You are already aware that the fundamentals of skincare include cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreen. But there is one simple strategy that is gaining popularity right now: facial steaming. So, what are the facial steamer benefits? Here’s what you should know.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body, so caring for it should be high on your priority list. Steaming your face, whether professionally or at home, is an indulgent experience that can benefit your skin, but only when done correctly. If you want to know what it does for your skin or if there are disadvantages of using a facial steamer, you can find out below.
Table Of Contents
- 1 What Does A Face Steamer Do?
- 2 Disadvantages Of Steaming Face
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
- 4 Conclusion
What Does A Face Steamer Do?
Facial steamer benefits extend beyond the relaxing sensation of a steamy spa. You can do this at home with a special device or while receiving a professional treatment at a spa. In both cases, the steam should be warm and close enough to your skin, but not so close that you risk burning your skin. After reading about these facial steamer benefits, we hope you’ll include it in your skincare routine.
If you’re not sure how to steam your face properly, you can learn that here.
1. Cleanses
A facial steaming procedure opens your pores and aids in the removal of dirt buildup for a more thorough cleanse. Removing everyday dirt and dead skin cells helps to rejuvenate your skin, restoring it to its natural state.
Cleaning Blackheads & Whiteheads
Regularly steaming your face has the additional benefit of being a quick and low-cost way to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. A painful condition develops when blackheads and whiteheads are left on the skin for a long time. On the other hand, steaming allows your pores to open up, releases the debris inside and thoroughly cleans your face. This clears out blackheads and leaves your skin glowing, smooth and clear.
After cleaning your pores, you can cool down the skin and close the pores to make them appear smaller.
2. Eliminates Dead Cells
One of the primary advantages of face steaming is that it acts as a natural exfoliator, removing dead skin cells to reveal fresh and glowing skin beneath.
Regular face steaming offers mild exfoliation and has natural anti-aging benefits, giving your skin a youthful, healthy appearance.
3. Good For Acne
We all hate it when a pimple appears on your face right before a significant occasion. But one incredible advantage of steaming face for acne is that you can safely soothe the pimples without leaving an infection or scar.
Steaming will calm the inflammation, lessen the redness and drain all the pus from your skin.
Steaming your face provides a deeper clean and allows your acne-fighting skincare to penetrate deeper into the skin and target those breakouts. Acne develops when your skin cells trap sebum in your follicles, causing bacteria to grow, inflammation and acne. Because facial steaming opens your pores, it can aid in removing sebum and preventing pimples.
Dead skin cells, acne-causing bacteria and other impurities that clog your pores and cause acne can be released when your pores are opened.
4. Reduces Sebum
Our sebaceous glands naturally produce an oil called sebum. Our skin and hair are kept lubricated by it. Blemishes and blackheads are caused by trapped sebum under the skin’s surface, which serves as a breeding ground for bacteria. The facial steam helps release trapped sebum oil by expanding the pores.
Face steaming can help unclog your pores if you have acne-prone or oily skin. The steam helps to loosen any oils, acne-causing bacteria or dirt that may be trapped in the skin and causing acne.
5. Improves Circulation
Even if you follow a proper skincare routine, your skin can still appear dull and dehydrated. The main cause could be poor blood circulation in the area. This is where face steaming can really help your skin. Heat can increase blood flow, which provides more oxygen to the skin and makes it appear healthier.
Increased circulation can also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Elastin fibers keep your skin resilient and supple, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Warm steam combined with increased perspiration dilates your blood vessels and improves circulation. This increase in blood flow nourishes and oxygenates your skin, resulting in a healthy glow.
6. Boosts Product Absorption
Steaming the face makes the skin more permeable, which aids in product absorption. Facial steam helps increase the penetration of active ingredients applied topically by hydrating the skin. Active ingredients, such as retinol or vitamin C, can penetrate more deeply and become more effective.
7. Soothes & Relaxes
One of the benefits of facial steaming is that it offers a relaxing experience. Consider incorporating it into your skincare routine to reap the skincare benefits while also providing yourself with a few minutes of relaxation.
