Using a steam shower is a luxurious experience, but you do need to be aware that you shouldn't spend more than 15 minutes (20 tops) in there to avoid dehydrating your skin. Additionally, the ideal temperature should sit between 35C and 40C.

In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about steam showers - what they are, how they work, and some of the common misconceptions that surround them. If you were on the fence about getting a steam shower before, we hope this will help you make up your mind.

What is a Steam Shower?

A steam shower is a LUXURIOUS home spa experience that provides various health benefits [1]. It combines the use of hot water, steam and sometimes essential oils to CREATE an invigorating and therapeutic ENVIRONMENT.

The warm air and humidity GENERATED by the steam help open up your pores, while the heat can help RELAX tight muscles and soothe aches.

Pro Tip: A steam shower is typically installed in bathrooms or other enclosed areas with tile walls and floors for easy cleanup.

A generator heats up water to PRODUCE steam which is then released into the room through specialized VENTS or overhead nozzles.

You have full CONTROL over the temperature, pressure, time length, aroma therapy options, music streaming capabilities and more from WITHIN the shower itself or via a remote control device OUTSIDE of it.

How to Take a Steam Shower

Taking a steam shower is an incredibly RELAXING and therapeutic experience that can help to IMPROVE your physical and mental well-being.

Pro Tip: It's easy to mix up a steam shower and a steam room. Steam rooms are communal buildings that have been designed for steam therapy, and like steam showers, they have many health benefits.

It COMBINES hot water, steam, and sometimes essential oils to create a soothing environment. Taking a steam shower is easy once you KNOW how, so here's everything you need to do for the PERFECT session.

1. Start by setting the temperature to your desired level - typically around 40°C.

2. Adjust the pressure to suit your preference – higher pressure will provide a stronger steam experience, while lower pressure is gentler.

3. Activate any aromatherapy, music streaming, and lighting features if desired.

4. Step into the shower, close the door and let the steam fill up the room with moist heat.

5. Stay in for 15-20 minutes to get the full benefit of the steam session.

6. When you’re done, turn off any aromatherapy or music streaming features and exit the shower.

7. Towel off, and enjoy the feeling of relaxation that comes with a steam shower session.

How Long Should a Steam Shower Take?

Steam showers TYPICALLY last between 15-20 minutes, depending on how much steam you want in the room and the temperature you SET.

It’s IMPORTANT not to stay in for too long as the heat can dehydrate and be too intense for your body. After 15-20 minutes, turn OFF any aromatherapy or music-streaming features and exit the shower.

Pro Tip: It’s best to take a steam shower before bed so your body can cool off before sleep.

What is the Ideal Temperature for a Steam Shower?

The IDEAL temperature for a steam shower is between 35-40°C. This range allows you to enjoy the benefits of the steam while also AVOIDING any feeling of discomfort due to dehydration or INTENSE heat.

You can ADJUST the temperature within this range, depending on your preference and how much steam you want in the room. If it gets TOO hot, simply open the door to let some of the steam out.

What is the Recommended Water Pressure for a Steam Shower?

The RECOMMENDED pressure for a steam shower is 1.5 to 2.0 bar. This will ensure that the steam is able to disperse and fill up the room evenly, giving you the FULL benefits of a steam session.

You can ADJUST the pressure according to your preference - higher pressures will provide a stronger steam experience, while LOWER pressures are gentler and soothing.

Can You Combine a Steam Shower with Aromatherapy?

You can COMBINE a steam shower with aromatherapy to create an even more relaxing and therapeutic experience. Aromatherapy is the PRACTICE of using essential oils to achieve physical and MENTAL well-being.

The COMBINATION of hot water, steam, and essential oils provides multiple health perks, such as improved circulation, relaxation of muscles, and RELIEF from stress [2].

Pro Tip: You can also get chromotherapy features installed in your steam shower, which complements aromatherapy treatments wonderfully.

