With prices setting you back between $4,000 and $14,200, steam showers are growing in popularity and slowly but surely becoming one of the most sought-after home improvement solutions. Boasting a multitude of health-benefiting properties, beautifying techniques, and providing a spa-like relaxation experience, its highly-acclaimed status comes as no surprise.
The minimum size recommended for a steam shower is 36” x 36” x 7′, which would be suitable for one person with sufficient space to stand or sit down on a fold-up seat, however, the optimal ceiling height is 8’ – any taller and a more powerful generator will be needed.
Steam showers are a surprisingly eco-friendly alternative to regular showers and baths, with a 15 minute steam session using the same amount of water regular showers use in just 30 seconds – 1 gallon, with baths using even more than that.
What are steam showers?
A steam shower is a unique way of bathing, in that water vapor is released from a powerful generator throughout the shower cubicle, rather than water being pumped from above one’s head, similar in nature to a steam room, although featuring a slightly different heat to steam ratio.
Steam showers can be as high-tech or modest as you’d like, from looking like a regular shower to the ultimate futuristic look, with LED lighting, touch-screen controls, in-built speakers, Bluetooth, and aromatherapy just a few of the add-ons available to guarantee ultimate relaxation and a spa-like experience in your own home.
It is recommended to use the steam shower at least weekly (up to 3 times is acceptable) for around 5-15 minutes, in conjunction with your regular shower. Due to the extreme heat expected with steam showers, it’s important to keep well hydrated both before and after your session, as moisture will be lost from your body in the process.
What are the benefits of steam showers?
Steam showers boast a whole host of health benefits, which regular showers simply cannot offer. The benefits come from the fact that the intense heat of a steam shower boosts circulation, while the steam thoroughly cleanses both inside and outside the body.
Benefits include improved skin and hair appearance, help with the immune system, pain relief, cold relief and help with other respiratory conditions. They can also help cases of rheumatoid arthritis, although if you have access to a sauna, this would be a better option given they’re set to a higher temperature due to their comparatively low humidity levels.
Steam showers have the ability to boost skin texture and appearance through the use of deep cleansing. Steam is great for removing toxins, which is one of the main culprits for causing blackheads and acne, as well as being known to cause dull-looking hair.
As well as this, boosting circulation is not only great for the internal organs, it means there is a better flow of nutrients to your skin and hair, helping to improve their overall condition. Whether you have dry or oily skin, steam showers are great for deep-cleansing, and since the steam will open your pores, a moisturizing treatment should always follow for maximum results.
While your pores are open, you may notice an improvement in the appearance of blackheads. This is because the heat-induced sweating may push them out of your skin, as well as pushing other impurities to the surface for easier removal.
Steam showers are also versatile and can be used in conjunction with aromatherapy, meaning medicating with plant-based essential oils. Whether you opt for eucalyptus to relieve cold symptoms and reduce pain, lavender to promote calmness and reduce stress and anxiety, or peppermint to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and other digestive issues, there aromatic treatments for numerous mental and physical ailments.
How does a steam shower differ from a regular shower?
Visually, there is almost no difference – constructed with tiles, glass, and other similiar materials, however steam showers are fully enclosed to ensure the steam does not escape. Steam showers make use of a steam generator, rather than a water pump, which boils and releases vapor into the shower.
Steam showers differ from saunas and Turkish baths. Often, saunas place importance on heat levels and to limit the humidity, whereas Turkish baths are the opposite, limiting the level of heat.
All serve their own purposes, including price points, available space, suitability for certain ailments, and personal preference, however steam showers are widely recognized as the best all-round health-and-wellness products on the market today.