These days another type of skincare device has been gaining a lot of attention and popularity. If you will look on your social media feeds about beauty devices, you will find that facial steaming has been in trend and a lot of women are using it.
Facial steaming become very popular these days because according to experts, they are simple and consistently give results that most women are looking for.
What is facial steaming, really?
Facial steaming is very simple. It is when direct steam is applied for a certain amount of time. When the water starts to boil and emits steam, this is where you can carefully place your face and allow that hot steam to go through your face. Steam is a type of vapour that is produced by boiling water.
The Facts on Steaming
Originated from Greece and Roman Times
Ancient Greeks and Romans regarded cleanliness as a way to pay tribute to the gods. There were clay and mineral baths that they use to help detoxify the body and botanicals were added to relax the muscles and soothe the nerves.
Because the Romans are competitive in spirit and known to have amazing engineering expertise, they created and built bath facilities that became a place where they can relax and get clean. It was considered then a modern-day retreat for people where they can eat, drink, stay for hours and socialise.
These bathhouses became a prototype in today’s modern-day spas, steam facilities, and bathhouses because of the heated marble floors, massages using oil, and overflowing baths. Thus, it became a way to steam the body and became a part of their daily ritual and where steaming became known.
Sweat Lodges
While the Romans and Greeks are enjoying the benefits of steam bathing, the Mayans are also creating their own version of a steam bath. From as far as Alaska, Native Americans are using sweat baths not only to keep their body clean but to cure illnesses, revatilise their body and form a cultural identity.
The temazcal was a type of sweat lodge used by the Aztecs and the Mayans. It comes from the Aztec word teme which means bathe and calli, meaning house.
The temazcal is typically constructed from a circular framework of saplings overlain by a bear, buffalo, or moose skins. It is usually made from volcanic rock and cement which is formed around a circular dome that looked like a beehive.
Heat was produced by heating volcanic stones then placing them in the center of the structure. Other Northern groups used the hot rock method of the Navajos and Sioux or the direct fire chamber where the heat came from burning logs.
Sweat lodges were used to heal a variety of medical illnesses and help women before and after giving birth.
The first official face steamer
In 1903, the first official face steamer was made by Jeanette Scale, also known as Mrs. Pomeroy, and called it the “Russian Steam Bath”. It is the most perfect apparatus for cleansing the face.
The Russian Steam Bath was a tabletop version of the modern-day steamer and was recommended to be used to cleanse the pores for ten minutes and not more, for at least once a week.
Steaming was not endorsed by beauty culturists during that time and many are against it. But Jeanette continued endorsing the device and even advised using vigorous massage after steaming. Once the pores have opened up, skin food is applied and the massage movements were always upwards and across wrinkle lines, a practice that continues even until this day.
The kneading actions were concentrated on the cheeks to help plump them up. Jeanette believed that this massage has a restorative effect on the body tissues which can help invigorate the skin.
Other versions of the tabletop steamers soon followed including the Lady Schick Facial Steamer in 1967. This steamer featured multiple settings for emitting various vapor intensities.
Types of Facial Steamers
Although the long-term benefits of using the facial steamer have not been studied enough, this device continues to flourish and rise in popularity as they become more available and accessible to everyone.
Home or Personal Steamers
These are small and compact devices designed specifically for home use. The structure features an open cup at the base to emit a steady flow of steam to the face and neck. It also has a small receptacle to fill the right amount of water. You may also add herbs and botanicals to enhance the steaming effect. You may take a look at the different types of facial steamers here.
Nano Ionic Facial Steamers
Nano ionic technology is a popular topic that is almost always used in different beauty devices. These days, nano ionic technology is also being used for at-home facial steamers. The nano steam is charged with negative ions which are said to help the steam penetrate your face and make it more receptive to skincare products.
Professional Steamers
These steamers are expensive and are mostly used by professionals who do treatments in clinics and spas. They have more height option adjustments and tend to hold a larger water capacity. They automatically produce the right amount of steam needed and are made with a seat attached so clients can sit at the right distance to avoid burns.
Because it is mostly used in spas and clinics, they tend to be more expensive and highly-trained professionals administer the facial steaming process from beginning till the end.
Conclusion
The search for keeping our skin healthy and beautiful is a continuous process. There may still be more beauty innovations that will continue to come out in the market but it is always best to keep an eye on its safety and effectiveness.
Before trying a new beauty device, it is best to research and know more about it. It is also better to discuss with your dermatologist first especially if you have any skin condition or any allergies.
Fun fact about Nicola: She owns a lot of sunscreens as she carries a mini sunscreen in each of her handbags and backpacks.
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