Steam is one of the oldest forms of relaxation and detoxification. It has been used for centuries in spas and bathhouses across the world. But what many people don’t know is that steam can also be incredibly beneficial for the skin! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits of steam for the skin and how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine.
What are the Benefits of Steam for the Skin
Taking a warm shower after a long day could be very relaxing. While this is common practice for some people, we don’t usually know the science behind the relaxing effects of a steamy shower. Interestingly, there are various benefits steam has for your skin.
Steam can help to unclog pores and remove dirt, oil, and sweat that has built up over the course of the day. It can also help to soften and smoothen the skin, making it more supple and less dry. In addition, steam can increase circulation and promote cell turnover. This means that it can help to brighten the complexion and give you a healthy glow.
In addition, using a facial steamer on a regular basis can help to prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. This is because steam can stimulate collagen production, which is the protein that gives skin its elasticity.
How to Incorporate Steam Into Your Skincare Routine
Now that we know all of the benefits steam can have for our skin, let’s talk about how we can apply it to our skincare routine. The simplest way to do this is by taking a warm shower or bath before cleansing your face. You can also use a facial steamer, which is a device that emits a fine mist of steam onto the face.
If you have sensitive skin, be sure to test the temperature of the water before steaming your face. You don’t want to burn yourself! Start by holding your face about 12 inches away from the steamer and gradually move it closer until you find a comfortable distance. Steam for about five minutes, then pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Choosing the Right Facial Steamer for Your Skin
When selecting a facial steamer, it’s important to choose one that is appropriate for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, look for a steamer with an adjustable steam output. This will allow you to control the amount of steam that comes into contact with your skin.
If you have skin that’s prone to acne, look for a steamer with antibacterial properties. This will help kill any bacteria on the surface of your skin and prevent breakouts.
Furthermore, if you have dry skin, look for a steamer that comes with a moisturizing attachment. This will help to add hydration back to the skin after steaming.
Tips for Using a Steamer Correctly
Now that we know how to choose the right steamer for our skin type, let’s talk about how to use it correctly.
First, it’s important to cleanse your face before using a steamer. This will remove any dirt, oil, or makeup that could clog the pores and prevent the steam from penetrating the skin.
Next, fill the reservoir with water and wait for the steamer to heat up. Once it’s ready, hold your face about 12 inches away from the steamer and gradually move it closer until you find a comfortable distance. Steam for about five minutes, then pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Finally, follow up with a moisturizer to hydrate the skin.
DIY Steamer Recipes That Will Benefit Your Skin
If you don’t wish to invest in a facial steamer, there are plenty of DIY recipes that you can make at home!
For oily skin:
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of boiling water. The steam will help to unclog pores and remove excess oil.
- Add a handful of lavender flowers to a bowl of boiling water. The steam will help to soothe and calm the skin.
For dry skin:
- Add a few drops of rosehip oil to a bowl of boiling water. The steam will help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
- Add a handful of chamomile flowers to a bowl of boiling water. The steam will help to soothe and calm the skin.
These are just some of the benefits of using steam for your skin. So, next time you’re in the shower, take a few extra minutes to let the steam work its magic. And, if you don’t have a facial steamer, no worries! There are plenty of DIY recipes that you can make at home.
Additional Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Steam Treatments
Here are more tips to help you get the most out of your steam treatments:
- Drink a lot of water before and after steaming to help hydrate your skin from the inside out.
- Use a fresh and clean towel to pat your face dry after steaming. This will help to avoid any irritation or redness.
- Follow it up with a face moisturizer or serum to help lock in hydration.
- For an extra boost, add a few drops of essential oil to your steamer water. This will help to improve the efficacy of your treatment.
There are many other tips you can follow when it comes to using steam for your skin. Be sure to thoroughly do your research and find what works best for you. And always consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.
Final Thoughts
Steam is a great way to cleanse and hydrate your skin. It’s also a great way to remove excess oil, calm the skin, and improve the efficacy of your treatment. If you’re not sure how to use steam for your skin type, be sure to consult with a dermatologist. And, if you don’t want to invest in a facial steamer, there are plenty of DIY recipes that you can make at home.