Face Steaming

Steaming the face is an easy home remedy for cleansing, nourishing, and pampering your skin.

Benefits of steaming the face:

Cleanses the face

Steam opens the pores and helps to loosen excess dirt accumulation for more thorough washing. When the pores open up, blackheads soften, making them easier to remove.

It promotes circulation in the face

The combination of warm steam and increased perspiration dilates blood vessels and promotes circulation. Your skin will be nourished and oxygenated as a result of the increased blood flow. The end result is a healthy, natural glow.

It gets rid of acne-causing bacteria and cells

Dead skin cells, germs, and other impurities that clog pores and lead to acne can be released by opening your pores.

It releases the trapped sebum

Your sebaceous glands create this naturally occurring oil to moisturize your skin and hair. Acne and blackheads occur when sebum gets trapped beneath your skin's surface and serves as a breeding ground for germs.

It helps the skin absorb skin care products efficiently

Steam enhances skin permeability, allowing topicals to be absorbed more effectively. This means that skin care products applied after a steam give you more bang for your budget.

It elevates the production of collagen and elastin

The increased blood flow that occurs during a steam facial encourages the synthesis of collagen and elastin. As a result, the skin seems to appear firmer and younger.

It soothes the skin

The soothing sensation of warm steam on the face is definitely soothing. To take your steam session to a whole new level of tranquillity, add some calming aromas using herbs or essential oils for aromatherapy.

It helps with sinus congestion

Steam can help with nasal congestion and headaches, which are common side effects. Adding essential oils to your steam can help to enhance the effect.

Different ways of steaming

Steam over a bowl or a sink of hot water

Choose a spot and take a big fluffy towel. If you're doing this over a sink, make sure you're sitting in a chair or stool that's the correct height. A bowl on a table is your best hope if all else fails.
After holding your hair away from your face, cleanse with a mild exfoliating cleanser.. Remember to wipe your neck as well!
Depending on the size of the sink or bowl, bring 4 to 6 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or pot.
When the water starts to boil, add a handful of herbs and stir.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2–3 minutes. Pour into a sink or bowl with care. This is the time to add a few drops of essential oils to the water if you're using them.
Take a seat, lay your towel over your head and the pot, and keep your face 6 inches above the water's surface.
Raise or lower your head to adjust the amount of heat, and lift a corner of the towel to chill off if necessary.
For about 5 to 10 minutes, steam your face properly.

Steam with warm towels

switch on the hot water tap and bring a hand towel. Fill the sink or bowl with sufficient hot water then immerse the towel while it's hot. Toss in your herbs.
Secure the hair out of the face and cleanse your face and neck with a gentle exfoliating cleanser.
Soak your towel in hot water for a few minutes and then wring it out until it's moist.
Lie down or sit back in a comfortable chair. Place the towel on your face by holding each corner up to the center of your forehead.
Adjust the towel to cover your entire face, including your eyes, leaving only your nose exposed. Allow yourself 5 minutes to relax.

Steam with a home facial steamer

Read the instructions on your facial steamer and fill it up as suggested. Plug it inside by keeping it on the table near an outlet. It will take a few minutes for the steam to start coming out.
Secure your hair away from your face and cleanse it with a moderate exfoliating cleanser.
As indicated in your steamer's instruction handbook, take a seat, relax, and insert your face within the cone attachment, keeping away from 5 to 10 inches.
Steam for 2 or 3 minutes at a time, pausing for a minute to examine how your skin reacts to the steam.

What to do after steaming face?

Using lukewarm water, rinse and towel dry. You don't want to aggravate your skin by wiping it with a cloth because it will be more sensitive. Apply a hydrating cream or serum to your skin. After a steam, the effects of your moisturizer or serum will be amplified, so apply something nourishing. This is an excellent time to use an anti-aging cream if you want younger-looking skin. Face massage is a good idea. What could be more relaxing than a nice face massage after a relaxing face steam? Using upward strokes, softly massage your forehead, cheeks, and neck with your fingers. You can use a little facial oil to improve your massage unless your skin is greasy or sensitive.

Possible side effects associated with steaming

Because steam can inflict significant burns, it's important to remain a safe distance from the source of the steam. If you're using a damp towel to steam your face, be sure the towel is warm, not hot. If you have rosacea, you should avoid heating your face. The heat dilates blood vessels, contributing to the appearance of redness. Although steaming helps moisturize the skin, those with extremely dry skin or eczema should proceed with caution. To avoid irritation, keep steam sessions to a few minutes.

Take Away

Steaming your face once a week is a terrific way to relax while also maintaining good skin. If you have an inflammatory skin disease, however, consult your doctor first.