Top 8 Steam Shower Benefits: To Know BEFORE Buying
Recent studies have shown, heat is beneficial in increasing muscle and ligament flexibility. Also, it may help to reduce athletic injuries. (1)
With more and more research being devoted to studying the effects of steam showers, their benefits are beginning to stack up.
Whether you’re an athlete looking to improve performance, or you have a pesky stuffy nose that won’t go away, taking a steam shower may be your solution (more on this later).
By completing this page, you’ll get the full story on the TOP 8 steam shower benefits that will help you in your daily life.
Enjoy!
How Does a Steam Shower Work?
A steam shower is a self-contained enclosure or stall that doesn’t allow moisture to escape or penetrate its walls.
When describing steam showers in his study, Dr. Bergel expertly put it like this:
“Not unlike a sauna in that it induces sweating, but with entirely different atmospheric conditions, the steam bath not only relaxes you and renews your energy, but also promotes your health and beauty as well.” (2)
To properly use a steam shower, it’s easy.
Simply step inside and press a button on the control panel. This will activate your steam generator, which heats water to a boil.
Then, in 1-5 minutes depending on your unit, your room will be filled with soft voluminous steam, or more scientifically correct, “mist.”
The optimal operating temperatures for steam showers is between 110°F and 116°F and a relative humidity above 100%. (2)
Lastly, here’s a list of bonuses to look out for. You’ll most likely want at least some of these bundled!
- An integrated sound system – to relieve stress (3)
- An aromatherapy port – to add essential oils like lavender for improved sleep (4)
- A rain shower head – for the option to shower before your steam therapy
- Chromotherapy lighting – to cure various diseases, sometimes even depression without the use of any tranquilizers (5)
What are the Advantages of Owning Your Own?
Dating as far back to the Maya and the ancient Greeks, humans have used steam to their advantage.
Today, through new developments in steam producing technology, it’s possible to install steam baths almost anywhere at a reasonable cost.
Isn’t the future great?
And it gets better.
As steam production technology has increased, so has the scientific research behind it.
The world keeps turning, and now we have scientific proof of what our ancestors “knew” not so long ago.
Without further to do, here are the latest and greatest steam shower benefits.
#1: Helps Improve Circulation
Every year, around 610,000 people in the US die of heart disease. That’s 1 in every 4 deaths. (6)
As you know, having proper blood flow is key to a healthy functioning heart.
Studies have shown that moist heat, like that produced by a steam shower, helps to stimulate blood flow. Especially to “extremities.” (7)
#2: Helps Improve Sleep
In a recent study done by the CDC, it found that 35% of adults don’t get enough sleep (7 hrs./day). (8)
Adding a steam shower to your nightly routine may be your solution to help you wind down. Sleep experts pretty much all agree that having a set routine has positive benefits on overall sleep quality.
The National Sleep Association put it best in their blog post called “Healthy Sleep Tips.”
Tip #2 recommends to …
“Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual.” (9)
#3: Detoxification
When you sit in a steam shower, your sweat releases small amounts of toxins.
Otherwise, they would be removed by your liver and kidneys.
In a Pub Med study, they said:
“Induced sweating appears to be a potential method of elimination of BPA.” (10)
BPA is a chemical found in plastics. It has shown to cause adverse effects on human health.
#4: Healthier Skin
The use of steam improves your skin in many ways, but here’s the most notable.
Healthline mentions that steam use promotes collagen and elastin production. This means firmer, and younger-looking skin. (11)
#5: Great for Athletic Recovery / Flexibility
Using a steam shower after your workout can help to soothe your muscles and aid recovery.
If you have stiff joints, using a steam shower has shown to have positive effects. (1)
#6: Helps Aid Various Sicknesses /Diseases
Dr. Bergel in his study called “Steam Baths” mentions that steam can be used to help alleviate:
- Bronchial asthma
- Bronchitis
- Catarrh of the upper respiratory tract
- Coughs
- Hoarseness
- Expectoration (in particular, with the use of essential oils) – or better known as coughing/spitting out mucus or phlegm
(2)
#7: Adds Value To Your Home
In a recent study by Zillow:
Homeowners that listed having a “steam shower” sold for 29% more than homes that didn’t. (12)
To put that into perspective, I’ll break down the numbers.
That’s the difference between selling your home for say $300,000 when you could be getting $387,000 (or 29% more).
Could you think of something you’d like to buy with 87 G-R-A-N-D?
Start a college fund? Real-estate? A new car?
A ton of ideas instantly come to mind. I’m guessing you could come up with a few as well.
#8: Helps Reduce Stress
According to Medical News Today, a steam room helps to decrease levels of cortisol. Cortisol is the hormonal response released in relation to stress.
As your cortisol levels drop, you feel more relaxed, rejuvenated, and in control. (13)
Why Homeowners Love Their Steam Showers
So far, we’ve gone through a bunch of science-backed benefits.
Yet, there are many other reasons why homeowners love their steam showers.
Here are the most popular reasons for satisfied homeowners:
- Saves you a trip to the spa – including the time cost
- Saves you from overpaying on an overpriced spa membership – invest in yourself and your home
- Saves you water in the bathroom – by providing you a quick shower alternative that’s great for the environment
- The average person can now spa every single day – live like royalty and take advantage of the times
- It’s a one-time investment – pay upfront, then reap the benefits forever
- They’re small / easy-to-set-up – smaller than a dedicated steam room, and saunas
- Minimal cleaning and maintenance – 1x/month cleaning is perfect
- You don’t have to leave home – the positive effects of being able to “stay home” is something I think we can all agree on
The benefits with steam showers go far and wide, as you can see. So it’s no surprise that they are becoming a staple with homeowners and potential buyers.
Now that you’ve found out the benefits for yourself if you’re asking …
“Where do I get started?”
Click on one of the following text links that contain our buyers’ guides with the top highly reviewed models of the year.
*Here’s our best steam shower generators page and also, our best steam showers page for your convenience.*
Still looking for unique ways to level-up your shower and bathroom?
Check out our most important steam shower pros & cons to know before buying one, and more.
Here at Showersly, we’re here to help.
Click our logo below to find more cool stuff for the room you use every day!
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3747018/
- http://www.sld.cu/galerias/pdf/sitios/rehabilitacion-bal/steam__bath.pdf
- https://www.unr.edu/counseling/virtual-relaxation-room/releasing-stress-through-the-power-of-music
- https://thesleepdoctor.com/2018/08/07/the-relaxing-sleep-promoting-health-boosting-powers-of-lavender/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1297510/
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3560772/
- https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0215-enough-sleep.html
- https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/healthy-sleep-tips
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22253637
- https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-steaming-face#benefits
- https://www.zillow.com/research/listing-descriptions-sales-2018-19285/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320314.php
lee says
thanks for sharing your insights. This is such a great article. More power!
Michael Lamew says
More than happy to share. Thanks Lee, appreciate it!