Looking for a luxurious facial to take in between spa visits? Facial steam is a simple way to pamper your skin in the comfort of your bathroom. Read on to find out what products you’ll need to do it safely and effectively with minimal cost or equipment to achieve maximum skin radiance.
What is Facial Steaming?
While some concepts in the skin care world are complicated, facial steaming is quite simple. This classic treatment allows steam from hot water to come into contact with the skin and provide a number of benefits including cleansing, releasing trapped sebum, moisturizing, promoting circulation and helping the skin absorb skin care products more deeply. If you’ve ever placed a warm, wet towel on your face, spent time in a steam room at the gym, or taken a long, hot shower, you know what we’re talking about. Bonus: it’s a skin care ritual that can easily be performed at home.
The first purpose-built facial steamers date back to the early 1900s, but the use of steam itself as a method of relaxing and cleansing the body can be traced back to Ancient Greeks and Romans. These days, there are many facial steamers on the market, but you can also DIY at home with a large bowl or sink of hot water and a towel.
Benefits of facial steam
As mentioned, there are several ways that steam applied to your facial skin can benefit the health and condition of your skin. It can also help with other issues, including sinus congestion and stress. We will explain some of the benefits here:
It cleans
Steaming is a great option for removing build-up, especially if a deeper clean is needed. It removes dirt and impurities from the skin, removes excess sebum and loosens unwanted substances such as pollutants, leaving your skin clean and refreshed for a glowing complexion.
It helps release bacteria and cells that cause acne
Acne occurs when your skin cells trap sebum in your follicles, which can lead to bacterial growth and inflammation. Using steam to loosen dirt and oils can help release sebum and stop pimples from forming. “There’s a misconception that facial steam opens pores and unclogs them,” board certified dermatologist Dr Caroline Robinson says SELF Magazine. He continues, explaining that our pores are “fixed structures that do not open or close in response to changes in temperature.” In other words, hot steam does not open pores and cool water does not close them. But what steam does is soften the top layer of dead skin, making it more permeable, loosening any oils, dirt, or acne-causing bacteria hanging on the skin’s surface so it can be removed.
Promotes traffic
The heat from the steam—and the sweating it causes—can encourage blood flow by dilating your blood vessels, which sends more oxygen to the skin. Proper circulation is not only great for your overall health, but has specific benefits for the skin, including preventing dryness. In addition, the steam promotes blood circulation and causes the skin to temporarily flush – leaving it looking radiant, healthy and firm.
Moisturizes
Hydration helps your skin maintain its strength and elasticity. No matter your skin type, you’ve probably experienced uncomfortable bouts of dehydration. Not to be confused with hydration—which you can do with facial oils and creams—hydration comes from water, which is why facial steam is a great way to give your skin a dose of H20.
Helps absorb skin care products
Steam increases the permeability of the skin, allowing it to better absorb topicals. Try steaming before introducing products like toners, serums and moisturizers to your skin. Steam has the ability to increase the penetration of skin care products to give you more benefit for your skin care.
Helps relieve stress
Taking a few minutes for self-care can do wonders for your stress levels, and using those minutes to steam your face can relax your mind and body while boosting your skin. While you’re at it, add some soothing herbs like peppermint or rosemary or essential oils like lavender for an extra boost.
Helps relieve sinus congestion
A steam bath can bring back memories of mum putting your head under a towel to clear up cold symptoms – and as usual, mum knew what she was doing! Steam lightly inhaled through the nose and mouth can help relieve sinus congestion and headaches in a gentle and soothing way.
Step By Step Facial Steam
There are a few ways you can enjoy this versatile skin practice at home. It can be simple and free or as luxurious as you choose. A quick search will turn up a huge variety of electric facial steamers, but if you like a DIY approach, the process can’t be done with just hot water and towels. Here are some general guidelines to help you create this eco-friendly and relaxing skin care ritual in your own bathroom.
Step 1
Start by cleansing your face. You want to get all the oil, dirt and makeup off so they don’t seep deeper into your skin as you vape. A gel or foam cleanser is a good idea to get rid of oil and dirt. Some good options for all skin types include Stone Crop Gel Wash or Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser.
Step 2
Heat water and carefully pour into a large, thermal ceramic or glass bowl or bathroom sink (with stopper in place). Plastic bowls are not recommended. Tap water is a great, accessible option, but if you want to get fancy, try distilled or filtered water.
Step 3 (Optional)
For an aromatic experience, essential oils or herbs can be added to the hot water. However, before doing so, we recommend consulting a skin care professional about proper use and determining what works for your skin. Essential oils can irritate the skin and it is necessary properly diluted before use. If used correctly, ttree oil contains cleansing, anti-inflammatory and healing properties and is known to help regulate sebum production. Lavender oil is known to reduce redness and irritation caused by dry skin and eczema. Pro tip: If you don’t have herbs or oils available, adding a few tea bags can help you achieve the same results. Organic chamomile and peppermint soothe the skin, while green tea has polyphenols that can fight infection and bacteria.
Step 4
Place a towel over your head so that it traps all the steam inside and place your face about 10 inches above the bowl. Do not get too close to the steam – the ritual should be pleasant, not painful. Stay in position for 8 – 10 minutes for best results.
Step 5
Once you’ve steamed your face, your skin is ready to absorb what’s next. Now is the right time to apply a face mask. If you want to double the hydration, go for the coconut cream mask or the strawberry rhubarb mask. If you struggle with breakouts, your skin will love the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque or the Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque. Aging skin will drink in the Bamboo Age Corrective Mask. Additionally, the Arnica Calm Skin Mask is a great choice for all the sensitive skins out there.
Step 6
Following your steam and mask, you’ve already treated your skin with exactly what it needs. but there’s still more you can do to get the most out of the process. If you’re hitting cards, pick one Eminence Organic Skin Care serum that best suits your needs. If you’re steaming earlier in the day while the sun is still out (even if it’s cloudy), apply an SPF moisturizer like Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 40 or Radiant Protection SPF Fluid to get the added benefits of bakuchiol and niacinamide.
Does Facial Steaming Work For Everyone?
While this relaxing ritual has many benefits, some skin conditions don’t mix well with hot steam. Dr Robinson says: “Heat and steam are known triggers for many dermatological conditions, including rosacea, melasma and eczema.” Since heat can cause inflammation, anyone prone to skin conditions that involve inflammation should stay away from home vaping practices.
Steam Facial Safety Guide
Water can cause a burn in 5 seconds or less at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the American Burn Association — that’s about 70 degrees below water’s boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you should be extra careful if you steam your face at home. Make sure you have everything you need within arm’s reach and perform the ritual without distraction. Consider starting with your face farther than the recommended 10 inches, then lower it as you feel more comfortable. Spend those 8-10 minutes breathing deeply or meditating for an extra boost of relaxation. Before starting new skin care techniques, we recommend consulting a skin care professional for safety advice and to determine what works best for your skin.
Don’t forget to follow up your at-home skin care rituals with regular trips to the spa for professional care. Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa partner to learn more.
