Venues offering Steam Room

A steam room (also called a steam bath) is an enclosed room where the temperature is 40-50 °C and the humidity close to 100%. Because steam is produced continuously, visibility is short and the surfaces are wet. The walls are usually lined with marble or tiles; wood is not used in this humidity.

At most facilities the steam room is not offered on its own; it is one station of the wet area, together with the hammam, sauna and pool. Most of the listed venues are hotel spas; steam rooms are also found in thermal hotels, day spas and some fitness clubs.

How to use a steam room

The same cycle as in the sauna applies in the steam room: steam room, cooling down, rest. In practice it goes like this:

1. Shower before going in, wear slippers and spread a towel where you will sit.
2. Move slowly inside, as visibility is short and the floor is slippery; on your first visit, sit on the lower bench near the door.
3. Stay 10-15 minutes at a time; if you feel short of breath, come out before the time is up.
4. Cool down with a lukewarm or cool shower, then drink water in the relaxation area.

The cycle can be repeated 2-3 times. After the steam room, starting with a lukewarm shower rather than getting straight into cold water is safer, especially for those prone to swings in blood pressure. Healthy adults can use the steam room several times a week; the fluid lost each time needs to be replaced. Not all of the moisture on your skin is sweat; some of the steam condenses on the cooler surface of the skin. Some facilities add essences such as eucalyptus to the steam; if you are sensitive to scents, ask beforehand.

Benefits and limits of the steam room

The humid air of the steam room is found soothing for the airways; some people choose it for a blocked nose and seasonal complaints. This relief is temporary and does not treat any illness. Because humidity does not dry out the skin, people with dry skin find the steam room more comfortable than the sauna. As hot, humid air softens the top layer of the skin, the steam room is also used as a preparation station before a kese (exfoliating scrub) or a facial. The weight lost through sweating is water and comes back once you drink.

How the steam room differs from the sauna and hammam

The main difference between the steam room and the sauna is humidity. The sauna is dry heat at 70-100 °C, whereas the steam room works at 40-50 °C with humidity close to 100%. Although the temperature is lower, the high humidity stops sweat from evaporating, so the body struggles to cool itself and the heat feels intense. People who find dry heat uncomfortable usually choose the steam room, and those who want intense, dry heat choose the sauna.

The Turkish bath is also a humid environment, but it works differently: in the hammam the heat comes from the marble floor and the navel stone, you pour water over yourself from the basins, and you are washed with kese and foam. The steam room, on the other hand, is a small space with its door kept closed, used only for sitting; there is no washing or kese inside. The order in which to use the wet-area stations is covered in the guide explaining the order of hammam, sauna, steam room and pool.

Hygiene in the steam room

The hot, humid environment of a steam room is favourable for microorganisms. Wear slippers, avoid direct contact with the seating surface and spread a towel; using your own towel and slippers in shared areas reduces the risk of picking up a fungal infection. Observing the venue's cleaning routine and ventilation is a sensible way to choose; a musty smell, water pooling on the floor and blackened grout are signs to watch out for.

Who should not use a steam room?

Because of the high heat and humidity, the steam room puts a load on the circulatory system. Doctor's approval is needed for cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled blood pressure, heart rhythm disorders, epilepsy and diabetes. For people with asthma, high humidity can be soothing for some and a trigger for others; consult your doctor. It is not recommended during pregnancy. Do not go in after drinking alcohol. It should not be used if you have a feverish illness, an active skin infection or an open wound. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, leave immediately.

Steam room fees and what to ask

The steam room is rarely charged separately; along with the hammam and sauna, it is included in wet-area entry, a hotel stay, club membership or a spa package. The total depends on the type of facility, whether day-use entry is available, how long you can use it, whether a hammam ritual or massage is added to the package, and weekend and seasonal differences. Before you go, you can ask:

• Is the steam room mixed; is there a separate section or time for women and men?
• Can people who are not staying there or are not members use it, and is the time limited?
• Are a towel, slippers and robe provided?
• Are essences added to the steam?
• What hours is the steam room open, and are there times when it closes for cleaning?