Which One is Right for You? A Comparison of Indoor Sauna vs. Steam Room

Spending time in a steam room and indoor saunas have become increasingly popular ways to heal, relax and unwind as you work and play from home (or perhaps after a long day at work).

If you’re looking to set one up at home or visit from time to time, then you should know this:

While they are both spa treatments that can be beneficial to your health, they are, however, very different. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each will help you decide which is best. 

We’ve put together this handy guide to help you find out which one is best for your health. 

Beyond that, we highlight the advantages, disadvantages, and similarities between a steam and sauna room, as well as their differences, so you can make an informed decision.

But first, 

What is an indoor sauna?

An indoor sauna is a heated small room that people enter to relax and sweat out toxins. 

Traditionally, these small rooms were made of wood or depending on the design some are made from synthetic materials. 

A person sits inside the sauna with the door closed and is exposed to extremely hot air (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit).

This heat causes you to sweat, consequently, helping the body expel toxins, relax your muscles, and reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. 

More on the benefits later… Let’s take a quick look at the types.

Types of Indoor Sauna

Hot-rock saunas

Hot-rock saunas are intended to provide a more dramatic experience. Heated rocks are used in this type of sauna. The rocks (stones) are responsible for absorbing and retaining the heat in the sauna room.

Wood-heating saunas

Wood-heating saunas use wood as a source of heat. They are designed and constructed like a traditional Finnish sauna, but instead of using electricity or gas as a heat source, logs or pieces of wood are used to generate heat.

Electric saunas

The experience of a wood-heating sauna is comparable to that of an electric sauna, but there isn’t a fire to tend to. Electricity is used to heat both the stove and the stones.

Infrared saunas

Infrared saunas don’t heat the air around you as a traditional sauna would. 

Instead, they directly warm your body using infrared lamps, which emit electromagnetic radiation.

The far-infrared saunas are a variation of the infrared saunas.

They also use infrared light to heat the body’s tissues, but the difference is that the light waves used in the far-infrared saunas are longer than those in the more common infrared saunas. 

Pros of Sauna

• Improves cardiovascular health.
• Detoxification.
• Better sleep.
• Weight loss. 
• Skin benefits.

Cons of Sauna

• Dehydration.
• Skin irritation.
• Not suitable for pregnant women and children.
• May temporarily affect reproductive organs.

Steam Room

A home steam room (or Steam Bath) is a small room that has a very high humidity (100-150%). It’s usually heated to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit and creates misty water vapor. 

The indoor steam room is a great way to treat common colds, cold sores, and flu because it speeds up the healing process.

Steam rooms are also great for relaxation because they help soothe tense muscles and improve blood flow. 

Pros of Steam Room

• Improves blood flow.
• Relaxation & improved mood.

Cons of Steam Room

• Steam baths can cause scalding.
• Does not help you lose weight.
• Requires more frequent cleaning & maintenance.
• You might get sick after taking the steam bath.

Difference between Sauna and Steam Room

Indoor Sauna vs. Steam Room: Which one is hotter?

Whereas a sauna’s heat may range from 140-190 degrees Fahrenheit (60-88 degrees Celsius), a typical steam room’s temperature is considered mild and ranges between 100-113 degrees Fahrenheit (40-45 degrees Celsius). 

In other words, a sauna is usually hotter than a steam room, but it won’t be by a long shot. The temperature difference between the two types of facilities may have an impact on the effects of using them. 

Saunas are frequently used to increase blood circulation, which could explain why so many people use them to aid in weight loss. 

In contrast, the lower temperature of a steam room may make it a better choice for those looking to relax and unwind after a long day.

The size of the area needed for a sauna vs. steam room

The size of the room needed to house a sauna or steam room will affect the cost and, therefore, its utility. 

Saunas and steam rooms require different amounts of space. While a sauna’s size will vary depending on the type of model, a steam room’s size will require about 8 square feet (2.4 square meters). 

Traditional Finnish sauna designs require a room of at least 15-18 square feet (4.5-5 square meters).

While for a far infrared sauna, you’ll need a room of at least 20-24 square feet (6-7 square meters).

