Face steaming is an optional step after cleansing the face that can play a part in influencing your skin’s overall glow. The best part is that face steaming is a DIY skincare step that you can perform at the comfort of your home, without having to set foot in a spa.
With so many myths about face steaming, you might be wondering if actually, you should include this step in your skincare routine. So, before we share the benefits of face steaming, here’s one greatest myth about face steaming debunked:
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Does Face Steaming Actually Open Your Pores?
For the longest time in the skincare world, people have said that face steaming actually opens your pores, thus a deeper cleanse and better penetration of your skincare products.
However, face steaming does not actually open up your pores. Instead, face steaming helps to loosen any gunk stuck within our pores to easen the extraction or deep cleansing process. Once this is done, you have cleaner pores, eventually, healthier skin.
Pores are tiny openings in the skin that allow oil and sweat to reach the skin’s surface from their respective glands below. It’s also important to note that for every hair on your body, there is a corresponding skin pore. Thus, pores are the openings for hair follicles and are connected to an oil or sweat gland.
Your pore size is determined by your genetics. People who have inherited naturally oily skin are likely to have larger pores because they are more actively releasing oil through wider openings. The opposite is true.
Also, pores don’t have muscles, and that means they can’t open or close. No matter what you do, you cannot change the size or your pores. Your pores are consistently open, which is required to allow us to release sweat and sebum.
However, when clogged pores fill up with oil and dead skin cells, they stretch the pore, causing them to ‘appear’ larger. This can also contribute to acne.
While you can’t actually reduce the size of your pores, because your oil glands will remain what they are genetically, you can reduce their appearance by keeping them clean through (among other ways):
- Proper cleansing,
- Exfoliating regularly. I use Code Beauty exfoliating face wash which is a 2-in-1 cleanser and exfoliator.
- Using alpha hydroxy and/or retinol serum at bedtime,
- Using charcoal and clay masks to draw out impurities from your pores,
- Steaming your face regularly to loosen all the gunk.
- Protecting your skin from the sun, which thickens the outer layer of skin, forming a tiny volcano rim around pores. This makes pores seem bigger than they really are.
Can Face Steaming Activate Pigmentation?
On Brydie, celebrity esthetician Elina Fedotova says that face steaming helps to soften the oil deposits in the pores and also on the skin’s surface, making it easier to remove that oil and ultimately decongest the skin.
It’s also true that skin needs steaming to be done at a certain temperature. Moreover, getting too close to the hot steam may not only burn your face, but can also scald your skin, which can leave behind a scar.
If you’re prone to dark spots, slowly get closer to the steam, but don’t get too close to avoid too much heat that can also lead to inflammation and stimulate melanocyte pigment production. thus, pigmentation.
Now that we’ve shared these common questions on face steaming, let’s note the benefits as well. I enjoy face steaming, and I’d love you to enjoy it as well!
Benefits of Facial Steaming
Facial steaming is a DIY skin treatment that cleanses, and nourishes your skin, making it healthier and more glowy over time.
Read on to find out why you should introduce face steaming to your skincare routine in order to get your glorious glow on without having to set foot in a spa.
1. Face Steaming Cleanses Pores
Steam helps to loosen any build up of dirt which aids in exfoliating dead skin cells thus a deeper cleanse as well.
On The Fashion Spot, medical esthetician Tiffany Andersen recommends facial steaming for all skin types, especially those struggling with acne because the steam helps deep clean skin and release built-up sebum and debris.
2. It Enhances Product Absorbency
Clear pores allow the penetration of any active ingredients you use afterward.
Also, steaming your face introduces moisture to the skin, thus, a more absorptive canvas for product application.
That way, your acids, retinoids and enzymes can work more effectively when applied to freshly steamed skin because the moisturized skin more readily absorbs these ingredients.
3. It Enhances Circulation
While steaming your face, the warm humidity may also stimulate blood circulation and also, increase perspiration.. This delivers more nutrients and oxygen to your facial tissue and also, promotes collagen and elastin production for firmer, younger-looking skin.
Skin Tip...
If you have sensitive skin conditions that are aggravated by sweating or increased blood circulation, such as rosacea or fungal infection, then facial steaming may do more harm than good for you.
Prior to a DIY face steaming treatment, do consult a professional dermatologist or esthetician. [sources: American Academy of Dermatology].
Face steaming has other secondary benefits like helping with sinus congestion. and also is soothing and relaxing. So, be ready to enjoy a spa experience at the comfort of your home!
