Steam Facial Guide For Glowing Skin
Facial steaming is exactly what it sounds like. It involves exposing the skin on your face to the steam produced by heated water.
Steam facial cleanses your pores, hydrates the skin, makes skin more receptive to other skincare treatments, enhances blood circulation, boosts collagen production, removes toxins and promotes relaxation.
You can steam your face using commercial steamers, spa treatments or steaming over a bowl of hot water.
Commercial facial steamers are available for consumers, varying greatly in price and come with different features and accessory tools to remove blackheads and blemishes.
There are steamers that need to assemble (they have their own stand with wheels) and there are portable ones that need to be put on a flat surface (depending where you want to steam your face, bathroom, bedroom, etc.).
Prepare for facial steaming
Follow these five facial steaming steps to elevate your experience:
Cleanse your face. skin must be free of dirt, oils, and dead skin cells so they don’t make their way into your open pores.
Extract out blackheads and whiteheads. Extractions should only be attempted at home after facial steaming and if you have a sterile extraction tool, like a looped blackhead remover.
Use a face mask. Your skin is particularly receptive to products after steaming, making it the ideal time to apply your favorite face mask.
Apply toner. Facial toner helps close your pores so uninvited impurities don’t sneak in and undo all the benefits of steaming. If you don’t have toner, cold water works, too.
Moisturize. Apply moisturizer last to ensure that your skin retains all the facial steaming benefits. Just make sure you choose the right moisturizer for your skin.
Steam Facial at Home
You’ve probably gathered that facial steaming is pretty straightforward. It can even be accomplished by placing a warm, wet towel over your face. But there are some techniques and accessories that can contribute to an optimal facial steaming experience.
Technically, you can steam your face without purchasing any special items. Here’s how to make your own facial steamer:
Boil water using a kettle will make the next step easier. Transfer the boiled water to a heatproof bowl, preferably glass or ceramic. Get a towel and make sure the towel is large enough to surround both your head and the bowl.
Put the towel over the back of your head and lean over the bowl. Make sure the towel drapes around the bowl to trap the steam. You shouldn’t be so close to the bowl that the steam burns or stings your skin.
Set a timer. For best results, steam your face for 5 minutes (no more than 20 minutes).
After boiling the water, you can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for an aromatherapy experience.
If you’re a fan of facial steaming, you might want to purchase a facial steamer. When using a facial steamer, all you have to do is read the instructions and have a clear map on how to use the device/machine, press a button, position yourself in front of the steam, and relax.
Benefits
- Opens up pores;
- Hydrates the skin;
- Brightens skin tone;
- Boost skin care products;
- Boost blood circulation;
- Boosts collagen and elastin production;
- Soothes and calms inflammation;
- Shrinks the appearance of pores;
- Helps combat sinus congestion,
- Softens dead skin;
- It is very relaxing.
Side effects
- It may actually dehydration;
- Strip the skin of its protective oils;
- Heat can trigger hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries, or a ruddy complexion.
Who shouldn't use steam facial
Avoid facial steamers if you experience the following:
- Eczema;
- Rosacea;
- Melasma;
- Acne;
- Broken capillaries;
- Hyperpigmentation.
Summary
People use a variety of techniques to hydrate and cleanse their skin. While some people search for the best facial cleansers and moisturizers, others use water vapor and face steaming.
To clean your face, the esthetician will be using steam machines to open up the pores on your face before applying resurfacing products.
Steaming your face softens your skin and opens your pores, making it a great addition to your skincare routine.
This is a treatment that you can provide to yourself by going to your esthetician, or you can prepare it and treat your skin in the comfort of your home.
As harmless as it seems, facial steaming isn’t for everyone. The side effects of facial steaming are generally mild but can spell trouble for people with certain skin conditions, like rosacea, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis.
If you have dry skin, it’s possible that too much facial steaming will make the problem worse. Too much water and steam can strip your skin of its natural oils, contributing to dryness and irritation. Facial steaming dilates your blood vessels, it can cause excessive redness especially for people with sensitive skin.
As harmless as it seems, facial steaming isn’t for everyone. The side effects of facial steaming are generally mild but can spell trouble for people with certain skin conditions, like rosacea, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis.
If you have dry skin, it’s possible that too much facial steaming will make the problem worse. Too much water and steam can strip your skin of its natural oils, contributing to dryness and irritation. Facial steaming dilates your blood vessels, it can cause excessive redness especially for people with sensitive skin.
