Facial steaming is a treatment that cleanses the skin and leaves it feeling nourished and luxurious. It’s a practice that opens pores, promotes circulation and eliminates trapped oils. If you don’t have the time, money or inclination to go to a spa, steaming can be a great way to get a glow at home.
Benefits of steaming
1. Cleansing
Steam opens up your pores and cleanses your skin. It also softens blackheads, which makes them easier to remove by exfoliating. In addition, it removes sebum. This is oil trapped in sebaceous glands and is what leads to acne and blackheads. Studies show that chamomile reduces dermatitis and skin inflammation. Orange can also help with blocked pores. Beauty: How To Get Rid Of Blackheads
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2. Circulation
Warm steam and perspiration increase the size of blood vessels. This makes your face get more oxygen and nutrients. This is what gives you a glow. Steaming also increases collagen and elastin production.
3. Moisturising
Steam hydrates the skin and helps increase oil production. It also increases the skin’s ability to absorb other products. When you moisturise after a steam, your face retains moisture better. Geranium and lavender can help with dry skin and tighten the skin.
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4. Healing
Warm steam on your face helps relax you. Adding aromatic oils or herbs can help calm you down even further. Some essential oils can also help get rid of nasal congestion and headaches. Eucalyptus is very helpful with sinuses.
Read also: Nasal Congestion: 7 Ways To Clear Your Child’s Blocked Nose
How to steam your face
1. Bowl
You can do this over a sink or use a surface of the right height. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the steaming bowl. Keep your hair tied to prevent it from getting wet. Add essential oils when the water has come to a boil, then let it simmer for three minutes. Place your face about six inches above the bowl of water. Steam for five to ten minutes.
2. Towel
Another way to steam your face is to use a towel soaked under hot water. Add herbs or oils to infuse into the towel. Cleanse your face and neck using an exfoliator, then lean back in a chair or bed. Wring out the excess water, place the towel on your face, and relax for five minutes. If the steam overpowers you, you can cover your forehead, eyes, and lower jaw with different towels.
3. Facial steamer
If you have a facial steamer, follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Because different devices offer varied intensities, so they sit up to 10 inches from the cone attachment. Steam for two minutes, then take a one-minute break to see how your face responds. Steamers are more powerful, so you need to be careful about scalding.
What water should you use?
You can use tap or distilled water for steaming. Green tea is also a suitable option for steaming. Studies show that applying green tea to the skin can provide anti-ageing and protective benefits.
What to do before steaming your face
Before steaming your face, you must prepare to get the most benefits. Cleansing your face is the first step. Remove dirt and impurities by washing your face gently with soap or a facial wash. If you wear make-up, use a double cleanser. Use an oil-based cleanser and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with a water-based cleanser or micellar water for the second part.
Read also: Skincare: The Dos And Don’ts After A Facial
What to do after steaming your face
1. Exfoliating
You can start with exfoliating. The heat from the steam helps remove buildup and impurities in the skin. Exfoliators like face sponges, facial scrubs, or a washcloth are effective. Adding coffee grounds or oatmeal can also help cleanse the face further.
Beauty: 7 Benefits Of Exfoliating Your Skin
2. Face mask
Another step you can take is to put on a facial mask. Face masks can moisturise, hydrate and soften the skin. Some masks also have detoxing properties. Choose a mask that’s best suited for your skin type. Clay masks are best for oily skin because they help unclog pores and remove buildup. Gel and sheet masks are great for acne-prone skin. Gel masks can soothe easily irritated skin. Water-based sheet masks are also best for dehydrated skin.
Read also: How To Avoid Breakouts And Acne From Wearing A Face Mask
3. Apply serum
The final step is to apply serum and moisturiser. With your skin fully cleansed, you can absorb products better. Serums have ingredients like hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, and ceramides that can benefit your skin. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin stretch, flex, and reduce lines. It can also help wounds heal faster. Salicylic acid can help reduce acne and clear pores. Ceramides are lipids that keep the skin together. It maintains moisture and repairs cracked skin.
Read also: Pro Tips: Everything You Need To Know About Facial Serums
4. Removing blackheads
If you have blackheads, removing them after steaming is the easiest way. The pores dilate from the steam. You shouldn’t use tweezers to remove them. Use a blackhead vacuum or an extractor. However, seeing a professional dermatologist remove blackheads may be best.
Read also: Beauty: How To Get Rid Of Blackheads
5. To prevent acne
After steaming, stick to products designed to deal with acne. The sebum build-up is what leads to acne breakouts. A cleanser, mask, or serum with salicylic acid, white clay, and benzoyl peroxide is best for acne-prone skin. Tea tree oil can also help treat acne because it is antibacterial.
Read also: Beauty: How To Take Care Of Acne Prone Skin
6. To manage dryness
Using products with glycerine or hyaluronic acid can help keep skin hydrated. Moisturisers with honey and shea butter which has anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce extreme dryness.
Read also: Natural Skincare Tips For Dry Skin
Important things to remember about steaming
Don’t steam your face for more than 10 minutes when using a water bowl. Doing it for longer can irritate your skin. If your skin is sensitive, steam your face for five minutes. When you feel overheated and uncomfortable, you should stop immediately. If you have dry or oily skin, steaming is ok at most twice a week. Sensitive skin needs only one steam a week. Don’t forget to clean your face before steaming.
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