Aromatherapy with herbs or essential oils can take your steam session to a whole new level of relaxation.
8. Provides Hydration
Proper hydration aids in the preservation of your skin’s strength and elasticity. Recognize the distinction between hydration and moisturizing. You can obtain moisture from facial oils and moisturizers, but you can only obtain hydration from water. This makes face steaming an excellent way to provide your dry skin with much-needed H2O. A facial steamer can hydrate your skin by trapping the moisture provided by the steam.
If you want it to last longer, moisten your face after the steaming process.
9. Helps With Sinus Congestion
You know how difficult breathing is if you’ve ever had sinusitis. The steam improves your breathing by reducing inflammation and providing relief. Many people use steam therapy or inhale steam to treat sinus infections. Colds cause mucus to build up in your nose, throat and lungs. Steaming can help to break up this mucus.
If your sinuses continue to be congested, you could try adding essential oils for additional relief. Some research has found that tea tree oil, peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil can ease breathing.
10. Promotes Collagen Production
Elastin and collagen are responsible for your skin’s elasticity and firmness. Because elastin and collagen production decline with age, your skin becomes loose and thin. A steam facial stimulates collagen and elastin production due to increased blood flow.
Collagen accounts for 70% of the weight of your skin and is responsible for its elasticity and flexibility.
11. Softens Your Skin
The steam’s heat actually softens your skin. This is especially important if you intend to follow up your treatment with another, such as blemish removal. The temporary softening will alleviate any pain from a rougher treatment.
Disadvantages Of Steaming Face
A facial steamer, as harmless as it appears, is not for everyone.
- If you have dry skin, face steaming more than three times a week may aggravate the condition. Excessive water and steam can deplete your skin’s natural oils, contributing to dryness and irritation.
- Oversteaming or frequent steaming can permanently expand the pores and dilate them, leaving you with huge open pores on your face that collect debris, dust, oil and other impurities and lead to pimples.
- Because facial steaming dilates your blood vessels, it can cause excessive redness, which is especially problematic for people with sensitive skin.
- It’s crucial to keep your face a safe distance from the steam source because steam can result in burns. Keep your face six to ten inches away from the steamer at all times.
Although the side effects of face steaming are generally mild, they can be problematic for people who suffer from skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Steaming Your Face Good For Acne?
Steaming your face is good for acne because a facial steamer can help your acne treatments work better and help you fight pimples. Use steam after cleansing to remove built-up sebum in your pores. Warm facial steam expands blood vessels and improves circulation when combined with increased perspiration. This increase in blood flow nourishes and oxygenates the skin, giving it a radiant, healthy glow. Follow up with your acne products for the best results.
Does Face Steaming Reduce Face Fat?
Face streaming can reduce fat. Steaming your face with warm water causes sweating, which combats fat deposits in the cheeks. Massaging your face with a hot towel will give the best results in reducing fat on your face. Your plump cheeks will be toned down when the pores on your face open up.
How Long Do You Steam Your Face To Open Pores?
You should steam your face for up to 10 minutes to open pores, but keep an eye on how your skin reacts. If you buy a steamer, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, the directions state how long you can steam. If your skin feels great after a 10-minute steam, keep it up, but if you feel too hot or notice irritation, cut back or discontinue use.
How Often Should You Steam Your Face?
You should steam your face once a week for the best results. Steaming two to three times per week is usually okay for less sensitive skin types. Oily skin is typically thicker and can withstand more frequent steaming. You should not use steam on your face on a daily basis. Although the benefits of steaming the face are numerous, steaming every day can be slightly harsh because the pores do not have enough time to close.
Conclusion
There are numerous facial steamer benefits and just a few drawbacks, but read carefully about them before purchasing one. When the skin’s temperature rises, oxygen flows to the skin’s surface and feeds the cells with new nutrients. That’s why we recommend cleansing, steaming, applying serum and finishing with a moisturizer when performing your routine.
