But you also need to know how to use a steam room to be aware of the precautions and guidelines. Things like staying hydrated and avoiding eating before you get in the steam room are essential, and the same goes for dressing light (or going nude) to avoid overheating.

In this guide, we take you through all of the steam room precautions, guidelines, risks, and benefits so that you are fully informed. That way, you'll be able to make the decision that's right for you without worrying about what you might be doing incorrectly.

Steam Room Precautions to be Aware of

When USING a steam room, it is important to be aware of the many precautions that should be taken to maximize the POTENTIAL health benefits and reduce any risks.

Pro Tip: Steam rooms use dry heat, which differs from a steam shower or steam baths, which use moist heat - even though the benefits are similar between regular steam baths and steam therapy.

Dress Light

It is essential to dress LIGHT when visiting a steam room. Not only is it more comfortable and less restrictive, but it also allows your body to COOL down faster if you become overheated.

It's best to wear light-coloured clothing made of NATURAL fibers such as cotton or linen so that the sweat can evaporate QUICKLY. Wearing a swimsuit is also common, as well as going nude.

Avoid Eating Before Entering the Steam Room

It is essential to AVOID eating before entering a steam room, as the combination of heat and food can be DANGEROUS.

Eating heavy meals or LARGE snacks before entering a steam room can cause your body temperature to rise too quickly, resulting in NAUSEA, lightheadedness, dizziness, and even fainting.

Pro Tip: Digesting food while in your steam session will take up energy that could otherwise be used for relaxation.

Moreover, if you're PRONE to digestive issues such as heartburn or acid reflux, then entering a heated room on an empty stomach is particularly IMPORTANT - being in the heat may make these conditions WORSE.

Stay Hydrated

With ANY form of exercise, it's essential to stay hydrated. This is especially true when using a steam room, as the COMBINATION of heat and moisture can quickly cause dehydration.

It's important to drink PLENTY of water before entering the steam room and to keep sipping on it while inside to maintain your body temperature and PREVENT dehydration.

During your time in the steam room, you MAY also want to use a towel to wipe away sweat and COOL yourself down when necessary.

Watch Your Health

Before entering a steam room, it is important to be AWARE of any health risks you may have and if they will be WORSENED by using a steam room.

People with HIGH blood pressure, heart disease, or respiratory conditions should not use a steam room as the heat can CAUSE these conditions to worsen.

Pro Tip: Those with low blood pressure are at less risk in steam rooms, but they should still be wary.

Additionally, it's IMPORTANT to be aware of any medications you are taking and if they may interact with the steam room environment. It is always best to CONSULT a doctor before using a steam room, as well as how OFTEN it is safe to use one.

Recommended Guidelines for Steam Room Use

Using a steam room can be an incredibly ENJOYABLE and beneficial experience. However, it is important to UNDERSTAND the recommended guidelines for use to ensure that you get the most out of your time in the steam room while AVOIDING any potential risks.

• Dress lightly or go nude to prevent overheating.
• Avoid eating before or directly after entering the steam room.
• Be adequately hydrated before and during your time in the steam room.
• Know your limits when it comes to temperature and humidity, monitor how you are feeling throughout the session and make sure not to overexert yourself.
• Respect other people's privacy by avoiding loud conversations, using mobile phones, etc.
• Do not sweat on any of the surfaces of the steam room, as this can be hazardous for others who may come into contact with it later on.
• Always shower before entering a shared steam room space, as this will help keep it clean and hygienic for all users.
• Keep towels nearby at all times in case you need one due to increased perspiration levels inside the sauna/steam room environment.
• Exit immediately if you start feeling dizzy or faint while inside a steam room - these could be signs of dehydration or overheating, so they should never be ignored.