Many modern steam showers come equipped with built-in aromatherapy features that ALLOW you to customize your session according to your PREFERENCE. You can also add drops of essential oil DIRECTLY into the shower or use an electronic diffuser for added convenience.

Do Essential Oils Enhance the Steam Shower Experience?

Essential oils can ENHANCE the steam shower experience by providing multiple health benefits and creating a more RELAXING atmosphere.

Aromatherapy is the PRACTICE of using essential oils to achieve physical and mental well-being. When combined with hot water and steam in a steam shower, it CAN provide an even more therapeutic EXPERIENCE.

Pro Tip: The use of essential oils helps to improve circulation, relax muscles, reduce stress levels, boost moods, and much more.

What are the Advantages of a Steam Shower?

• Improved circulation
• Relaxation of muscles and relief from stress
• Relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, sinus congestion, and colds/flu
• Improves skin health by helping to detoxify the body while hydrating the skin
• Cleanses pores and helps to remove excess oils from the body
• Boosts mood levels
• Can help with muscle tension or pain relief for those suffering from arthritis or fibromyalgia
• Provides a more relaxing shower experience

What are Common Misconceptions about Steam Showers?

There are quite a FEW misconceptions about steam showers, some of which may have put you off the notion of getting one installed. Here's a closer look at the most COMMON.

Temperature

One of the most common misconceptions about steam showers is that they are too HOT and uncomfortable. While it's TRUE that steam showers should be kept at a temperature between 35-40°C, this range of temperatures is comfortable, and the heat CAN actually be quite soothing.

Furthermore, with adjustable settings, users can ALTER the temperature to their preference and even OPEN the door of the steam shower to let some of the steam out if it gets too hot.

Safety

Another misconception is that steam showers can be DANGEROUS due to extreme temperature changes and lack of ventilation. This is NOT true, as steam showers are designed with safety in mind and have ADJUSTABLE temperature settings.

Leading on from this, they come EQUIPPED with an exhaust fan to ensure proper ventilation and REDUCE the risk of steam build-up.

Maintenance

Additionally, SOME people think that steam showers are difficult to maintain and expensive to run. This is not the case; steam showers are relatively LOW maintenance and can be cost-effective if used in MODERATION.

Steam shower installation can be a little TRICKY, but the main components are the steam head and the steam generator. While these take a little MORE time than the electric valve on a regular shower, it's NOT much more work.

Pro Tip: Many modern steam showers have energy efficiency features that help reduce energy consumption and save on bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should I Stay in a Steam Shower for Maximum Benefits?

The optimal time to spend inside a steam shower is between 10-20 minutes. This time frame gives you enough time to enjoy the health benefits of the steam without overdoing it.

Can I Take a Steam Shower with an Open Wound?

No, if you have an open wound or any kind of infection, you should avoid taking a steam shower. The hot steam can further irritate the wound or spread the infection.

Is it OK to take a Steam Shower Every Day?

No, it is not recommended to take a steam shower every day. Doing so can cause the body to become overheated and dehydrated, leading to further health problems.

It is best to limit yourself to 1-2 steam showers per week for maximum benefit.

To Conclude

Steam showers are a great way to RELAX and improve your health. With adjustable temperature settings, users can enjoy the therapeutic BENEFITS of steam without overdoing it.

Furthermore, they DON'T require much maintenance, and with energy efficiency features installed, they can be cost-effective too. To get the MAXIMUM benefit from taking a steam shower, LIMIT yourself to 1-2 sessions per week.

Finally, remember that essential oils can ENHANCE the experience by providing multiple health benefits and creating a MORE relaxing atmosphere. By following these tips, you’ll be able to reap all of the wonderful rewards that come with having your OWN steam shower in your home.

Sources:

‌[1] Wax B. What Are the Health Benefits of a Steam Shower? EliteSteam. Published January 17, 2019. Accessed March 9, 2023. https://www.elitesteam.com/health-benefits-steam-shower/

[2] Lakhan SE, Sheafer H, Tepper D. The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Reducing Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Research and Treatment. 2016;2016:1-13. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/8158693

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