Do you want rejuvenated skin? The good news is that you can achieve that goal with a simple step: facial steaming. An effective skincare routine is incomplete without facial steaming.
It helps improve blood flow, leaving you with skin that looks young and vibrant. Knowing how to use a facial steamer is, therefore, a must. Steaming offers a host of benefits, be it opening those clogged pores or enhancing the absorption of your favorite skincare product.
Today, we will discuss how to include facial steamer in your skin care routine. So, let’s delve into the step-by-step guide on using an at-home or an esthetician’s facial steamer for naturally healthy skin.
What Does a Facial Steamer Do?
To describe it in layman's terms, a facial steamer gives your skin the much-needed care it deserves. The primary function of a facial steamer is to clean those pores that may have been blocked by dirt and other impurities. Facial steaming can help you address this issue at its root and prevent acne breakouts and rough skin. How does it do so?
As the name implies, facial steamers perform deeper cleansing by means of steam. The moist and warm steam coming from the steamer causes your skin to sweat, which, in turn, helps the pores open up. This makes it easier to remove dead skin cells and impurities stuck in the pores. Apart from unclogging those pores, a facial steamer also works to soften blackheads, which are otherwise hard to get rid of.
Here is how steaming can prevent acne:
Acne happens when excess sebum (oil) accumulates in the hair follicles of your skin. When your skin comes in contact with the warm mist of a facial steamer, the pores start opening up. This causes the sebum to come out and prevents acne from forming in the first place.
Steaming does not help sensitive skin, so it's best to avoid it altogether. If you have oily skin, steaming can be the safest way to combat acne. Those with dry skin can also benefit from moderate steaming.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use a Facial Steamer at Home
Now that you are aware of the benefits let's move on to the step-by-step guide on how to use a facial steamer at home:
Prep Your Face
A little preparation can go a long way. Wash your face gently before you start. Use a gentle cleanser specifically formulated for your skin type. Ensure there's no makeup residue, oil, or dirt on your face. Consider applying a warm compress to your skin prior to steaming. This helps open those pores and prepare your skin for the next step.
Fill the Steamer with Distilled Water
Now comes the part when you need to fill the water tank of the facial steamer you are using. We recommend using distilled water as it contains fewer minerals (not good for your skin because they can leave a residue, which could interrupt the steaming process). Don't overfill the tank.
Turn on the Steamer
Plug in the steamer and turn it on. Position the steamer about 6 to 10 inches from your face.
Steam Your Face
Steam your face for the recommended time, no more than 10 minutes. The time may vary depending on your skin type and the type of steamer you are using. See if there's any burning sensation or discomfort. Discontinue steaming as soon as your skin becomes irritated.
As you are done using the steamer, it's time to follow some post-steam skincare steps to ensure the results last long. At this stage, your pores are open. Following these simple steps can help you take advantage of the open pores:
Apply a Face Mask
Since your pores are open, applying a detoxifying clay mask now is the best time. The ingredients in the mask are more likely to penetrate deeper into the skin. This is how your skin can get the most nourishment it needs, leaving your skin with a healthy glow.
Apply a gentle facial serum
The serum should be suitable to your skin type. Pick the one that you use on a daily basis. Make sure the moisturizer you use is rich in hydrating ingredients. Glycerin, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid are great choices. The idea is to lock the moisture in as it helps keep your skin soft and supple.
Note: If you have sunburn, irritated, sensitive skin, or other skin issues, it may not be appropriate to use a facial steamer. Exposing your irritated skin to heat can exacerbate the issue.
Using Mychway's Professional Facial Steamers
Now that we have explained how to use facial steamers at home, it's time to explore how to use Mychway's professional-grade steamers. Whether you are an advanced at-home user or an esthetician looking to elevate your professional treatments, here's what you should know.
a) Mychway’s professional steamers with magnifying lamp
Prior to using the steamer, it's crucial to prepare the skin by removing any buildup, makeup residue, dirt, or grime. This can be achieved by using a gentle cleanser, ensuring the skin is in the best condition for steaming.
Then, fill the tank with drinkable water, ensuring it is below the maximum line. Apply cotton pads on the T-zone of your client's face. Press the hot button and wait 2 to 5 minutes for the water to boil. The steamer will spray a hot stream once the water reaches a specific temperature. Ensure the steamer is aimed at your client's face at a safe distance of 30 to 50 cm. Continue with hot steaming for 8 to 10 minutes. The magnifying lamp feature allows you to precisely observe the effectiveness of the treatment and make necessary changes if needed during the treatment. At the end, remove the cotton pads and proceed to the next skincare treatment step.
b) Mychway’s professional hot & cold dual face steamers
Mychway's professional hot and cold dual-face steamers offer a unique skincare experience. They let you toggle between hot and cold steam. After the hot steaming process, apply a base mask to the skin and activate the cold steamer. Wait for 5 minutes for the cold steamer to take effect, providing a refreshing end to the treatment.
Risks and Considerations When Using a Facial Steamer
Apparently, the steam facial seems safe and fine. But too much water and steam can do more harm than good. This is especially true if you have sensitive or dry skin. Overusing can strip your dry skin of its natural oil and lead to even more dryness. Here is when to use a facial steamer:
*If you have sensitive skin, reconsider steaming your face. If your skin is prone to redness and reacts to almost anything, steaming your face too often is not recommended. The steam can cause the blood vessels to dilate, leading to redness and flushing.
*If you have sensitive skin, consider limiting your steaming sessions. You may also consider using a cooler setting on your professional facial steamer.
*Avoid steaming your face if you have certain skin conditions (like rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis) or broken skin. Broken skin is more susceptible to irritation when exposed to warm steam.
Enhancing Your Skincare Routine with Facial Steaming
Discuss how facial steaming fits into a broader skincare routine. Explain the importance of incorporating facial steaming at the right stage, such as after cleansing but before applying treatments like serums or face masks. Include recommendations on pairing facial steaming with exfoliants or other treatments for an effective skincare regimen.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Facial Steamer
To keep your facial steamer in tip-top shape, it's essential to clean and maintain it regularly. Proper care extends the life of your steamer and ensures its optimal performance. Here are a few steps to clean your facial steamer:
*Keep the water tank empty after each use
*Use a vinegar and distilled water mix to clean the interior of the tank
*Let the mixture sit for a few minutes
*Rinse the interior thoroughly
Maintaining your facial steamer helps ensure it functions at its best. This prevents minerals from accumulating in the water tank, which can reduce the efficacy of the steam and damage the device. Plus, regular cleaning helps eliminate bacteria and other contaminants, keeping your steamer hygienic.
Conclusion
Using a professional or at-home facial steamer does not have to be challenging. With the steps mentioned in the article, you can use a facial steamer without any fuss. Learning how to use facial steamers in the right way helps you reap its benefits to the fullest.
FAQ Section
How often should you use a facial steamer?
It mostly depends on skin types. If you have oily skin, do it two to three times a week. Steaming once a week is helpful for those with dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, avoid steaming. It may exacerbate your condition.
When should I use a facial steamer in my skincare routine?
Facial steaming is best done right after you clean and exfoliate your face. These two steps are important as they help set the stage for deeper pores cleansing.
How long should you use a facial steamer?
It also depends on your skin type and your goals. Typically, you may want to steam your face for 8 to 10 minutes to reap the full benefits of steaming.
Is steaming good for your face?
Of course! Steaming your face can help remove buildup, oil, and other impurities you cannot address otherwise. The warm steam opens up the pores, softening blackheads. It also promotes better blood flow and increased collagen production.
