Skin Care: Facial Steaming

Our search for a more youthful appearance seems a constant quest, and how ironic that we find answers in practices from ancient times. For instance, using steam to cleanse the body dates back to Roman times when baths featuring a combination of steaming, cleaning, and massage appeared wherever the Romans made conquests. In our more modern times, steaming is used as part of a beauty salon facial.

Facial steaming has many benefits:
• Opens your pores
• Removes dead skin cells
• Improves circulation
• Allows for deep cleansing
• Is helpful for acne and blackheads

Facial steaming can be done on a weekly basis as part of your beauty routine and is an excellent precursor for your facial mask.

Reaping all the benefits, without the high cost of a beauty salon treatment, you can easily perform the steam at home. All you need is your face, cleanser, a pot, water, and a large towel.

1. Remove make up and cleanse your face using soap and water or your preferred cleanser. Gently pat skin dry after rinsing.
2. Fill pot with approximately three cups of water and bring to boil.
3. Transfer the water to a shallow wide bowl.
4. Keeping your face at least one foot away from the steam, place the towel over your head to form a tent around your head and the bowl of water. The steam should feel warm and soothing-NOT HOT! If the steam is too hot or you are uncomfortable at any time, STOP IMMEDIATELY!
5. Remain under the towel for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with cool water to close and tighten your pores.
6. Follow with a facial mask or a light moisturizer.

You might also try adding skin friendly herbs such as green tea, chamomile, lavender, or peppermint in your steaming water. Steep one herbal teabag in a cup and add to the hot water. BEFORE USING ANY HERBS ON YOUR SKIN, be sure that you are not allergic or have skin sensitivities.

Another facial steaming method is:

1. Cleanse your face.
2. Thoroughly soak a clean washcloth under hot, running water. Wring out the excess water and place over your face.
3. When the cloth becomes cool (usually less than one minute), remove and repeat step two again. To get the best results, you may need to repeat between 5-10 times.
4. Rinse with cool water and follow with a facial mask or light moisturizer.

Remember that using too high of a temperature, for either facial steaming method, can do more harm than good. Excessive steam can burn your skin; be very careful and only do what is comfortable for you. Check with your doctor before facial steaming if you have sensitive skin or any skin condition.

Since the steam releases impurities in the skin, it is normal for a few blemishes to pop up. However, for normal skin, the number of blemishes that appear after steaming will lesson over time. Your skin’s appearance will improve with the regular use of facials.