Is a sauna or steam room better?

Author: Matteo Nikolaus DVM  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

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.

Is sauna or steam room better for weight loss?

Steam room is not as good for cutting weight as a sauna. You won't sweat as much and it will take longer. You want to minimize time spent cutting weight and make things as easy as possible. The humidity of the steam room can leave some people more drained too.

Should you go in the 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.

Is a sauna or steam room better for detox?

Steam rooms and saunas are both believed to be equitably efficient for detoxing. The primary difference is that saunas use dry heat while steam rooms are filled with moisture. Both types of detox rooms can be effective, but which you use can depend on your personal preference.

Is a steam room better than a sauna for your skin?

Steam rooms are also more hydrating for your skin than saunas. This is great for people with dry skin, who might suffer in a dry sauna. Some people find steam rooms stifling though and think that the humid air is difficult to breathe.

Sauna vs Steam Room vs Banya - What's the Difference?

How long should I sit in a steam room?

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.”

Which is safer sauna or steam room?

“Saunas may be slightly better for reducing cholesterol, while steam rooms may be slightly better for reducing muscle soreness.” In general, there is more evidence for saunas than there is for steam rooms, says Dr. Mathis, and the potential risks associated with saunas are lower than they are with steam rooms as well.

What toxins do saunas remove?

Additionally, unwanted waste products are removed from the body when you sweat. Various studies have proven the effectiveness and efficiency of saunas when it comes to removing heavy metal toxins, PCBs, solvents, pharmaceuticals and organic chemicals from the body.

Is sauna or steam room good for lungs?

The heat from a steam room opens up the mucous membranes around the body, allowing deeper, easier breathing. The steam from a steam room can break up the congestion in the sinuses and lungs and, therefore, might help treat colds, unblock sinuses, and aid breathing. Learn about other ways to clear sinus congestion here.

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 shower after a steam room?

It's quite usual for people to shower after a steam room session. That's because it gets rid of all that sweat and smell and makes you feel awesome. But what we don't usually do is shower before the session.

What is the correct order for a spa?

Choose the right procedure for perfect relaxation!

Use the services in the following order: First, use the pool, then the whirlpool, then the saunas, and finally enjoy a massage.

What's better after a workout, sauna or steam room?

Steam rooms might have the edge here due to their hydrating effects on the skin, whereas saunas offer dry heat that may not be as beneficial for skin hydration.

Can steaming reduce belly fat?

No, sweating is not directly related to weight loss. While sweating may be an indication that the body is working hard, it is not the same as burning fat. Do saunas or steam rooms help with fat loss? No, while they may help with temporary water weight loss due to sweating, they do not contribute to long-term fat loss.

Is it good to switch between sauna and steam room?

Many people alternate their use of saunas and steam rooms, or use both during the same visit to the gym. 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.

How many calories do 15 minutes in a steam room burn?

At a typical temperature, a 15-minute steam shower session can burn up to 150 calories. This is typically water weight but as the body generates sweat, its working harder resulting in the breaking down of calories and removal of toxins.

Does steam room detox your body?

Just a single session in the steam room could help your body to eliminate up to 30 per cent of its waste and toxins through perspiration. Although it is worth noting the more regularly you visit the steam room the better the results. Your immune system will benefit from regular steam room sessions too.

Is sauna or steam better for skin?

While saunas can dry out your skin, the humidity in steam rooms can help hydrate your skin, among other benefits. It's as if you're using a facial steamer all over your body.

Who should not use a sauna?

Contraindications to sauna bathing include unstable angina pectoris, recent myocardial infarction, and severe aortic stenosis. Sauna bathing is safe, however, for most people with coronary heart disease with stable angina pectoris or old myocardial infarction.

Is it okay to sauna everyday?

So, always make sure you're well-hydrated before and after your sauna or steam room sesh. You may be at risk if you've recently had a heart attack or any other cardiovascular issues, like high blood pressure, adds Dr. Parikh. Overall, it is generally considered safe to use a sauna every day, says Dr.

How long should I sit in a sauna to detox?

While the optimal duration may vary depending on individual factors and sauna types, a general guideline of 15-30 minutes per session, 2-4 times per week, is a good starting point.

What is the black stuff in sauna?

If black dots or stains appear on the surfaces in the sauna room, then this is how mold manifests itself in the sauna. Mold is a fungus, and what we see on the surface is the result of its vital activity. There are many varieties of fungus, but the most dangerous among molds are black.

Should you go in the sauna or steam room first?

The answer largely depends on your personal preference and wellness goals. Some experts suggest starting with the sauna to induce a deep sweat and kickstart the detoxification process. Following this with a steam room session can then help to hydrate the skin and relax the muscles.

Can I take my phone in the sauna?

The combination of moisture and heat can lead to irreversible damage, such as corrosion and circuit board wetting. Even phones with water-resistant ratings can be susceptible to harm. Our Verdict: Leave your phone outside the steam room to fully enjoy your sauna experience.

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.

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