10 Benefits of Face-Steaming and How to Do It at Home

What does Face-Steaming do for your skin?

• It’s cleansing. Steam opens up your pores and helps loosen any buildup of dirt for a deeper cleanse. Opening up your pores also softens blackheads, making them easier to remove.
• It promotes circulation. The combination of warm steam and an increase in perspiration dilates your blood vessels and increases circulation. This boost of blood flow nourishes your skin and delivers oxygen. The result is a natural, healthy glow.
• It releases acne-causing bacteria and cells. Opening up your pores allows the release of dead skin cells, bacteria, and other impurities that clog the pores and contribute to acne.
• It releases trapped sebum. This naturally occurring oil is produced by your sebaceous glands to lubricate your skin and hair. When sebum gets trapped beneath your skin’s surface, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria and causes acne and blackheads.
• It’s hydrating. Steam hydrates the skin by helping to increase oil production, naturally moisturizing the face.
• It helps your skin better absorb skin care products. Steam increases skin’s permeability, enabling it to better absorb topicals. This means you get more bang for your buck from skin care products applied after a steam.
• It promotes collagen and elastin. The increased blood flow experienced during a steam facial promotes collagen and elastin production. This results in firmer, younger-looking skin.

Different techniques to try

There are a few ways you can enjoy this versatile skin treatment at home. It can be simple and free or as luxe and costly as you — and your wallet — choose.

Here’s a step-by-step description for each technique.

To steam over a bowl or sink of hot water

1. Grab a big fluffy towel and choose your spot. Comfort is key, so if you’re doing this over a sink you’ll want to use a chair or stool that offers the right height. Otherwise, a bowl on a table is your best bet.
2. Secure your hair so that it’s off your face and cleanse using a gentle exfoliating cleanser. Don’t forget to cleanse your neck, too!
3. Bring 4 to 6 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or pot, depending on the size of the sink or bowl.
4. Add a handful of herbs once the water begins to boil and stir.
5. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 2 or 3 minutes. Carefully pour into the sink or bowl. If you’re using essential oils, this is the time to add a few drops to the water.
6. Have a seat, drape your towel over your head and the pot, and hold your face 6 inches above the water.
7. Raise or lower your head for more or less heat and lift a corner of the towel to cool off if needed.
8. Steam your face for 5 to 10 minutes.

To steam with warm towels

1. Get a hand towel and turn on the hot water tap. When hot, fill your sink or bowl with enough hot water to soak your towel. Add your herbs.
2. Secure your hair so that it’s off your face and cleanse your face and neck using a gentle exfoliating cleanser.
3. Soak your towel in the hot water and wring it out so that the towel is damp.
4. Lean back in a comfy chair or lie down. Place the towel on your face, holding each corner up so they meet in the center of your forehead.
5. Adjust the towel so that it covers your entire face, including the eyes, leaving just your nose peeking through. Relax for 5 minutes.

To steam with a home facial steamer

1. Read your facial steamer’s instructions, filling it up as directed. Place it on a table near an outlet so you can plug it in. It will take a few minutes to begin emitting steam.
2. Secure your hair so that it’s off your face and wash your face using a gentle exfoliating cleanser.
3. Have a seat, get comfortable, and set your face inside the cone attachment, staying 5 to 10 inches away as it says to do in your steamer’s instruction booklet.
4. Steam for 2 or 3 minutes at a time with a 1-minute break in between to see how your skin is handling the steam.

Read More at Healthline

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