Having a regular facial spa treatment is one of the ways that we can relax and cleanse our faces after a whole week of work. But these days, since the pandemic, there are many people who weren’t able to do them regularly because of the restrictions.
Luckily, there are ways that we can do them even in the comfort of our homes. We all want to make our skin look healthy and beautiful. So having a skincare routine that you follow regularly is essential.
And if you want to elevate your routine, using a facial streamer is another way to make sure that you achieve healthy and glowing skin.
What is facial steaming, exactly?
Facial steaming is a beauty and skincare routine that has been practiced for so long. It is effective in keeping the skin healthy, glowing, and rejuvenated.
Face steaming, also known as face sauna for some, is the practice of exposing your skin to steam for about 10-20 minutes at the most to cleanse the skin.
Facial steamers are devices that you use to steam the face. There are varieties available in the market and some are associated with having to visit a spa salon. Most people may find regular visits can be quite expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, at-home facial steamers are becoming a viable option.
Traditionally, face steaming is done by pouring heated water into a bowl, bringing the face closer to the bowl, and making a tent using a towel to cover your head and the bowl completely. This process will make the face exposed to steam. Although it is effective, the method can be time-consuming, long, and not fun at all.
Compared to the new, easy, and modern means of face steaming, when you look online, you will find that there are several devices designed to change the traditional way of facial steaming.
Do you need regular facial steaming?
There are many benefits that you can get from facial steaming which is why it is favourable to do it regularly. But of course, like any other skincare routine, you must be careful when using a facial steamer.
You have to make sure that your skin will get used to the steam first and never place your face too close to the steam to avoid steam burn. It will also be important to ask your dermatologist if you have existing skin issues to avoid making them worse.
Tips To Do When Using an At-Home Facial Steamer
- Tip 1: Whether you will have facial steam at home or at the spa, make sure that you steam BEFORE having your regular skincare routine. This is to ensure that your skin will absorb all the nutrients from the skincare products you are using. Steaming after will likely wash away all the products which will make it useless for the skin.
- Tip 2: Ensure that you are always well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid drinking alcohol as much as you can because it will dry out your skin. This is important especially if you regularly go to steaming spas. Steaming rooms will make you sweat naturally which may lead to dehydration if you don’t drink enough water.
- Tip 3: Steam only for about 5-10 minutes at the most.
How to properly use your home facial steamer for best results?
To get the most out of your facial steamer, you have to prep your face and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid irritation or burns in your skin.
Step 1: Prep your face
Before steaming your face, make your skin as clean as possible. If you are wearing makeup, make sure that you remove it first using a makeup remover. Tie your hair back so it won’t block your face while cleansing it. Wash your face using a gentle wash to thoroughly remove dirt, makeup, and other impurities.
Step 2: Prepare your steamer
If you are using traditional steam, bring a small bowl and pour hot water. Allow it to cool for a few minutes until it becomes warm enough for you to bring your face near it.
On the other hand, when using a facial steamer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and fill the water tank using distilled water. Plug the device and wait for it to steam. It usually takes about 20-30 seconds for the steamer to begin emitting the steam.
Step 3: Add essential oils
To enhance the effects of the steam, you may add essential oils to the water. Essential oils can provide a relaxing aroma and make your facial steaming more enjoyable. Adding about 3-5 drops of essential oil is more than enough to give you the enhanced benefit.
Before adding essential oils though, you may need to decide which aromatherapy experience you would like to achieve:
- To feel relaxed: use chamomile or lavender essential oils
- To feel invigorated: use citrus-scented essential oils like lemon
- To feel uplifted: use rose essential oil
- To have the ultimate spa experience: use eucalyptus oil
Step 4: Start steaming your face
If you are using steam traditionally, stand over the bowl with your face around 12 inches away from the steam. Drape the towel over your head and shoulders to create a steam tent and steam your face for about 5-10 minutes and no longer than that.
For facial steamers, you can adjust the settings with your preferred temperature. Place your face around 8-12 inches away from the device and hold your face in that position for around 2 minutes. Take a break and see how your skin reacts to the steaming. Close your eyes and inhale deeply to awaken the pores in your skin once again. Repeat until you are done with the steam for about 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Post steaming
Once you are done steaming, for best results you may apply the skin care product of your choice and proceed with your regular skincare routine.
Conclusion
Facial steaming has been helpful in elevating your skincare routine. It is generally safe for any skin type. However, if you have sensitive skin, dry skin, or other skin problems, you need to consult your dermatologist for proper guidance.
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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