Steaming skin: Best Reasons to Steam your Face Once Every Week

Skin conditions are a common occurrence today, thanks to the highly processed foods, harsh climatic conditions and even the less known causes like hormonal imbalances. Issues like acne, oily face, blackheads and dry faces are hard to deal with if a proper approach is not put forth. There are endless commercial products used to treat such conditions. However, these products make the skin so dependent on them and the chemicals used as ingredients can also be dangerous. This makes natural products and methods a safer alternative.

Back in the days, natural products like avocado paste, egg or lemon were common skincare products. Face steaming is also another very common method used to manage, especially, oily skin. It involves the use of steam on the face to open up the facial pores, cleanse and refresh the skin.

Benefits of Steaming Skin

Face steaming for acne dates back to the early 19th century. One of the first facial steamers was designed by Jeanette Scale. She invented the “Russian Steam Bath” in 1903. ‘So why is face steaming that important? Are there any benefits that this exercise has?’ You may ask. Well, the answer to this question is yes. There are numerous benefits of steaming your face for acne which include;

It Helps Clear Skin Eruptions and Acne

Acne is a condition of the skin that results in clogged pores and pimples. Face steaming is a natural and effective way to clear the skin of acne. The steam opens up the pores and allows the dirt and sebum to be released. Face steaming also increases blood circulation to the skin, which Promotes Healing.

It Boosts Circulation

Steaming results in vasodilation. This is the dilatation of blood vessels which decreases blood pressure. This means there is an increase in the blood pumped to the surface. The more blood pumped to the surface, the more oxygen is supplied to the site, which means healthier skin cells. This could explain why a steamed face often looks healthier and younger.



It Helps Your Skin Better Absorb Skincare Products

Steam increases skin permeability thus improving its absorption rate for skincare products.

Steaming for face glow is only suitable, as dermatologists advice, to those people who have condition free skin. This simply means not having underlying serious skin conditions such as rosacea, a condition that causes your skin to redden. Subjecting such skin to steaming might cause your face to become sore.

Face steaming routine involves cleansing your face, steaming either with a facial steamer or a bowl of hot water, cleansing with clean water and drying. A hot face towel can also be used.

The Steaming Skin Procedure

Here is a simple procedure for face steaming

  • Boil about 3 liters of water. The Water should boil to 90-100 degrees.
  • Place the water in a bowl and add herbs or essential oils this is optional
  • Cover your head with a towel and hold your face over the steam for around 15 minutes
  • Pat the face dry and apply a moisturizer



Precautions to Take During Face Steaming DIY Method

  • Make sure the water is not too hot. You don’t want to scald your skin
  • Don’t steam your face for too long. A good rule of thumb is to steam for no more than 15 minutes
  • Make sure to keep your face at least a few inches away from the water. You don’t want to get too close and risk getting burned
  • Be sure to moisturize your skin afterwards. Steaming can strip your skin of natural oils, so it’s important to replenish those after steaming.
  • Face steaming is safe, relaxing and can go a greater level to help improve bad skin. The procedure is also simple, taking at most 15 minutes of your time

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often How Long and How Hot?

A steam session should take about 15 minutes when using a bowl and towel method. The water should be comfortable enough, not too hot.

Can I Steam My Face Every Day?

Daily steaming is not recommended since too much exposure to heat can burn the skin cells or deprive the skin of moisture. For oily skin, steam your face for 3 days then leave a 7 days gap in between before repeating the procedure.

Should I Cleanse My Face After Steaming?

A steam facial can open up your pores and help release impurities from your skin. Cleansing your face afterwards can help to remove any dirt or debris that was loosened up by the steam. Additionally, using a gentle cleanser after steaming can help to soothe and calm your skin.



When Should I Steam My Face?

There are a few different times when steaming skin can be beneficial. If you have congested pores, steaming your face can help to open them up and clear them out. If your skin is feeling dry or irritated, steaming can help to hydrate and soothe it. Finally, if you want to give your skin a deeper cleanse, steaming before you wash your face can help to loosen dirt and debris.

What Should I Put On My Face Before Steaming Skin?

Before you steam your face, you should always cleanse your skin to remove any dirt, makeup, or oil. You can use a gentle cleanser and avoid using a heavy cream or anything that will clog your pores.

Are There Any Herbs For Face Steaming?

There are a few different herbs that can be used for steaming skin. Chamomile, turmeric, lavender, and rosemary are all good choices. You can either use fresh or dried herbs. If you use fresh herbs, you will need to boil them in water for a few minutes before steaming. If you use dried herbs, you can simply add them to boiling water. Be sure to use a strainer to keep the herbs from getting in your face. The steam from the herbs will help to open up your pores and remove impurities from your skin.



What to Do After Steaming Skin

After steaming your face, it is important to hydrate your skin. Use a light, oil-free moisturizer to help lock in hydration. You should also avoid using harsh soaps or astringents, which can dry out your skin. In addition, avoid scrubbing your face too vigorously, as this can also lead to dryness.

Steaming Skin: Conclusion

There are many benefits to face steaming, including improved circulation, increased elasticity of the skin, and deep cleansing of the pores. If you are looking for a way to improve your complexion and overall skin health, face steaming is a great option.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Let us know in the comments section below