You’ve tried and tested a few DIY face masks, you’re getting your bikini waxing and acrylics removed, but there’s still one beauty ritual that you haven’t mastered: facial steaming. You’ve heard all about it from your friends and have probably daydreamed of sitting back in a steam room while a professional cleanses your skin.
But before you can try it, there are a few things you need to know about how to do it right. First, you need to make sure your skin is clean and prepped for steaming. That means removing all your makeup, using a gentle exfoliating wash and avoiding any harsh scrubs (pretty much all the exfoliants on the market are too rough for sensitive skin).
Then, you’ll need to fill up your facial steamer with water. While tap water can be used, distilled or spring water is preferable because it’s more pure and helps your skin get the most out of the treatment.
Once the water is at a consistent temperature, you can turn on your device and enjoy the relaxing experience of a professional facial in the comfort of your own home. Some devices are even equipped with a timer, so you can set the duration of your session and let the machine shut off when it’s over.
De-puffing
One of the best ways to de-puff your face is with a facial steamer. Not only can it help open pores and promote circulation, but it can also soften the skin and remove excess oil.
You can use a hot towel to steam your face, or opt for a more high-tech option like this handheld device from Vanity Planet that has different settings for cold and hot steam. It has an aroma basket, too, so you can add a few drops of essential oils to make your experience extra calming and soothing.
Another trick to de-puff your face is by switching out warm water for cold water. Cold water constricts blood vessels, which reduces redness and swelling to lessen puffiness.
Facial steaming helps promote lymphatic flow and drain fluids, explains dermatologist Davis B. Nguyen, MD, and can help to improve the appearance of sagging skin. Try this massage technique with your serum morning and night for optimal results, and combine it with a gua sha tool or jade roller for an even more thorough treatment.
Exfoliating
The steam from a facial steamer loosens dead skin cells and dirt from pores. It also helps to deep hydrate the skin without drying it out.
To get the most out of a facial steamer, you need to use it on clean skin. Wash your face before you begin, so there is no residue from makeup or other products that will block the pores and make it hard for the steam to reach them.
Once you’ve steamed your face, it’s a good idea to follow up with a gentle exfoliation scrub that is not harsh on your skin. This will help to break down the glue that holds dead skin to the surface and reveal fresh, glowing skin.
Hydrating
Using a facial steamer is one of the easiest ways to help your skin look and feel hydrated. This is because the tiny steam molecules penetrate your skin and lock in extra hydration.
The steam also dilates your blood vessels, which promotes healthy circulation to the skin. This is important, because it can lead to a brighter complexion and a more radiant glow.
In addition, the vapor from the heated water assists with product absorption, says Rodney, which means that serums and other skincare products will work better on your skin.
This is especially useful if you’re using a blemish extraction, as the heat from the steam will help to soften your skin.
To use a facial steamer, fill the tank with distilled water (some machines require it) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to steam your face. Afterward, it’s recommended to apply a moisturizer.
Clearing Congestion
A facial steamer is an easy and effective way to clear congestion, especially for sinus sufferers. Like a neti pot, personal facial steamers are hygienic, and the warm water helps break up mucus to reduce swelling in your nasal passageways.
Another reason to add a facial steamer into your routine is to improve circulation in your skin. This boosts collagen and elastin production, which results in firmer, more toned skin.
If you have acne-prone skin, a facial steamer can also help soften pores and remove any plugs that may be clogging your nose or cheeks.
Look for a professional facial steamer that offers precise temperature control and a large tank capacity to keep your face hydrated. Some models also come with a built-in fan, which helps create longer-lasting steam.
