Can't afford to hit the spa? No worries. Facial steaming is an ultra soothing way to open pores and can be done at home.
You might think you have to shell out a ton of money for skincare treatments, but you’re wrong.
In fact, one of the most luxurious and effective things you can do for your face is absolutely free and can be done at home: facial steaming.
The practice of submerging yourself in steam goes back to ancient times when it was used in purification rituals. In 1903, Jeanette Scale (also known as Mrs. Pomeroy) designed the Russian Steam Bath, a tabletop device designed to project steam to the face, not very different from what we use today.
Thanks to apothecary feeds on Instagram and DIY enthusiasts (like moi), we’ve seen an uptick in the beauty treatment in the last four years. And you must admit, in the age of #selfcare, a sauna for your face has a certain appeal. It also has benefits.
What Steaming Offers Your Skin
From the times you have visited an esthetician you may recall her or him placing a damp warm rag on your face first. Besides feeling super soothing, it’s done to hydrate and prep skin for other treatments.And when it comes to facial steaming, it's pretty much the same thing.
Steam helps pores to open, which make it easier to dislodge trapped dirt and makeup. In fact, it loosens oil and dead skin cells, and clears the way for your other products to do a better job afterward.
"By steaming, you've primed your face for exfoliation and targeted treatments,” says New York Dermatologist Dennis Gross. As he told Elle Magazine, the practice can be a wonderful tool in helping other skincare rituals be more effective. “Ingredients like retinol and vitamin C will absorb deeper into the skin for even better results," he says.
Along with providing a deeper clean, the beauty treatment helps to lock in moisture and promotes circulation, which is critical to maintaining the integrity of your skin’s elastin and collagen. If maintaining youthful and firm skin is important to you (and why wouldn't it be?), it’s worth considering.
Flower Power
You may have noticed that many folks add botanicals to the steam process. Here’s why:
Adding flowers such as rose or chamomile helps to soften water and infuses it with the medicinal benefits from the herb. There is also an aromatherapy component.
Plants like mint or eucalyptus can not only lift mood with their invigorating scent but ease congestion and fight inflammation. Hence, why so many enjoy hanging eucalyptus in their shower. Essential oils may be included as well.
Although facial steaming may not be great for every skin type (dermatologists recommend those with rosacea to steer clear), if you have oily, acne prone skin, it can lead to a smoother, more dewy complexion.
Get The Most From Steaming
Facial steaming can be done once a week for 10 minutes.
1.Prep skin by cleansing first, so that all makeup is removed. Some enjoy performing a double cleanse, but a wipe with a makeup removing cloth, followed by your favorite cleanser works fine.
2.Boil enough water to fill a large bowl. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before leaning over. To fully encase yourself in the treatment feel free to cover your head with a hand towel, but make sure you remain a comfortable distance from the water to avoid burning your face. Seven to eight inches away from the top of the bowl should be plenty of room.
After Steaming
Remember, one of the major benefits of steaming is that it opens pores enough to allow products to work more effectively. Skincare specialists recommend following up your facial steam with a mask that will draw out impurities. Look for ones that contain clay like Keihl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque ($35, Ulta), which will absorb toxins and excess sebum.
Follow up with a serum, preferably one containing a Hyaluronic acid like this one from The Ordinary.
"Hyaluronic acid is your best option," Dr. Gross explains in discussing facial steaming at home. "When you put on a moisturizer after steaming, you're locking in the hydration. Those millions of molecules that were brought to your skin are now locked in."
Allow five minutes for your serum to absorb before following up with a moisturizer.
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