What Is Facial Steaming And How Does It Work?
Facial steaming is a popular beauty treatment that can be done in the comfort of your own home. It’s a great way to give your skin some extra TLC and help it look its best.
Facial steaming is a simple process that involves exposing your face to steam from boiling water. The steam helps open up the pores on your face and removes dirt, oil, and other impurities from deep within them.
This can leave you with clean, clear skin that looks refreshed and revitalised. Steam treatments can be done with a bowl or pan of hot water or even a special facial steamer device.
In this article, we’ll discuss what facial steaming is and how it works to benefit your skin.
Benefits Of Facial Steaming
There are many benefits of steaming your face such as giving your skin a boost of blood flow in your weekly skincare routine.
Here are just some of the benefits of facial steaming:
1. Deep Cleansing
Facial steaming helps to open up your pores and loosens any buildup of dirt, oil, and impurities on your skin. This makes it easier to remove blackheads, whiteheads, and other blemishes.
2. Hydration
The steam from facial steaming hydrates your skin, making it look plumper and more radiant. It also helps to increase blood flow to your face, which can help to give you a healthy glow.
3. Relaxation
Facial steaming can help you to relax and unwind after a long day. The warm steam can help to soothe your mind and body, reducing stress and tension.
4. Improved Circulation
The warm steam from facial steaming helps to increase blood flow to your face. This can help to improve the overall health of your skin, making it look brighter and more youthful.
5. Better Absorption of Skincare Products
When you steam your face, your pores open up, making it easier for your skin to absorb skincare products. This means that any serums, creams, or lotions that you apply after steaming will be more effective.
6. Sinus Relief
Facial steaming can also help to relieve sinus congestion and pressure. The warm steam can help to open up your nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
7. Cost-Effective
Facial steaming is a cost-effective way to improve the health and appearance of your skin. All you need is a bowl of hot water and a towel, making it a great option for those on a budget.
You can check out my article about the full benefits of facial steaming here.
Different Types Of Facial Steamers
There are various types of facial steamers in the Australian market. They range from basic facial steamers to at-home professional facial steaming devices.
Here are just some of them:
1. Nano-ionic facial steamer
A nano-ionic facial steamer uses ultrasonic technology to break down water molecules into tiny particles that can easily penetrate the skin. This type of steamer is ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin as it can help to hydrate and soothe the skin.
2. Portable facial steamer
A portable facial steamer is a compact and lightweight option that is perfect for those who are always on the go. It can be easily stored in a purse or travel bag and can be used to refresh the skin throughout the day.
3. UV facial steamer
A UV facial steamer uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that may be present on the skin. This type of steamer is ideal for those with acne-prone skin as it can help to prevent breakouts and reduce inflammation.
5. Ozone facial steamer
An ozone facial steamer uses ozone gas to purify the skin and eliminate impurities. This type of steamer is ideal for those with sensitive skin as it can help to reduce redness and irritation.
6. Aromatherapy facial steamer
An aromatherapy facial steamer uses essential oils to provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience. This type of steamer is ideal for those who want to unwind and de-stress while also improving the health and appearance of their skin.
7. 2-in-1 facial steamer and humidifier
A 2-in-1 facial steamer and humidifier is a versatile option that can be used to improve the air quality in your home while also providing the benefits of facial steaming. This type of steamer is ideal for those who live in dry climates or suffer from allergies or respiratory issues.
Preparing For Facial Steaming
Now that we’ve discussed the different types of facial steamers, let’s move on to preparing for facial steaming.
Before you begin your facial steam, you should always make sure to wash your face first with a gentle cleanser and warm water.
This helps to remove any dirt, oil, and makeup from your face so that the steam can penetrate deeper into your skin.
You should also make sure to use filtered or distilled water when steaming as tap water may contain heavy metals and other chemicals which can irritate the skin.
Once you have prepared your face for steaming and filled the facial steamer with filtered or distilled water, it’s time to start steaming.
Make sure that you keep the steam at a comfortable distance away from your face so that you don’t burn yourself. Keep in mind that a steam burn is more damaging than a burn from boiling water.
Steam for 5-15 minutes depending on what feels comfortable for you and then rinse your face with cool water after. Steaming is a great way to open up clogged pores and help cleanse the skin deeply.
Misuse of facial devices can have negative side effects so make sure you follow the facial steamer’s manual when using.
Aftercare For Facial Steaming
Once you’ve finished the facial steaming session, it’s important to show your skin some aftercare.
To start, wipe away any remaining residue or dirt that the steam has brought to the surface with a gentle cleanser and warm water.
Next, you’ll want to tone your skin with an alcohol-free toner to restore balance and keep your pores clean. Finally, use a light moisturiser that won’t clog your pores. This will help protect your skin from environmental damage and keep it hydrated.
It’s also important to remember not to do excessive steaming – only steam once or twice a week so as not to overly dry out your skin or damage its protective barrier.
Too much steam can be detrimental for those with sensitive skin since it can strip away natural oils, leading to redness and irritation.
Keeping this in mind and using proper aftercare techniques can help you get the best results from facial steaming so you can enjoy all of its wonderful benefits!
Bottom Line
In summary, facial steaming is a great way to open up the pores and cleanse the skin, but it’s important to be mindful of potential risks.
It’s best to speak with a board-certified dermatologist first before incorporating facial steaming into your skincare routine.
I recommend going slow and starting with short sessions no more than once or twice a week until you find out what works best for you.
Alternatives such as masks, scrubs and gentle exfoliators like a facial cleansing brush can also help keep your skin healthy and glowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although facial steaming can be a great way to open pores and improve skin health, there are some potential risks associated with it. Excessive steam can cause scalding or burns to the face, as well as dry skin due to excess moisture being lost. People with sensitive skin may experience irritation or redness after steaming.
You should always take precautions before starting steaming facial treatments. Use distilled or filtered water to prevent bacterial contamination. Next, test the temperature of the steam on your hand to prevent burns and scalding. Also, if you have any active skin conditions, such as acne or rosacea, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist before proceeding with facial steaming.
The frequency of facial steaming depends on your skin type and the amount of buildup on your skin. For those with normal/combination skin, steaming once or twice a week is recommended. However, if you have dry skin, you should steam no more than once a week to avoid over-drying. If your skin tends to be oilier, you may want to steam more often — no more than three times a week.
Facial steaming is generally considered to be a beneficial practice for all skin types, as it helps to open up the pores, making them easier to cleanse and allowing the skin to absorb products more effectively. Plus, it can help to relieve congestion and give your complexion an overall glow. However, those with sensitive skin should use caution when steaming their face and may want to opt for a gentler approach, such as using a warm cloth or avoiding steam altogether.
Alternatives to facial steaming include deep cleansing masks and exfoliation treatments. For those who find that facial steaming is too harsh on their skin, these options may be more suitable. Deep cleansing masks can help remove dirt and oil from the pores, while exfoliation treatments can help slough off dead skin cells. Both of these methods are gentler than facial steaming, yet still effective in improving skin health.