Face steaming is a skincare practice that involves exposing the skin on your face to steam in order to open up your pores and cleanse your skin. The steam can help to loosen and remove dirt, oil, and other impurities that can become trapped in your pores, which can lead to acne and other skin problems. Additionally, the heat and moisture from the steam can help to increase blood flow to the face, which can promote skin health and give your skin a healthy glow.
Face Steam At Home
Facial steaming is a skincare treatment in which warm steam is applied to the face to open up the pores and soften the skin. This can be done at home using a few simple tools: a large bowl, a towel, and hot water.
Here are the steps to follow to do facial steam at home:
- Fill a large bowl with hot water and add a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or tea tree, if desired.
- Position your face above the bowl, making sure that the steam is not too hot to handle.
- Drape a towel over your head to trap the steam and create a tent-like structure around your face.
- Stay in this position for about 10-15 minutes, or until the water cools down.
- After steaming, use a gentle cleanser to wash your face and follow up with a moisturizer.
Benefits of face steaming
Face steaming can have several benefits for the skin, including:
- Clearing pores: The steam can help open up the pores and remove dirt, oil, and other impurities that can cause acne and other skin problems.
- Improving circulation: The heat from the steam can increase blood flow to the face, which can help to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
- Hydrating the skin: The steam can also help to hydrate the skin by increasing the moisture level in the top layer of the skin, making it appear more plump and youthful.
- Relieving congestion: Steam can also help relieve congestion in the sinuses and other areas of the face, making it helpful for those with sinus problems.
- Smooth out the skin: Steam can make the skin look more smooth and more refined by helping the product penetrate deeper into the skin.
Tips for Better Facial Steaming
Here are some tips for better facial steaming:
- Use filtered or distilled water: Tap water can contain impurities and minerals that can leave a residue on the face after steaming. Using filtered or distilled water can help prevent this.
- Keep your face at a safe distance: Keep your face at a safe distance from the steam to prevent burns and irritation. A good rule of thumb is to keep your face about 8-10 inches away from the steaming water.
- Time it right: Steaming your face for too long can dry out your skin. Aim for 5-10 minutes at a time, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.
- Add some herbs or essential oils: You can add herbs such as chamomile, lavender, or calendula to the steaming water to help soothe the skin and provide extra benefits. Essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus oil can also be added to help with congestion.
- Cleanse your face first: Before steaming, make sure to cleanse your face thoroughly to remove makeup, dirt, and oil. This will help the steam better penetrate your pores and remove impurities.
- Cool down afterward: After steaming, you can use a cool washcloth or take a cold shower to close the pores and soothe the skin.
- Follow with Moisturizer: After steaming and cooling down, you can follow with a moisturizer or a mask to trap the moisture in your skin
Remember to always be cautious and listen to your skin when steaming. If you have sensitive skin, you may need to steam for a shorter period of time or less frequently. And avoid steaming if you have an active sunburn, rash or if you are feeling unwell.