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Steaming the skin can even help the products you apply after a DIY facial to penetrate deeper.
And if that’s not enough to sell you on it, there’s always the coveted post-steam glow.
KAT BORCHART / Design by Camden Dechert
But just how do you steam your face?
And what are the benefits?
Is it best for oily skin or is it ideal for dry skin?
Exfoliate
Baking sodaand water are all you need for a little budget-friendly deep pore cleansing with light exfoliation.
Mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water into a paste.
Licorice root and mint are also great detoxifiers that work on all skin types.
Chen suggests adding “essential oils or herbs such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint.”
Sit like this and steam your face for about five to 10 minutes to clear out your pores.
If you don’t have a toner on hand, don’t fretyou can just use apple cider vinegar.
Moisturize
Finish off your facial by applying the moisturizer of your choice.
If you want to stick to the all-natural route, use anatural oil.
It’s also important to choose your herbs and oils carefully.
Some, like lavender, have aromatherapy benefits as well as skin-calming properties.
“The recommendation can vary based on each individual from weekly facials to monthly,” says Ettner.
“One of the biggest risks is flaring temperature skin diseases, likerosacea,” says Nazarian.
“The heat will increase inflammatory mediators in the skin, worsening acne-like lesions and redness.”
She suggests consulting with a board-certified dermatologist before incorporating steam facials into your skincare routine.
Orchard A, van Vuuren S.Commercial essential oils as potential antimicrobials to treat skin diseases.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.