While spa experiences are great, I enjoy steaming my face at home using the Okachi Glitya facial steamer. This device eases my process and is safer than using a basin of hot water. And I share my complete review below. Read on…
How to Steam Your Face At Home Using A Facial Steamer
| BRAND | OKACHI GLIYA is a professional manufacturer of electrical care beauty products to enhance your beauty and skincare routine. |
| COLOR | Gold and purple available for this facial steamer |
| COMES WITH | It comes with a cosmetic mirror, a four-piece set of blackhead and blemish extractors as well as a headband for a complete experience. |
| TECHNOLOGY | Uses nano-ionic steam of about 104 Degrees Fahrenheit, which can penetrate the skin 10X more deeply. Thus, increased hydration of up to 10 times more than normal facial steamers. It also prepares the hot steam in 30 seconds. Includes a built-in UV lamp that sterilizes the steam, keeping your skincare routine nice and sanitary. Employs plastic-free materials. |
| POWER & VOLTAGE | 280W and a rated voltage of AC 110-120V, rated frequency 50/60Hz |
| SUITABLE FOR | All skin types including normal skin, dry skin and sensitive skin. |
| WEIGHT | 2.9 Pounds |
| VOLUME | 80 Milliliters. NOTE: DON’T fill with the water tank, and also, DON’T add the water outside the water tank. |
| SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS | Use only water in this facial steamer, no essential oils. |
| PERFORMANCE | It starts by one switch and the 80 ml water tank can last for about 15 minutes with a completely silent operation. If there is no water in the water tank, it will auto shut-off, preventing any injury. |
| USES | Face steaming |
| NOT SUITABLE FOR | Sensitive skin from allergies, eczema, swelling, or skin lesion Pregnant women, or a woman in menstruation People recovering from an operation |
| PRICE | $58.99 |
About My Skin: Oily Skin With Visible Pores
I have oily skin with very visible pores around my nose and chin area. My skin thrives on exfoliation, at least twice to thrice a week and clay masking. Otherwise, these pores seem very large.
Coupling these steps with face steaming, just at home and without having to visit a spa, is giving my skin a moment!
How I Steam My Face Using The Okachi Gliya Facial Steamer
Usually, I clean my face; avoiding too much skin prep including exfoliation since I follow with these steps afterward.
I then wear the Okachi Gliya headband that comes with this facial steamer to keep my hair off during the pampering session. I’m then ready for the pampering session.
To prepare the Okachi facial steamer for use:
- Put it flat on the surface then gently remove the water tank by pressing on the compartment hard enough until you hear a click. Add distilled water before putting it back.
- Plug your device into the power socket and a white LED indicator light will flash and the device is on standby status. Press ON gently and the device will start working.
- Steam will be ready within 20seconds to a minute depending on your region, and last 12-15 minutes.
To steam your face using this facial steamer:
- Make sure your face is only cleansed; don’t do much skin prep because much will follow afterward.
- Dry your hands when steaming your face and keep your face at least 20cm away from the steam nozzle.
- Enjoy the pampering session.
After steaming my face:
- I press the ON button on the steamer and the white indicator light will flash and the device will go back to standby status.
- I then turn the socket off and unplug the device.
- Water left inside the device will cool down after 20-30minutes. Do NOT touch the steam nozzle after steaming or the power plug when the steamer is on.
- Pour any water out of the steamer, completely dry it using a dry towel and then attach the water tank back.
- I follow on my skin with exfoliation and a moisturizer.
In case there is no water inside, steam will automatically stop and the Dry Boil Protection System will be activated and the device will stop steaming, while the white indicator light will keep on flashing. It is recommended to cool down the device 20-30 minutes before adding water.
Key Instructions to Follow When Steaming Using a Facial Steamer
Use distilled water or purified water to protect the service life of your product. Do not use tap water, mineral water, geothermal water or alkaline water as they are high in mineral content and will shorten the lifespan of your device.
Also, avoid using essential oils in the steamer.
If you enjoy spa experiences like me, please avoid using your steamer in the bathroom or any wet envirnment as it is not water proof and might cause short circuits.
Results
So far I absolutely love this facial steamer while face steaming at the comfort of my home. It looks so beautiful and comes in safe packaging. Also, it comes with a headband, cosmetic mirror, and extractors. How complete!
The steam is at a perfect temperature and actually, a great amount of it is produced in such a consistent flow. It really feels very luxurious on my face. An absolutely nice way to wind down after a long stressful day!
Since steaming aids in deep cleansing, it is proper to mask your face after the process. I particularly love a good clay mask that aids in drawing impurities from my skin. My skin is then left feeling so fresh, and my skincare products are so much more effective!
Skin Tip…
Try to limit facial steaming sessions to once or twice a week.
Steaming your face too often can weaken skin’s capillaries leading to damage and dehydration. Also, try not to doze off during the steam, either, as a few minutes are often all that is needed.
Verdict
Would I try facial steaming again? Sure.
Using a facial steamer has quickened my steaming process-not the traditional hot-water-in-a-bowl anymore! The steam also feel very luxurious on my face thus upgrading my spa sessions ar home.
Above all, my masks tend to work better and my skin feels softer. I’m certain my pores are happier!
NOTE: All skin types can benefit from steaming. However, it is important to tailor the temperature, distance, and time to avoid overstimulating or irritating the skin.
