Should You Try Facial Steaming?

For many of us, the hustle and bustle of daily life prevents us from doing some of the self-care rituals we’d love to do. Luxurious baths and regular massages sound great, but they don’t always fit our schedules and our budgets.

There are many things that we can do at home that will give us that luxurious, relaxing experience, without taking much time or requiring much money. Facial steaming has many benefits and is easy for almost anyone to try. Not only is it relaxing, but it can have some very real benefits for your skin.

Let’s learn more about facial steaming and the benefits it may have for your skin. If you are unsure if adding this step to your routine is for you, we recommend that you contact your dermatologist. There are certain skin conditions, such as rosacea, that may flare up due to the heat and moisture of steam. Therefore, you should never try a new skin care routine or treatment without consulting with your doctor first. 

If you live in the Atlanta area, contact Dr. Straughn at Buckhead Dermatology. She can work with you to assess your skin and help you determine which treatments will be best for you.

5 Benefits of Steam Treatments

Enhances circulation

The heat released during a steam treatment increases the circulation in your body. Increased blood flow ensures that the cells are getting the vital oxygen and nutrients that they need. This helps nourish the skin and improve its overall appearance.

Removes toxins

Sweating is nothing new to Atlanta residents. And while sweating through your shirt may not be ideal, the act of sweating actually has a very important purpose for our bodies. Sweat helps us to remove toxins in the skin through our pores. A buildup of toxins can impact our overall health and the appearance of our skin, including the development of acne breakouts.

Aids in extractions

If you’ve ever gotten a professional facial, it is not uncommon for them to use steam before performing extractions. The warm moisture softens the oils, dead skin cells and bacteria inside your pores, making it easier to remove the debris and clear the follicle. 

Allows for better absorption of skin care products

Steaming your face can open up your pores and help products such as serums, masks and moisturizers penetrate more deeply into the skin. This can increase their effectiveness and help you achieve the results that you want more quickly.

Aids in relaxation

In addition to the skin benefits mentioned above, facial steaming can be relaxing. There are a number of different ways you can steam, which we will discuss below. No matter which way you do it, take the time to inhale and exhale deeply and slowly. Clear the mind of all the thoughts that run through your head every day and take those few moments to truly relax.

How to Perform a Facial Steam

There are two primary methods for steaming your facial skin at home. The method you choose completely depends on your preference. We encourage you to try both to find the method that works best for you.

Place several clean washcloths in a bowl of very hot water. Ring them out and wave them through the air a few times to release some of the excess heat. Once they are cool enough to touch, place them on your skin for 1-2 minutes. Repeat several more times.

Another option is to boil water in a pot on the stove. After the water comes to a boil, turn off the heat and drape a towel over your head. Slowly and carefully, put your face in the steam above the pot, being careful not to make contact with the hot surface. Stay in this position for about 60 seconds, take a break and then try again. Do this on and off to your comfort level.

With any facial steaming technique or device, it is important that you monitor the condition of your skin. If it feels too hot or uncomfortable, cease the steaming process. Some redness is normal. However, if there is extreme redness and sensitivity, stop steaming right away. Again, if you have certain skin conditions such as rosacea, you want to speak to your dermatologist before trying it an in-home steaming treatment.