You picked out all the options you could ever want for your steam bath. Everything is installed. And finally, it’s time to put that brand spanking new steam shower to the test.
You’re excited, but hold on a second! Your steam shower isn’t like your regular shower. And if this is your first steam session, there are few things you should do to prepare ahead of time. Don’t worry, the hard part’s over— these are just a few simple tips to get the best home-spa experience possible.
Pre-Steam Bath Basics
Let’s begin with a few ways you can prepare yourself mentally and physically for your new steam shower routine.
● Get ready to sweat. Steam showers are great for relaxing tired muscles, boosting skin luster, and have even been purported to improve circulation. These benefits come from the steam’s heat giving you a shower experience unlike any you’ve had before!
● Eat and hydrate beforehand. We’ve all heard stories about people passing out in saunas due to fatigue or unrelated medical issues. And while your new steam shower is certainly gentler than a sauna, it still helps to prepare your body ahead of time with a little food and plenty of water. Most people will do fine without this, but on your first session, it’s best to ease into it.
● Avoid skin products. The benefits of steam showers come from the transfer of heat in and out of your body through the skin. But if you’re wearing lotion, foundation, or essential oils, your body won’t be able to sweat it out the way it should. Clear off all this gunk before you begin your steam session with a gentle exfoliating scrub.
Timing: Is there such a thing as too much steam?
Steam baths aren’t like regular baths, and it’s natural to wonder whether there can be too much of a good thing. Don’t worry, though. Most people are fine to use their steam showers daily. In fact, you may be doing it wrong if you aren’t using it daily! (Or is that just us?)
Jokes aside, most people are fine to take steam showers as often as they like. But keep in mind that steam showers, just like your favorite sauna or steam room, will make you sweat. And if you’re sick or dehydrated, losing extra sweat may make you feel worse.
This is particularly true if you have pre-existing medical conditions that may be aggravated by the steam or if you’re sitting in the steam for sessions beyond 20-30 minutes.
So, while you’re probably fine to bathe in steam as often as you want, you’re the monitor of your own condition. If your shower is making you feel uncomfortable, try taking a break or drinking some water—and then give it another try tomorrow. And if you have any medical conditions, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning a steam regimen.
So How Long Should You Stay In The Steam?
While everyone ends up finding their own sweet spot in terms of duration, start off your steam journey with shorter, 15-minute sessions.
This duration is the perfect introduction to the concept and is certainly long enough to experience the benefits associated with steam showers. As you get comfortable with the way your body reacts to the steam, we encourage you to step it up and find the duration that suits your exact routine.
Post-Steam Bath Routine
We’ve covered a few things to know pre-steam bath, but what about after the fact? To maximize the overall benefits and feel your best, remember these few tips:
● Eat some healthy foods after your session. This is particularly important for those who steam shower in the morning. Your body will crave energy after your session, so find something nutritous to complement the steam treatment! Drinking electrolytes are also key to replenishing your system.
● Follow up your steam shower with your favorite self-care routine. You should avoid lotions and oils pre-steam bath, but after, all your favorite moisturizing products are fair game.
● Don’t exercise or perform vigorous activity for a while. Soothing as they are, steam baths ramp up your body’s circulation during and after. It’s best to avoid strenuous activities while your body re-adjusts.
Getting Even More From Your Steam Shower
A steam shower is unlike any water shower you’ve had, with soothing benefits that a normal wash just can’t match. To knock your home steam shower experience into tomorrow, we’re all going the route of the smart shower. After all, we have smartphones, smart homes, smartwatches . . . just about everything is smart these days, so why not your shower too? With a digital shower control, you can customize your lighting, music, temperature, and even scents.
It’s your shower. Do it your way.
