People these days use a variety of skin care routines to keep their faces clean and hydrated. And while there are a lot of gadgets and ways to do it, facial steaming proves to be one of the best ways to achieve healthy and glowing skin.
If you have just learned about facial steaming, then this article will help you understand that there are a lot of possible benefits that you can achieve from using facial steamers. Take a look at some of them:
- Promotes better circulation
- Provides better cleansing
- Releases trapped sebum on your skin
- Helps your skin to better absorb skin care products
- Boosts collagen and elastin production
- Releases acne-causing bacteria
- Gives your skin better hydration
- Relieves and clears clogged sinuses
How to steam with your home facial steamer
But if you already own a facial steamer be sure that you read the instructions carefully before starting to use it.
- Fill up the water as directed then place it on a table near an outlet and plug it in. It may take time before it emits steam so just wait for it.
- While waiting, secure your hair to keep it away from your face and wash it using your desired cleanser.
- Once you are done cleansing your face, take a seat and get comfortable. Place your face inside the cone attachment and make sure that you stay about 5-10 inches away so you don’t get steam burns.
- Steam for about 2-3 minutes with a minute of a break in between so you can check how your skin reacts with the steam. Limit each session to about 10 minutes to avoid irritating your face.
A word of caution: before considering face steaming make sure that you consult with your dermatologist to ask if your skin type is suitable for a facial steam. Also, people who have skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or other inflammatory problems should refrain from using steam. It can worsen the condition and further increase inflammation and redness.
How to add essential oils and herbs
Adding essential oils and herbs to your steam may provide additional benefits for your body and skin. Some herbs are beneficial for different skin types while some essential oils are known to provide a calming effect on your body or energises you.
The best essential oils
Tea tree: this essential oil is best for smoothing acne-prone skin and helps fight rashes, blemishes, and even irritated skin.
Lavender: a skin favourite because it helps dry skin and soothes skin conditions such as eczema while giving a relaxing aromatherapy effect.
Geranium: derived from the geranium flower, this is a natural astringent that helps tighten and tone the skin.
Eucalyptus: another ideal for acne-prone skin and also helps with sinuses issues. It also pairs well with lavender because it helps your body relax and calm.
Orange: with its bright and uplifting scent, the orange essential oil helps de-clog pores and makes skin complexion bright and full of life.
Lemon: used to clarify the skin and improve your mood as well. Combine with tea tree oil to help fight blemishes.
Frankincense: because of its relaxation effects, this also helps with the tone and elasticity of your skin. You can combine it with orange and geranium to receive anti-ageing facial effects.
The best herbs
If you don’t have essential oils, herbs are the best alternative. Adding herbs in your facial steam allows you to customise the skin benefits that want to receive or personalise depending on your skin type. Some herbs can provide soothing and energising effects for your body.
Rosemary: a very fragrant herb that is great for congested and oily skin.
Chamomile: research shows that chamomile helps dermatitis and skin inflammation. It is also perfect for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Peppermint: this refreshing herb has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can also help heal acne scars and other blemishes.
Lavender: if you don’t have oil, use fresh lavender for the same benefits the oil can give your skin.
Lemon: use lemon peels and add them in your face steam to lighten age spots, soften skin and detoxify.
Rose: rose petals are excellent for wrinkles, age spots, and even scars. It also helps in cleansing and toning the skin and reducing redness.
Using herbs and essential oils for different skin types
If you are not sure which herbs or essential oil to use, here are some recommendations:
- For normal skin, you may use chamomile, lavender, peppermint, rosemary, or lemon. Steam your face for about 10-15 minutes with a minute interval.
- If you have dry skin concerns, steam using chamomile, rose, fennel, lavender, or lemon peel for about 3-5 minutes.
- Oily skin may use lavender, chamomile, peppermint, or sage for about 10-15 minutes.
- Combination skin can use lemon, rosemary, or chamomile for 10-15 minutes as well.
- Congested skin can use lemon, lavender, chamomile, and rosemary for also 10-15 minutes.
- Irritated skin can use chamomile alone for about 5-10 minutes.
Additionally, you can also use teas like green tea, for facial steaming. Aside from providing benefits for your body, it is also good for your skin because it has antioxidants that can help release toxins and make your skin younger-looking.
Conclusion
A weekly face steaming is a great idea to relax and unwind especially after a long and stressful week. Steaming your face once a week can provide great benefits for your skin. Just remember to limit your steam session to about 10-15 minutes to avoid irritating your skin or having skin burns.
Be extra careful when using facial steamers and do not put your face too close to the steam. Most of all, if you have any skin conditions, consult with your dermatologist first so you can be guided properly.
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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