We women love to care for our skin. Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are at the top of our skincare routine list. But in our haste to follow the modern skincare, sometimes we overlook a simpler and crucial skincare technique - Yes, you guessed it, Facial steaming.
The steam method has been used for centuries by many cultures to achieve glowing and healthy skin. As people have grown more conscious of skin health, they have sought a more natural skincare technique, i.e., facial steaming. A simple bowl of heated water does the trick. People love this technique not only because it is simple but also because it is effective. Steaming effectively removes impurities from our skin, improves blood circulation, and promotes relaxation.
This guide aims to discuss more about this skincare technique, including the various steaming methods, their beauty and health benefits, and how overusing them can put your skin at risk. Keep on reading to learn how steaming can benefit your skin.
Types of Facial Steamers and Methods of Use
Good facial steamers come in various forms, including professional-grade devices with magnifying lamps and portable facial steamers. You can even try DIY home methods, including boiling water with essential oils. Anyone and everyone can try these methods as they offer a simple way to enhance their skin care routine. Let’s have a quick look at each type and how they can make your life simpler:
Professional facial steamers:
Did you know about our professional steamer with a magnifying lamp? It features a built-in water tank, face sprayer, LED lamp, and even a magnifying lamp (this helps you to check if the device is adequately steaming your face). Upon activation, the device starts heating the water and transforms it into a warm mist that reaches your skin. It gently softens the oil and other debris trapped in the pores, which, in turn, helps cleanse and remove whiteheads and blackheads.
Portable facial steamers:
These devices are easier to carry anywhere. They emit water vapor that reaches your skin to open up the pores, which aids in the removal of gunk stuck in the pores. These tiny devices can be an excellent addition to your skincare routine, especially if you have oily skin.
DIY steaming method at home:
This method is relatively easier and has many benefits. You only need a bowl with warm water, a wet towel, and your favorite essential oil.
Now that you know about the various options of facial steaming out there, let’s jump to reveal the secret benefits of facial steaming.
Top 10 Beauty and Health Benefits of Facial Steaming
A facial steam opens your pores and facilitates deep cleansing. But is that all it does? Certainly not! Let’s walk you through some more benefits and uses of facial steaming:
#1 Open Pores for Deeper Cleansing
The warm water vapor opens the pores up and helps clean out oils, impurities, dirt, and debris. As your pores become free from impurities, it becomes less prone to acne breakouts. The warm steam can work like a gentle exfoliator that helps remove dead skin cells to reveal brighter skin underneath.
#2 Increased Blood Circulation
Steaming is said to increase blood flow in your skin. Improved blood circulation nourishes your skin with essential nutrients and oxygen. Plus, better blood flow promotes healthy skin cell turnover and reduces inflammation. With improved blood circulation, your skin tends to look plump and healthy.
#3 Hydrates and Softens Your Skin
When your skin is exposed to moist air from steaming, it receives the much-needed hydration it deserves. As a result, your skin feels softer, more supple, and moisturized. Performing facial steaming once in a while can prevent dry patches and flakiness during harsh weather conditions.
#4 Loosens Blackheads and Whiteheads
The warm steam coming from the steamer is also effective in unclogging pores and reducing congestion. This simple steaming act makes the extraction process easier and less painful. When there is no congestion in the pores, removing those black and whiteheads from your skin becomes easy.
#5 Promotes Collagen and Elastin Production
As the hot steam reaches your skin, it increases blood flow and encourages relaxation. This increased blood flow and relaxation causes your skin to produce collagen and elastin in abundance, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In other words, your skin appears younger and more youthful.
#6 Prepares Skin for Better Skincare Products Absorption
When your pores are open after facial steaming, skincare products can penetrate deep into the skin. For example, when you use a face mask or a serum after steaming, you will see the difference in terms of better product absorption. Simply put, combining steaming with your regular skincare routine helps you maximize the benefits of skincare products.
#7 Unclogged Sinuses
Facial steaming has a calming effect on your mind and body. It provides significant relief from sinus congestion and reduces stress & tension to promote well-being. As you feel more relaxed after steaming, you will feel an instant boost in your mood, enhancing your self-confidence.
#8 Soothes Skin Conditions
Using a professional facial steamer can help if you have acne-prone skin and other skin conditions like hyperpigmentation. If you desire an even tone, consider steaming your face at home regularly. Not only does it help promote cell turnover, but it also helps reduce the appearance of scars, pigmentation, and other skin conditions.
#9 Detoxifies the Skin
Over time, our skin accumulates toxins and impurities, which are harmful to it. Facial steaming can be an excellent way to detox your skin easily. With no toxins and impurities, your skin can function better and give you a healthier complexion.
#10 Relieves Stress
The warmth of the steam is a good source of relaxation and stress relief. A facial steaming session can help you unwind whenever you feel overwhelmed and anxious.
The facial steamer benefits are many. A steam facial can work wonders if you want to achieve great-looking skin or relieve stress.
Risks and Side Effects of Overusing Facial Steamers
It may seem harmless initially, but too much facial steaming can have consequences you don’t want to face. This is especially true if your skin tends to be on the drier side. Your skin is already dry, and steaming too much will only make the problem worse by striping your skin its natural oils. It will lead to even more dryness and skin irritation.
What if you have sensitive skin? Overusing facial steamers can cause harm, too. Steaming works by dilating your blood vessels, which can cause excessive redness in sensitive skin. The facial steam side effects are usually mild. Avoid it if you have skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, or rosacea.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Facial Steamer
There’s no denying that facial steaming has lots of benefits. But before you get your hands on a facial steamer, it pays to know how to use it to reap the benefits of facial steaming. Here, we have provided some tips for facial steaming:
*How long you should steam: It’s best to steam your face for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps to fully open up the pores without drying out your skin.
*Ideal water temperature: Use warm water, not too hot. Your skin is delicate, and exposing it to hot water may cause it to become irritated. Ideally, your skin should feel comfortable when exposed to the steam.
*Product use guidelines: The best approach is to apply a Vitamin C serum or a face mask after the steaming session. This ensures deeper penetration and better absorption of the products you use.
Consider using a facial steamer once or twice a week to ensure optimal results. Be sure to consult a professional if you have more queries about the frequency.
FAQs on Benefits of Facial Steamers
How often should you do a steam facial?
It depends on your skin type. Those with oily skin can reap the steaming benefits to the fullest. If you have oily skin, steaming your face twice or thrice a week can be a good start. However, steam once a week if you have dry skin.
Can steaming aggravate certain skin conditions?
If you have sensitive skin or have rosacea or other skin concerns, stay away from steaming. Steaming can aggravate your condition if you have active acne breakouts.
What to do after steaming face?
Once your pores are wide open, apply a face mask. You can also apply a generous amount of moisturizer suitable for your particular skin type.
What to apply on your face after steaming?
Hydrating face masks (containing hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or aloe vera), retinol or Vitamin C serums, or a gentle exfoliating face cleansing scrubber are excellent choices. These help enhance the benefits of steaming and improve your skin’s health.
