If you’re like me and constantly on the search for ways to get radiant, glowing skin, then you’ve probably heard of facial steaming.
It’s a practice that originated in Korea and has been used by celebrities and beauty enthusiasts alike for years.
Facial steaming is all about opening the pores on your face so they can be deep cleaned — but just how exactly does it work? And what are some of its benefits? Let’s find out!
What are the benefits of facial steaming?
Facial steaming is an easy, soothing way to clean your face.
The steam opens pores and draws out impurities, while the added aromatherapy benefits help calm and relax you as you wash your skin.
If you’re looking for a way to gently exfoliate without chemicals and harsh scrubs, facial steaming may be for you.
1. Cleansing.
All skin has pores. These pores get clogged with dirt and pollution over time.
Facial steam helps your pores to open up and loosen up dirt for a deep cleanse. Opening up your pores also helps get that extra oil out and soften up any blackheads or whiteheads, making them easier to remove.
Cleansing is a vital activity of your routine, and steaming your face helps in deep cleansing.
2. Hydrating the Skin.
Steam often helps your skin get that extra moisture which lacks and gets trapped inside the skin, making it healthy and hydrated.
Though no medical reports are stating the use of a steamer to treat hydrating dry skin, many people recommend using a steamer.
3. Facial steaming promotes blood circulation.
Yes, using steam on your face helps in blood circulation.
This happens when the steam and an increase in perspiration dilate all the blood vessels in your face. This combination results in increased blood circulation. Blood circulation helps to rush the blood flow, which nourishes the skin and provides all the oxygen needed.
This allows your skin to give out a natural glow to your skin.
4. Helps to remove any harmful bacteria and acne, causing bacteria as well as cells.
You need to know that our skin has natural flora combining all kinds of bacteria. These bacteria help to regulate the natural PH balance of the skin. But when your skin starts producing more oils, more bacteria breeds, ultimately leading to acne.
Thus, steaming your face helps to open up the pores and clean those extra oils and remove bacteria and any dead cells. Eventually, you are left with nice supple skin.
5. Facial steaming helps skincare products get absorbed nicely.
Putting steam onto your skin helps permeability, enabling the skin to absorb more skincare products or topicals.
So, after a facial steaming session, try to apply the right skincare products to help your skin absorb the best nourishment it needs.
6. Promote collagen and elasticity production
Collagen is a kind of protein that is the main or primary structural component of connective tissues like skin and cartilage.
When you steam your face, you will experience increased blood flow all over the face, which also helps with the promotion of collagen and elastin production.
The more your skin has collagen and elasticity, the better your skin will heal and have firmer, younger-looking skin. Collagen and elasticity are essential for your skin to maintain a healthy look and fewer wrinkles.
7. Facial steaming has a soothing effect
If you had a bad day, try having a warm shower or warm steam on your face.
It is very relaxing and helps you to soothe the mind and skin. Steaming your face decreases any kind of skin irritation.
Try using some essential oil, and the fragrance will help you have a soothing Aromatherapy.
How to steam your face correctly?
There are many ways to steam your face.
- You can grab a bowl and put some hot water in it. Tie your hair at the back to avoid it coming in front of your face. Grab a towel, cover your head, and hold your face above the water for a couple of minutes.
- You can also buy a steamer, which makes it a lot easier. Staying 6-10 inches away from the steamer, steam your face for 3-4 minutes.
- Another way to steam your face is to put a warm towel over your face and let it sit for 3-4 minutes. Make sure the towel is not hot but lukewarm so that it does not burn your skin.
What are the risk factors of facial steaming?
1. Steam burn
A steam burn is one of the significant risks in facial steaming.
If the water is too hot, or you have put your face very close to the hot water, there is a huge possibility you might have a steam burn.
A steam burn is often more dangerous than a normal burn, especially on your face. Avoid putting your face very close to the steam and maintain a distance as needed for you to be comfortable.
Try to be very careful when using a steamer.
2. Rosacea
If you have rosacea, you might have to skip facial steaming.
This is because steaming dilates all blood vessels and contributes to more blood flow. This blood flow can cause more redness in your skin.
So, people with rosacea or people having a lot of redness would highly be recommended to skip facial steaming.
3. Other skin problems
Facial steaming is good and helps to hydrate.
But people who have extremely dry skin and any kind of eczema should be extra careful during facial steaming. Always try to steam your face for not more than a couple of minutes.
If you do it for a long time, there is a huge possibility of developing skin irritation. If you have a kind of irritation after steaming your face, wait for 1-2 days; if it does not go away, please contact a dermatologist.
The Bottom Line
If you are careful enough while steaming your face, you might get great results without worrying about any risk.
A weekly 5-6 minutes of facial steaming is a fantastic way to treat your skin with some nourishment and deep cleansing.
