Sauna vs. Steam Room? Which is better?

10 Minute Read

When it comes to relaxation, recovery, and wellness, few options rival the experience of using a sauna or a steam room. Both provide an opportunity to unwind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being. But while they might seem similar, there are some key differences between the two. Whether you prefer the dry heat of a sauna or the humid environment of a steam room, each offers unique benefits and experiences. You may have found yourself wondering, “Sauna vs. steam room? Which is better?”

This article will help you answer that question by exploring the differences between a sauna and a steam room, examining everything from the atmosphere to the benefits and maintenance of each. By the time you finish reading this quick article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to help you determine which might be best suited to your personal preferences and needs, sauna or steam room.

Article highlights:

Defining saunas and steam rooms.
How are they different, how are they similar as well as their pros and cons.
Introduction to Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas, and how they can bring unparalleled relaxation into your home.
Tips to help you choose: Sauna or steam room.

What is a sauna?

A sauna is a small room or building designed to provide a dry heat experience, typically between 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C). Saunas use a heat source, such as a wood-burning furnace or infrared elements, to warm the air and the room’s surfaces. The heat in a sauna is usually low in humidity, ranging from 5% to 30%. This dry heat encourages your body to sweat, which is believed to aid in relaxation, muscle recovery, and general well-being.

Types of saunas

Traditional sauna: Often heated by electric stoves or wood-burning heaters, these saunas rely on the heat of the room to warm the body. Some traditional saunas allow the user to pour water on hot rocks to temporarily increase humidity, creating a brief burst of steam.
Infrared sauna: These saunas use infrared lamps to directly heat the body rather than the air. Infrared saunas typically operate at lower temperatures but can provide a deep, penetrating heat experience. Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas are an ideal example. You will learn more about this luxurious option as you read on.
Wood-burning sauna: These are usually found in more rustic settings, such as cabins or outdoor structures. They use wood as fuel to heat the sauna and can create a particularly soothing ambiance.

What is a steam room?

A steam room is a small, enclosed space designed to generate heat through steam or humid air. The temperature in a steam room is typically lower than that of a sauna, often ranging from 110°F to 120°F (43°C to 49°C). However, the humidity level is high, usually around 100%. The combination of heat and moisture creates a humid environment, which can promote sweating and relaxation, similar to the experience in a sauna.

Steam rooms typically use a steam generator, which boils water and releases the steam into the room. The walls and benches are often constructed from materials like tile or glass, which helps maintain a smooth, non-porous surface that is easy to clean and manage in the damp environment.

Types of steam rooms

Traditional steam room: These steam rooms rely on a steam generator to produce the humid atmosphere. The room is designed to retain heat, and the steam produced fills the room with moisture.
Aromatherapy steam room: Some steam rooms incorporate essential oils or aromatic herbs to enhance the experience. The aromatic scents are released into the steam, enhancing your relaxation with a sensory experience.
Salt room: In some modern steam rooms, salt is added to the environment to create a therapeutic experience. This concept, which is known as halotherapy, aims to help purify the air and provide added benefits to skin and breathing.

Saunas and steam rooms: How do they differ?

Now that you have the basic understanding of what saunas and steam rooms are, here is a breakdown of the key differences between the two:

Temperature and humidity

One of the most obvious differences between a sauna and a steam room is the temperature and humidity levels:

Sauna: Saunas are characterized by dry heat, with temperatures typically ranging from 150°F to 195°F. The air inside the sauna is relatively dry, with humidity levels ranging between 5% and 30%. This dry heat is often considered more intense, and many people find it invigorating and energizing.
Steam room: Steam rooms are much more humid, with humidity levels near 100%. The temperature in a steam room is typically lower than in a sauna, around 110°F to 120°F. This creates a wet, almost tropical environment that can feel less intense but more enveloping.

The dry heat of the sauna is often associated with a “crisp” warmth that feels different from the steam room’s moist air, which can feel thick and heavy.

Health and skin benefits

Saunas and steam rooms are both believed to promote relaxation and support muscle recovery, but the experiences they offer are slightly different:

Sauna: The dry heat of the sauna is often used to promote sweating, which some believe can help to clear pores and expel toxins. Saunas are also known for promoting blood flow and offering a deep relaxation effect. Because the heat is dry, the air doesn’t contribute to the moisture level of the skin.
Steam room: The high humidity of a steam room is excellent for skin hydration. The moist heat helps to open pores and can provide a gentle exfoliation effect, making the steam room a popular choice for people with dry skin or respiratory concerns. The humid environment can feel soothing for those with sinus or respiratory issues, as the steam helps to moisturize the airways.

While both saunas and steam rooms can be relaxing and have potential skin benefits, people with certain skin conditions may prefer one environment over the other. Some find the dry heat of a sauna to be more beneficial for their skin, while others enjoy the moisture of a steam room for hydration.

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Mental and emotional benefits

Both saunas and steam rooms are often used for their stress-relieving properties. The heat from both environments encourages the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that promote a sense of well-being. The choice between the two largely depends on personal preference:

Sauna: The dry, intense heat of a sauna is often described as energizing and invigorating. Some people find that they feel more focused or clear-headed after a sauna session. The quiet, solitary nature of saunas also contributes to their reputation as a place for mental clarity and peace.
Steam room: The humid, enveloping atmosphere of a steam room creates a more calming and soothing experience. The moisture in the air can make the environment feel more relaxing, and some people feel that the thick, warm air helps them “let go” of tension.

Introduction to Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas

Legendary in the space of wellness products, the Jacuzzi® brand features Infrared Saunas available in 1-person, 2-person, and 3-person models. These beautiful, well-made, and compact structures are designed to enhance your home gym or spa bathroom. Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas feature the following:

High-intensity red light therapy.
Therapeutic combination mica/carbon EMF far infrared heaters that surround you in soothing infrared heat.
Full spectrum heaters that deliver near, mid and far infrared to enhance your session.
Built-in ergonomic backrests that allow you to relax close to the soothing infrared heat.
Vibrational Resonance Therapy—A standard feature, VRT allows you to enhance your session with sound and vibration.
Enhanced audio with Bluetooth® and AUX inputs, allowing you to connect and listen to or charge your devices.
Chromotherapy, which allows you to select from twelve different light settings or cycle through them all.

Sauna vs. steam room—which one should you choose?

Ultimately, the answer to the question, “Sauna vs. steam room, which is better?” comes down to personal preference. Here are a few things to consider when making your choice:

If you prefer dry heat and enjoy a more intense heat experience, a sauna may be the better choice for you.
If you appreciate a more humid, soothing environment that is gentler on the skin and respiratory system, a steam room might be the ideal option.
Those with specific skin conditions may find a steam room beneficial for hydration, while those seeking deep relaxation might prefer the dry heat of a sauna.
People with sinus or respiratory issues may appreciate the steam room’s ability to provide a more breathable atmosphere, though saunas can provide a deep sense of relaxation and recovery.

Both saunas and steam rooms offer unique experiences. The best way to decide which you prefer is to try both. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, skin benefits, or just a way to unwind after a long day, both options can provide a blissful and rejuvenating experience.

When you’re seeking the peak performance and comfort of a Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna, visit a nearby spa showroom that sells saunas so you can explore your options in person.

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.

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