Health Benefits of a Steam Room

There are SEVERAL health benefits to using a steam room [1]. They are as follows:

• Improved Skin Health: The steam from a steam room can open up your pores, making it easier for toxins to be released from your skin and improving your overall complexion.
• Relaxation: Steam rooms are incredibly relaxing, as the heat helps you to relax tense muscles while also promoting deep breathing, which can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
• Clearer Sinuses: The warm, humid air of a steam room helps clear out any congestion in the lungs or sinuses due to allergies or colds. This can make breathing much easier and more comfortable during cold seasons.
• Detoxification: Sweating is one of the most effective ways to detoxify your body, as it helps flush out any harmful toxins that may have built up in your system over time - this is what makes regular use of a steam room an excellent way to cleanse your body naturally without needing harsh chemicals or supplements.
• Increased Circulation: Heat stimulates increased blood flow throughout the body, which leads to improved circulation - this can help energize tired muscles after exercise and improve overall health by providing essential nutrients and oxygen into cells throughout the body faster than normal rates would allow for them to travel through our veins on their own accord.

Health Risks of a Steam Room

It is important to be mindful of the POTENTIAL risks of using a steam room [2]. For example:

• Overheating: The heat of a steam room can cause your body temperature to rise quickly and significantly, leading to dehydration, dizziness, and even fainting if not monitored properly.
• Aggravation of chronic conditions: People with high blood pressure, heart disease, or respiratory issues such as asthma should avoid use of a steam room as the heat may worsen these conditions.
• Interactions with medication: Certain medications may react negatively in the steam room environment due to increased perspiration levels and/or extreme temperatures - it is best to consult your doctor before using a steam room while taking specific medications so that any potential risks are minimized or avoided altogether.
• Skin irritation/allergies: If you have sensitive skin or allergies that are triggered by humidity or sweat, then using a steam room could result in uncomfortable redness or itching on the surface of your skin after exiting the space - always test out how your skin reacts after being exposed to hot environments before entering one for an extended period of time just in case!
• Burns: If you stay inside a steam room for too long, then you risk burning yourself due to direct contact with heated surfaces like benches and walls - be sure to keep track of the time you spend inside and use a towel as protection between your skin and these surfaces if necessary.

What are the Age Restrictions for Using a Steam Room?

Age restrictions for using a steam room DEPEND on the location and should always be checked BEFORE entering one.

Generally, children under the age of 16 are NOT allowed in a steam room as they may not be able to MANAGE their body temperature correctly while inside the heated environment.

Additionally, pregnant women should AVOID using a steam room as the heat and humidity can cause dehydration or overheating, which may be DANGEROUS for both mother and baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Steam Room the Same as a Steam Bath?

A steam room is not the same as a steam bath. A steam room typically has lower humidity levels and higher temperatures than a steam bath, and steam rooms do not use steam generators.

Are Steam Rooms Unhealthy?

Steam rooms are not necessarily unhealthy. In fact, regular use of a steam room can provide many health benefits like improved skin tone, increased circulation and detoxification.

Can You Sit in a Steam Room Every Day?

It is generally not recommended to sit in a steam room every day as the extreme temperatures can be dangerous if your body isn’t given enough time to cool down between uses.

Are Steam Rooms Safe?

Steam rooms can be safe if used correctly. Be sure to keep track of the time you spend in one, use a towel for protection from heated surfaces and always consult with your doctor before using one if you have a preexisting medical condition or are taking medication.

To Conclude

A steam room can be a GREAT way to relax, improve your skin and even detoxify your body. However, it is important to use caution when using one, as EXTREME temperatures can cause health RISKS such as dehydration or overheating if not monitored properly.

It is best to consult with a doctor BEFORE entering a steam room if you have any preexisting medical conditions or are taking medication so that any potential RISKS are minimized or avoided altogether.

Additionally, children under 16 years old should AVOID using this type of environment, and pregnant women should take EXTRA precautions due to the heat levels in these rooms. With proper care and safety measures, anyone can enjoy ALL the benefits of visiting a steam room.

‌Sources:

1. Laukkanen T, Khan H, Zaccardi F, Laukkanen JA. Association Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Events. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2015;175(4):542. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8187
2. Johnson J. What are the benefits of a steam room? Medicalnewstoday.com. Published January 18, 2023. Accessed March 21, 2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320314#risks