Face steaming is a treatment available at most spas, but it's quite easy to do in your own home. You'll need a bowl of water hot enough to create steam and a towel to cover your head. It allows your skin to absorb the steam and can help with creating a natural skincare regime. Here’s everything face steaming can and can’t do for our skin.
With just ten minutes of face steaming, you will dilate your blood vessels and increase circulation in your face. It can improve your skin, but for those with conditions like rosacea, it could make matters worse. If your skin is suited for face steaming, it’s worth finishing the treatment with some antioxidant serum.
Face steaming helps to deal with acne by loosening up oil, dirt, and bacteria
Some might think that face steaming opens up the pores and unclogs them, helping to deal with acne. But temperature changes don’t cause your pores to open and close. Face steaming loosens up oil, dirt, and bacteria by softening the top layer of skin, which makes it easier to clean your skin and can reduce acne.
Face steaming can hydrate your skin but briefly
Like with almost anything, face steaming, is only beneficial when done moderately. It can help hydrate your skin because the steam makes the top layer more permeable. But it can also have the effect of making the water leak out if exposed to steam for too long. That’s why it’s good to keep face steaming sessions short to avoid dehydration.
Counteract moisture lost with certain products
If you think you might have been facing steaming for too long, don't worry. Make sure you apply the right skin care products after face steaming. This means moisturizers. Start with a product containing humectants, which draw moisture into the skin. Then, follow this up with a moisturizer containing ceramides. These help to strengthen the skin, thereby reducing the amount of moisture lost.