Differences in humidity levels

Steamrooms are humidified, while saunas are not.

Steam rooms are humidified to ensure clean, healthy air, which helps guests focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Indoor saunas, on the other hand, do not involve the addition of water, which means that they do not provide the same level of hydration.

The difference in humidity levels certainly contributes to the design and maintenance costs involved in the long run.

Design and Build Materials for Saunas vs. Steam Rooms

For saunas and steam rooms, different designs and building materials are used. In saunas, where the temperature is higher and the humidity is lower, wood is a great material for all areas of the room. 

The wooden seats in the popular Finnish design sauna do not retain the hot air. As a result, even in the intense heat, they are more comfortable sitting.

Additionally, because wood is porous, it absorbs moisture from the air to maintain low humidity. 

However, because of its porous nature, wood is a bad choice for a steam room. The wood would quickly deteriorate due to the ongoing moisture.

Tile, plastic, or glass are examples of non-porous materials that are ideal for the steam room.

Counting the cost: which is cheaper, the sauna or the steam room?

Although it depends on the type of sauna, installing a sauna is generally less expensive than steam rooms. Sauna rooms are regarded as a luxury feature that can raise a home’s value.

The value of your home can go up by 30% if you install a home sauna or steam room.

Health benefits of Sauna and Steam Room

Improved Blood Circulation

Both the sauna and the steam room will be good for your cardiovascular system. After a session, you’ll notice that your blood circulation has improved and that your blood pressure has decreased as well.

Your heart will function better, and any skin damage will heal more quickly.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Your body releases the hormone aldosterone, which aids in controlling your blood pressure, while you are unwinding in a steam room or sauna. 

Much Better Skin Health

We expose our skin to a variety of toxins and dirt as we go about our daily lives. As we sweat during sauna or steam bath sessions we get the opportunity to exfoliate our skin.

Mental Health

It can aid in the recovery from strength and endurance training as well as soothe sore muscles.

Another benefit is that it promotes both physical and mental health, as [the sauna/steam room] is similar to meditation after a workout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Which is better for your skin sauna or a steam room?

Answer: Your body temperature rises in both dry saunas and steam rooms, but the changes in steam rooms occur more rapidly and intensely since your sweating responses are dampened. 

Since steam rooms cause us to sweat less, your skin may feel like it’s sweating in a steam room, but the droplets are more likely to be condensed water from the humid air. Dry saunas cause us to sweat more and are seemingly better.

Question: Should you shower immediately after a sauna?

Answer: For hygiene reasons, you must shower before using the sauna. However, before entering the sauna, make sure you completely dry off, as this will interfere with the intended sweating process.

If possible, avoid taking a shower immediately after using the sauna. The body will benefit more if you first cool down outside. Then, take a shower to get rid of the sweat on your body. It is not necessary to use ice-cold water. However, a quick cold shower or a dip in the icy plunge pool will help.

Question: Is there anyone who should avoid both?

Answer: If you have a history of dizziness or low blood pressure, exercise caution or stay clear of the sauna or steam room to avoid fainting. If you’ve recently had a heart attack or stroke, or if you have a valvular disease like aortic stenosis, where sudden changes in blood pressure and heart rate can be dangerous, you should avoid it.

Steam Room vs. Indoor Sauna: Which is Better for You?

After a long day, saunas and steam rooms are great ways to unwind and relax. They can increase circulation and detoxification, as well as lower stress levels. 

The best way to determine the best indoor sauna or steam room for your home choice is to consider your personal preference, goals, and interests.  

But here’s the conclusion of the matter:

If you decide to install an indoor sauna in your home, the routine maintenance and upkeep required are minimal, simple, and easy.

Steam rooms, on the other hand, require more maintenance, and cleaning, and cost a little more to install. 

With that said, steam rooms do not reach temperatures hot enough to kill viruses, saunas do. Hence, steam rooms can be very unsanitary if they are not kept clean and maintained properly.

Regarding the cost, indoor sauna kits are much less expensive to install than a home steam room.

In contrast to a steam room, which also requires the conversion of an entire room in your home into a wet room, they only require a quick, one-time installation and an electrical outlet.