure to heat.
  3. Maintain a regular schedule and routine.
  4. Exfoliate and boost circulation to the skin.
  5. Stay hydrated.
  6. Stretch out or lay down.

How long to stay in a steam room after a sauna?

And even though steam room benefits are tempting enough to endure more heat, overdoing it will only do more harm than good. So how long should you stay in a steam room to do it safely? Well, the general rule of thumb suggests you should spend between 15-30 minutes, depending on your endurance.

What should I wear in a sauna or steam room?

Typically, sauna-goers are encouraged to wear minimal clothing, such as a bathing suit or towel, to allow the skin to breathe and sweat freely, facilitating the body's natural cooling process. Wearing natural fibers like cotton can be more comfortable and less irritating to the skin compared to synthetic materials.

Sauna or Steam Room: Which Is Right For You?

Which is healthier sauna or steam room?

Saunas, with their dry heat, are renowned for improving circulation, promoting detoxification through sweat, and inducing muscle relaxation. On the other hand, steam rooms excel in respiratory benefits, providing relief for conditions like asthma and sinus congestion due to the moist, steam-filled air.

What not to do after sauna?

After the end of the sauna session, you should not clean yourself with shower gel or soap, just apply some lotion.

Can I bring my phone in a sauna?

The short answer is that it's generally not recommended to bring your phone into a sauna. The high temperatures and humidity levels can cause damage to your phone's internal components, and the risk of overheating or even explosion is not worth the convenience of having your phone with you.

Should you wipe sweat off after sauna?

Thoroughly wipe yourself off after your sauna. Optionally shower 15 minutes later with room temperature or cold water. Hydrate all the time and during your session, but avoid restroom breaks that interrupt your session.

What is the etiquette for steam room and sauna?

If you want to know what you should wear in a steam room, a towel or a bathing suit tends to be the most acceptable form of attire. You should also take a towel to sit on so that it absorbs some of the sweat from your body. Some steam rooms allow nudity, but not all of them.

Should I cold shower after sauna?

Because you sweat during your session and toxins are released, having a shower after your sauna will help to cleanse the skin and close pores. A cold shower after your sauna can also activate cold shock proteins in the body, which may help assimilate fat for weight loss.

How to use a steam room for beginners?

The sauna/steam room should be used “2-3 times a week for no more than 10-20 minutes at a time,” Jay says. Some individuals like to opt for intervals. “You can do 15 to 20 minutes inside the room, take a 5 minute break outside the room, and then go back inside, repeating this for 3-4 cycles.”

What is the best time to go to the sauna?

Consider scheduling your sauna session between 1 to 4 p.m. for the best results. This can change depending on when you are able to take your lunch break. Aim for a duration of 15 to 30 minutes, ensuring you give your body enough time to unwind and recharge.

Do you burn more fat in a sauna or steam room?

Which One Burns More Calories? You'll sweat a lot in both a sauna and a steam room. Yet, saunas produce more intense sweat as the temperatures get a lot higher and they rely on dry heat—resulting in quicker and more sweat. Accordingly, saunas can be more effective for weight loss.

How long to sit in a sauna?

Key Takeaways. Among other benefits, regular sauna use can help relax muscles, improve blood flow, and bolster skin health. The recommended length of time to spend in a sauna is 15-20 minutes. First-timers should start with five to 10 minutes.

What is acceptable to wear in a sauna?

In general, the best clothing to wear in the sauna (after nothing at all!) is loose, cotton clothing, whether a towel, swimsuit, or t-shirt. Cotton clothing is ideal for allowing your body to sweat properly.

How many calories does a sauna burn?

On average, 73-134 calories were burned per 10-minute session, totaling 400 calories during a 1-hour period. It's important to note that this study had cooldown periods between sessions and used sedentary individuals with higher body mass and lower heat tolerance, who tend to burn more calories during a sauna session.

What is the 200 rule sauna?

The "Rule of 200" in a sauna is a fundamental principle that combines temperature (measured in degrees Fahrenheit) and relative humidity (measured as a percentage) to achieve an optimal sauna environment. According to this rule, the sum of the sauna's temperature and the relative humidity should not exceed 200.

What are the negatives of a sauna?

Although sauna bathing does not cause drying of the skin-and may even benefit patients with psoriasis-sweating may increase itching in patients with atopic dermatitis. Contraindications to sauna bathing include unstable angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction, and severe aortic stenosis.

What toxins are released after sauna?

Though in many cases of needed detoxification the liver and kidneys will do a better job eliminating toxins than sweat will, heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium were all found to be released in higher levels of post-sauna sweat than in urine, making sauna therapy more effective than other types of ...

Should you go in the steam room or sauna first?

While there's no hard and fast rule for which is best to use first, some people prefer to start with the sauna and end with the steam room. Before you enter the sauna, drink one to two glasses of water and rinse off in a shower. Warm yourself in a dry sauna for up to 10 minutes without adding humidity.

Why are my eyes red after steam room?

If steam come into close contact with the eyes, it may irritate them. The sensitive tissues in your eyes may become irritated by the heat and humidity, causing redness, wetness, and pain.

What is the healthiest form of sauna?

Infrared saunas are generally best for detoxification, improved circulation, pain relief, relaxation, skin health, weight loss and enhanced immune function. If you want more intense detoxification, pain relief, improved cardiovascular health and enhanced respiratory function, traditional sauna sessions can help.

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