Are you looking for a luxurious facial treatment that you can do between your visits to the spa? Facial steaming is a simple way to pamper your skin in the comfort of your own bathroom. Read on to find out what skin care products you’ll need to do it safely and effectively with minimal cost or equipment to achieve maximum skin glow.
Key Takeaways:
- Benefits of Steaming: Facial steaming helps cleanse the skin, promotes circulation, increases hydration, aids in deeper absorption of skincare products and can alleviate sinus congestion.
- Proper Technique: It’s crucial to steam with care, using the right temperature and distance to avoid skin irritation and maximize benefits.
- Considerations for Skin Types: Not everyone should use facial steaming; those with conditions like rosacea, melasma, or eczema might find that heat exacerbates their issues.
What Is Facial Steaming?
Facial steaming is one of the simplest skin care rituals out there. By exposing your face to warm steam, you can loosen trapped sebum, remove buildup, boost hydration and encourage better absorption of skin care products. If you’ve ever placed a warm, moist towel on your face, spent time in a steam room at the gym or taken a long, hot shower, you know what we’re talking about. The first purpose-built facial steamers date back to the early 1900s, but the use of steam itself as a method of relaxing and cleansing the body can be traced back to the Ancient Greeks and Romans. These days, there are a lot of facial steamers on the market, but you can also DIY at home with a big bowl or sink of warm water and a towel.
Benefits of Facial Steaming
Facial steaming can do more than refresh your complexion. It also supports skin health and even offers a few wellness perks. We’ll explain some of the benefits here:
Cleanses
Steaming is an excellent option for removing buildup, especially if a deeper cleanse is needed. It lifts dirt and impurities from the skin, purges excess sebum and loosens unwanted substances like pollutants, leaving your skin thoroughly cleansed and refreshed for a glowing complexion.
Releases Acne-Causing Bacteria & Cells
Acne happens when your skin cells trap sebum in your follicles, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and inflammation. Using steam to loosen up dirt and oils can help free the sebum and stop pimples from forming.
“There is a misconception that steaming the face opens pores and unclogs them,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Caroline Robinson tells SELF Magazine. She continues, explaining that our pores are “fixed structures that do not open or close in response to changes in temperature.” In other words, warm steam doesn’t open pores and cool water doesn’t close them. But what steam does do is soften the very top layer of dead skin, making it more permeable, loosening up any oils, dirt or acne-causing bacteria hanging out on the skin surface so it can be removed.
Promotes Circulation
Heat from steaming — and the perspiration it causes — can encourage blood flow by dilating your blood vessels, which sends more oxygen to the skin. Proper circulation is not only ideal for your overall health, it has specific benefits to the skin, including the prevention of dryness. Additionally, steam promotes blood circulation and causes the skin to flush temporarily — making it look glowy, healthy and plump.
Hydrates
Heat from steaming, and the perspiration it causes, can encourage blood flow by dilating your blood vessels, which sends more oxygen to the skin. Proper circulation is not only ideal for your overall health, it has specific benefits to the skin, including the prevention of dryness. Additionally, steam promotes blood circulation and causes the skin to flush temporarily, making it look glowy, healthy and plump.
Helps With Absorption of Skin Care Products
Steam increases the permeability of the skin, allowing it to better absorb topicals. Try steaming before you introduce products like toner, serums and moisturizers to your skin. Steam has the ability to increase skin care product penetration to give you more bang for your skin care buck.
Relieves Stress
Carving out a few minutes for self-care do wonders for your stress levels, and using those minutes to steam your face can relax your mind and body, while also enhancing the skin. While you’re at it, add some soothing herbs like mint or rosemary, or essential oils like lavender for an extra boost.
Relieves Sinus Congestion
A steam bath may conjure up memories of mom placing your head under a towel to help clear your cold symptoms — and, as usual, mom knew what she was doing! Steam lightly inhaled through the nose and mouth can help relieve sinus congestion and headaches in a gentle and soothing way.
