how to give yourself a rejuvenating skin steaming
Facial steaming is one of the latest skincare trends, with aestheticians and dermatologists swearing by it for a healthy and glowing complexion. Dr Dennis Gross is one of them, and he firmly believes that facial steaming hydrates, soothes and plumps the skin. Moreover, he suggests using it as the first step for a deeper cleanse. So, what exactly is facial steaming, how we can apply it at home and what are its benefits to the skin?
WHAT IS FACIAL STEAMING
Facial steaming is a treatment that cleanses and nourishes the skin with the use of steam. Estheticians and dermatologists use it as the first step of a professional extraction, while chances are you have experienced steaming at least once, either at a spa steam room or at home using a DIY herb recipe. Either way, facial steaming should be applied 2-3 times per week for 10 minutes maximum.
THE BENEFITS OF FACIAL STEAMING
Treating your skin to a steam facial is probably the best thing you can do for your pores as it melts excess oil and debris trapped beneath your skin’s surface. Regular steaming promotes blood circulation, boosts collagen and elastin production and delivers a healthy glow to your complexion. Moreover, it hydrates and softens the outer skin layer while enhancing its ability to absorb skincare products.
WHO IS FACIAL STEAMING FOR?
Anyone can benefit from facial steaming. You can hydrate, detox, clarify your skin, soothe the signs of ageing, and get a smooth complexion at only one step. According to London-based cosmetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Skin Clinic, Dr Sophie Shotter, “acne-prone and dull skin will benefit most from a full steam session.” However, she suggests not to try it “if you have rosacea or thread veins or are prone to redness and flushing because the heat can dilate the blood vessels and worsen your skin concern.”
FACIAL STEAMING STEP-BY-STEP
– Cleansing before and after steaming is essential. Use a gentle cleanser to avoid any skin irritations and massage gently to break down dirt and makeup.
– Time for steaming! If you’re going for the traditional method, fill a bowl with hot water (40 Celsius is best) and hold your face about 20cm away from the bowl for 10 minutes maximum, having covered your head and the bowl with a towel to contain the steam.
– If you’re going to use a facial steaming device, you should also position your face about 20cm from the steamer for about 10 minutes maximum.
– After steaming, cleanse your face again with your cleanser to prevent sweat and other impurities from encouraging bacterial growth, causing breakouts or irritation.
– After steaming apply on your face a cold face mask you had previously put in the fridge to lock in hydration. The cold will also close the pores.
– Next, apply a hyaluronic acid serum for extra hydration and plumping effect.
– Finish by applying your moisturizer to lock in all the active ingredients used in the previous steps on your face. Now you are ready to go!
Bonus tip: Any product you choose to apply after facial steaming should be non-comedogenic, a term used for cosmetics that won’t clog or block the pores of your skin. Those products are the best option for people who experience acne-prone or combination skin.
the devices
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Sarah Chapman Pro Hydro Steamer
Via Harvey Nichols
STYLPRO Spa Facial Steamer
Via Asos
Panasonic EH-XS01 Facial Steamer
Via John Lewis & Partners
Skin Gym Voda Facial Steamer
Via Free People