Both the sauna and steam room can provide a range of physical and mental benefits for everyone.
One of the main reasons people visit either or both is to improve or maintain great skin health.
In this article, we will explore how each facility can help your skin.
Steam rooms
To survive, our skin cells need water. When entering a steam room, the humidity in the air provides the hydration that our body needs. It enters the top surface layers of the skin, allowing it to be moist and healthy.
If you begin to use the steam room regularly, it is not abnormal for your skin to appear worse the first few times you try it. What you may not realise is that your skin is actually healthier than ever. All of the toxins in your skin are rising to the surface, making it appear unhealthy.
Both steam rooms and saunas are also fantastic for those who suffer from oily skin that is susceptible to acne. They are able to cleanse and detoxify the skin.
Steam rooms in particular help to balance oil production. The moisture in the room can help to plump up the skin, leaving it young and glowing.
As the heat opens up the pores, they become unclogged as the skin starts to sweat.
For ultimate skin health, we recommend visiting the steam room 3 times a week.
Before entering, remember to take a shower so that any external oils, sweat and dead skin can be washed away. It is important that you dry yourself once you come out of the shower. If you enter while wet, you can inhibit the body’s natural ability to sweat, so you won’t get the same effect.
You will also need to shower again when exiting the steam room. This closes your opened pores, meaning nothing can enter or block them.
If possible, you should definitely try to moisturise your skin immediately after exiting the steam room. The moisturiser can seal in the hydration to prevent osmosis which can make the skin even drier than when you entered.
Saunas
One major thing that the sauna, as well as the steam room, can do is increase circulation. The increased blood flow means that oxygen and essential nutrients feed the cells.
This is key when it comes to the metabolism of the cells as it keeps them young. It is also a major part of the repair process if you have suffered from skin problems like acne or blackheads on the face and nose.
We advise that you do not stay inside for longer than 15-30 minutes, depending on your own health. You will put yourself at risk of dehydration, creating the opposite effect on your skin.
Always drink plenty of water when you are done to rehydrate your body from the inside out.
When using it right, you should reveal a natural glow and blushed look which is a sign that your skin is very healthy!
Which is the best?
It isn’t a good idea to compare the sauna and steam room together. The best thing to do, in fact, is use them both together. This way, you get all of the benefits.
Our advice is to start with the sauna. This will open up your pores and really stimulate circulation and blood flow.
You should then go on to end with the steam room for a thorough cleanse.
If you want the opportunity to access both, while also having a fantastic day out, you can use our facilities at The Stable.
For more information on what we offer, click here.
