The ‘What’, ‘Why’ and ‘How’ of Steam Showers

For the uninitiated – or, in this instance, any one of our readers who may be long overdue for a bathroom revamp – it can feel as though a shower is a shower is a shower. In other words, showers serve a definitive, practical purpose in the early morning and evening and, provided they are in full working order, don’t require much thought from us.

At least, that’s how we might feel…until we have the privilege of experiencing a modern steam shower – and, more specifically, the unparalleled experience it can offer, even to those who have never felt inclined to linger under the running water for long.

So, whether you have been toying with the idea of a much-needed bathroom update for months already, or curiosity merely got the better of you, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the steam shower.

What is a Steam Shower?

Much like any shower cabin, a steam shower is designed as a self-contained, standalone unit that fits conveniently into the corner of your bathroom. What sets them apart from regular showers, however, is their ability to envelop the user in a rejuvenating plume of water vapour, thanks to the steam generator built into the cabin.

The effect is very close to the sensation of enjoying a solarium or sauna – but, of course, with the added benefit of being in your own home, and without needing to keep one eye on the clock as you try to unwind in the calming humidity.

Contemporary steam showers feature a wide array of additional features that ensure a lavish experience, from body jets to Bluetooth speakers and tranquil lighting – all of which offer the perfect complement to the slow release of steam – in addition to ozone sterilisation, to ensure easy hygiene.

Why Invest in a Steam Shower?

Steam represents one of the most natural elements we can incorporate into our self-care routine. Made of pure water, it instantly carves out a balmy, tranquil space within a quiet corner of your home.

For one thing, there is plenty of research demonstrating how beneficial steam can be for our skin – not only for cleansing and promoting moisture and good circulation (all of which are essential for good skin), but also for promoting collagen and elastin, which are two naturally-occurring proteins that play a pivotal role in making our skin appear youthful and healthy.

What’s more, the more emotional benefits of steam represent a significant draw all on their own. As we mentioned above, steam helps to boost circulation by slightly elevating our heart rates – allowing a greater supply of oxygen to pump around our bodies. This can give us a much-needed, natural energy boost in the mornings, or the perfect refresher after a day at work.

There are plenty more benefits that come from enjoying a steam shower. From lowering the stress-hormone, cortisol, to gently working away any congestion in our sinuses (particularly beneficial during flu season), steam showers offer an enjoyable and relaxing way of making the most out of the beginning and end of each day.

How Are Steam Showers Installed?

These instalments are far more attainable than you might think. As we mentioned above, steam showers are designed as one integrated unit which, while each one will place its own demands on a minimum flow rate and water softness and pressure, can be installed in the place of your existing shower with far greater ease than you might expect.

Many are now designed with a relatively small cabin footprint, meaning that they can fit into small bathrooms without sticking out like a sore thumb.

While the rest of our homes have likely undergone something of a technological revolution in recent years, the bathroom can all too easily go overlooked. While the concept behind the steam shower is relatively simply, it offers homeowners a remarkable upgrade for their bathrooms – and the opportunity to indulge themselves whenever they feel in need of a slight pick-me-up.