Facial steaming, which is a widely practiced salon procedure, is an important step in the skin care and beauty regime. This procedure dates back to the ancient era where Turkish baths were the part of a daily relaxation ritual. Steaming helps to release oil and dust buildup in the skin, preventing blockages and possibly reducing the severity of conditions like acne. This procedure is widely used by on a regular basis by both young and older persons, as a skin care therapy.

What are the benefits of steaming the face?

• Facial steaming induces perspiration, which removes accumulated wastes and toxins in the skin.
• Blood circulation is improved as the warm effect of the steam dilates the microvessels (capillaries) of the skin, nourishing the outer layers (epidermis).
• Steaming deep cleanses the skin of surface dirt, cosmetics and dead skin cells thereby unblocking the pores.
• Blackheads are dislodged from the pores as the dead skin cells and sebum becomes soften with the steam. This allows for the efficient removal of blackheads from the skin without the possibility of scarring.
• The use of the steam helps in the conservative management of acne as it ‘de-greases’ the oily build-up leaving the skin pores open, rejuvenated and cleansed.

What are the methods of facial steaming?

There 3 methods of steaming the face which include :

1. Steaming the face professionally with the use of salon equipment, known as a steamer or vaporiser, at a skincare clinic.
2. Facial steaming at home. This method uses boiling water in a bowl with the face placed about 12 inches away from the bowl. A towel is placed over the head to form a confined environment, preventing the steam from escaping. This method is equally effective as the professional procedure.
3. The hot compress method makes use of a towel, which is soaked in hot water, and then tightly squeezed to remove excess water (wringing). The warm towel is placed onto the face to help soften the skin.

Essential oils and herbs may be added to the water for various reasons but the beneficial effects of these agents have not been thoroughly researched and verified.

How frequently should you steam your face?

The frequency of a steaming treatment is dependent on the individual’s skin type. An oily skin should be steamed at least once to twice a week whilst a combination or balanced (normal) skin types will benefit with a facial steaming treatment done every 2 weeks. Individuals with a very dry skin type should restrict facial steaming to just once a month, as the steam removes the skins natural oils leaving the skin drier. To counteract these effects, an oily moisturizer should be applied to nourish the dry skin, after the facial steaming.

What are the side effects of facial steaming?

• The steam temperature used in the facial treatments should beat an appropriate to prevent burns occurring on the skin.
• Although steaming removes excess oil and grit blocking the pores, it may also causes the skin to break out in eruptions.
• Skin that is highly vascular, hypersensitive, inflamed or irritated from pre-existing skin conditions or the side effects of cosmetic preparations should not be exposed to facial steaming as this may aggravate the condition.