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Dr. Reuben Chen Gives Expert Advice for Women’s Health Magazine
Dr. Chen Press
In a recent article published by Women’s Health—a leading magazine covering fitness, nutrition, and wellness—Sunrider’s Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Reuben Chen, joined a panel of experts to weigh in on the health benefits of saunas and steam rooms. The article, titled “Sauna Vs. Steam Room: Which One Is Better For Your Health? Experts Weigh In,” explores the distinct advantages of each heat therapy method.
While both saunas and steam rooms raise the body’s core temperature and encourage sweating, they differ in climate. Saunas use dry heat, whereas steam rooms provide a more humid environment. According to the experts, both can support circulation, recovery, and cardiovascular function—but steam rooms offer some unique benefits, particularly for respiratory and skin health.
“Steam can soothe the respiratory system, helping to loosen mucus and improve congestion, which can also be beneficial for those with mild respiratory issues,” explains Dr. Chen, a board-certified physician specializing in sports medicine and pain management. He also highlights how steam room sessions may support healthy skin. “Using steam for facials opens pores, which leads to deeper cleansing and better removal of dirt and oil, potentially reducing acne,” he notes. The added hydration may also improve skin elasticity, though Dr. Chen acknowledges that further research is needed to confirm these effects.
Steam rooms may also promote cardiovascular wellness. “The heat in steam rooms can support muscle recovery by relaxing tight muscles and increasing blood flow,” Dr. Chen says. “This can help to reduce soreness after intense exercise.”
As wellness trends continue to evolve, both saunas and steam rooms remain powerful tools for self-care. With expert insight from professionals like Dr. Chen, individuals can better understand how to incorporate these therapies into their routines to support long-term health and recovery.
Beyond the benefits outlined in Women’s Health, Dr. Chen often reminds individuals to rehydrate effectively after using saunas or steam rooms. His go-to choices include Fortune Delight®, a refreshing herbal drink rich in antioxidants, and ElectroSport®, a concentrated electrolyte formula designed to replace key minerals lost through sweat.*
The content of this newsroom article is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. None of the materials on this site are meant to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is always recommended to consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new healthcare regimen or if you have any concerns or questions about a medical condition or treatment.
Dr. Reuben Chen is a board-certified and licensed medical doctor specializing in sports medicine and pain management, and he has extensive training in traditional Chinese medicine. Dr. Chen completed specialty training at the University of Minnesota in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. He earned a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from Brigham Young University and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine.
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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