Like most people, you probably have a skincare regimen that involves makeup removal, washing, exfoliating, and masking. Do you feel like something is missing? Are you trying to find that extra step to improve your lineup? If you’re looking for a way to improve your face care regimen, consider facial steaming.
Steaming can be done in the comfort of your own home either with a steaming machine or household items. It features many great benefits that include increased circulation, releasing of impurities that cause acne, and hydration. You can steam your face with a steaming machine, a bowl of hot water, or warm towels. With minimal prep work, you can treat yourself to a spa-like experience.
We are going to cover the process for steaming your face, when you should do it, and what you need to do it correctly. We will also cover all of the benefits associated with this skincare treatment.
What Is the Benefit of Steaming Your Face?
Steaming offers a variety of benefits for your face and your overall health. It’s a great cosmetic care method that can refresh your skin.
First and foremost, steaming is cleansing. The process opens pores which softens blackheads, making them easier to remove. It also helps to loosen dirt buildup, providing a deeper cleanse.
Steaming promotes circulation through the combination of steam and perspiration. This also dilates blood vessels, which nourishes the skin, delivering oxygen. This results in that healthy-looking glow we all strive for.
Steaming also releases trapped sebum and acne-causing bacteria and cells. The opening of your pores releases all of the impurities that can clog them, including dead skin cells and bacteria, preventing the development of acne. While sebum is naturally occurring, when it gets trapped beneath your skin’s surface, it can make a breeding ground for bacteria-causing acne. Steaming will release this trapped sebum, allowing you to keep a clear, acne-free face.
Steam is hydrating, soothing, and makes your skin more permeable. Steam increases oil production, which in turn naturally moisturizes your face. Warm steam on your face is relaxing and is even more so if you use aromatherapy for added relaxation. Additionally, steam makes your face more permeable, which means it will be better able to absorb topical creams and serums. Therefore, you will get more benefits out of your skincare products following steaming.
Steaming your face before blackhead removal can make it easier to get the plugs to release. You will need to invest in a stainless-steel loop-style extractor to do the actual extractions.
Steaming can also benefit your health. It can help relieve sinus pressure and congestion. This will help relieve headaches caused by congestion. Additionally, adding specific essential oils can boost this effect.
This is a process that can be done at home with household items. There is no need to go to a cosmetologist or buy expensive devices. It is completely affordable and accessible.
Are There Any Negative Side Effects?
While there are many benefits to facial steaming, there are some negative side effects. It is not a process for every skin type.
If you have sensitive skin, eczema, or Rosacea, you should not steam your face. Steam works by dilating blood vessels, which only adds to redness. The heat can have drying and irritating effects on this skin type.
The heat from steaming can be inflammatory, causing redness and swelling. It can exacerbate Rosacea and hyperpigmentation.
How Often Should You Steam Your Face?
Ideally, you should steam your face once a week. When steaming, do it in sessions of 10-15 minutes at a time. If you have oily skin, you can do two weekly sessions.
Additionally, if your skin is excessively oily and is prone to getting breakouts, you can do a round of three or four daily sessions of steaming, but you must follow this with a ten-day break from steaming.
Is It Possible to Do It Too Often?
Steaming more than the recommended one session per week can lead to skin problems. While steaming is normally hydrating, if you try to steam daily, it will do just the opposite and dry your skin out.
What Is the Process for Steaming Your Face?
Steps Before Applying Steam
Before applying steam, you will need to prep your face. First, you will need to wash your face. This will remove any makeup and oils on your skin. You want to have fresh skin before steaming otherwise you run the risk of the steaming process introducing impurities on the surface of your skin into your pores.
If you have oily skin, make sure you use an oil-free product that will remove any excess oils while deep cleaning your pores. If your skin is dry, use a formula that will not strip your skin of moisture. Make sure you use a fragrance-free face wash if you have sensitive skin. If you have acne-prone skin, choose a face wash with acne-fighting medication and no added oils.
Next, you’ll want to exfoliate. Opt for a mild facial scrub. Make sure you pay particular attention to areas of your skin that are dry, rough, or prone to clogged pores.
Boiling Water in a Bowl
You can easily steam your face at home using household materials. There is no need to go to an expensive spa.
You will need to prep your water by boiling it. A few cups of water are all you will need. Once it is fully heated, transfer it to a ceramic bowl and allow it to slightly cool. Tap water is fine but you can also use distilled or spring if you would prefer that instead.
Adding essential oils to your water will enhance your experience. They can offer a relaxing aroma and all you need are three to five drops. There are many options to choose from.
Once your water is ready, you will need to stand over the bowl with your face positioned 12 inches from the steam. You will need to create a steam tent by placing a towel over your head and shoulders. For no more than 15 minutes, stay positioned over the steam, letting it hit your face. You’ll want to keep your eyes closed to avoid irritation. If at any point you begin to feel uncomfortable, remove the towel and step away from the steam.
Using a Steamer
If you have an at-home steamer, you will first need to fill your tank with distilled water. Distilled water is necessary for two reasons. First, regular tap water has minerals in it that you could end up applying to your face through the steaming process. Second, those same minerals can cause buildup over time inside your steamer.
Once you have filled the tank, place it into the steamer. Turn the steamer on so that the water heats up.
When the water is heated up, turn on the steam function and allow the steam to flow over your face. To gain extra effects from the process, you can place a towel over your head so that the steam cannot escape.
Using Warm Towels
A third method for steaming your face is to use warm towels. Fill your sink or a bowl with hot water. Add your herbs or oils of choice. Next, completely soak your towel in the hot water. Wring it out so it’s just damp. Find a place to relax and wrap the towel around your face, leaving your nose uncovered. Keep your face covered for about five minutes.
Steps After Using Steam
After steaming, apply a face mask to complete your spa experience. Like your facial cleanser, you need to choose a product that best matches your skin type.
Clay-based masks are perfect if you have oily or acne-prone skin. They work to absorb excess oils while deep cleaning pores. Additionally, they will tighten up enlarged pores.
If you have dry, dehydrated, or mature skin, select a hydrating cream mask. This kind of mask will add moisture back into your skin.
Gel and sheet masks are both good for a variety of skin types. Gel masks are typically oil-free but still offer hydration. Sheet masks come in a variety of formulas, including hydrating, exfoliating, and brightening.
If you do not want to use a mask, at the very least you need to wash your face again following steaming. Steaming causes sweating which, in turn, can encourage bacterial growth that will cause breakouts or irritation. Washing your face again will remove this sweat.
Conclusion
Facial steaming is an excellent way to boost your skincare regimen. It cleanses and hydrates your skin while removing impurities that can cause acne. Adding it to your face care routine once a week can boost the health of your skin.
Whether you use a steaming machine, a bowl of hot water, or warm towels, you will be able to effectively apply steam to your face. All your trapped impurities will be released, and your face will be more receptive to products like serums and lotions.
Steaming is a beneficial process that is a great addition to any skincare regimen. Try it today to rejuvenate your skin.