How to Steam Your Face at Home
There are a few ways you can enjoy this versatile skin care ritual at home. It can be simple and free or as luxe as you choose. A quick search will bring up a huge selection of electric facial steamers, but if you like a DIY approach, the process can be done with nothing but hot water and towels. Here are some general guidelines to help you create this eco-friendly and relaxing skin care ritual in your own bathroom.
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Start by cleansing your face. You want all oil, dirt and makeup gone to prevent them from seeping deeper into your skin and clogging pores as you steam. A gel or foaming cleanser is a good idea to help get rid of the oil and dirt. Some great options for all skin types include the Stone Crop Gel Wash or the Kombucha Microbiome Foaming Cleanser.
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Step 2: Prepare the Steam
Heat water and carefully pour into a large, heat-safe ceramic or glass bowl or into the bathroom sink (with the stopper in place). Plastic bowls are not recommended. Tap water is a great, accessible option, but if you want to get fancy, try distilled or filtered water.
Step 3: Add Herbs or Essential Oils (Optional)
For a gentle, fragrant steam, start with herbs or tea bags. Chamomile and peppermint are known for their calming effects, while green tea provides polyphenols that can help fight bacteria and support the skin’s defenses. Adding a couple of tea bags or a small handful of dried herbs to the bowl is a simple, low-risk way to enhance the experience.
Essential oils are more complicated. While they are popular, most dermatologists and health experts caution against using them in facial steam. The concentrated vapors can irritate the lungs, trigger reactions in people with asthma or allergies, and cause skin sensitivity if not diluted correctly. Some oils, especially citrus varieties, can also increase the risk of sun damage after use. Because of these concerns, essential oils are not generally recommended for steaming at home. If you’re interested in trying them, speak with a licensed professional first and never add more than a drop or two, properly diluted.
Step 4: Apply a Mask
Once you have steamed your face, your skin is primed ready to absorb whatever is next. Now it’s time to choose a mask based on your skin concern.
If you’re looking to double down on hydration, go for the Coconut Cream Masque or Strawberry Rhubarb Masque.
Or if you’re struggling with breakouts, your skin will love the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque or the Acne Advanced Clarifying Masque. Aging skin will drink in the Bamboo Age Corrective Masque. Additionally, the Calm Skin Arnica Masque is a great option for all of the sensitive complexions out there.
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Is Facial Steaming Safe for Everyone?
Steaming should feel soothing, not risky. Because hot water can cause burns in just a few seconds, it’s important to take precautions when steaming your face at home.
- Watch the water temperature: Water at 140°F (60°C) can burn skin in under five seconds, according to the American Burn Association. Always let boiling water cool slightly before using it for steaming.
- Keep your distance: Start with your face farther than 10 inches from the bowl, then slowly move closer if it feels comfortable. Never lean so close that the steam feels painful.
- Set a timer: Limit each session to 8–10 minutes. Over-steaming can dehydrate skin instead of hydrating it.
- Stay distraction-free: Have everything you need within reach and avoid multitasking during the session to reduce spill or burn risk.
- Breathe and relax: Use the time for deep breathing or meditation to make it both a skin and stress-relieving ritual.
Before adding facial steaming to your routine, check with a skin care professional if you have chronic conditions or highly reactive skin.
What To Do After Steaming Your Face
After steaming, the skin is warmer, more permeable and more sensitive. Dermatologists and skin care experts recommend the following steps to protect your skin and maximize the benefits.
Cleanse Gently to Remove Impurities
A light cleanse after steaming helps clear away sweat, oil and loosened debris. Choose a mild pH-balanced cleanser and avoid foaming or stripping formulas that can dry the skin.
Cool & Soothe the Skin
The heat from steam often leaves the face flushed. Splash with cool water, press on a damp washcloth or mist with a hydrating spray to calm redness and bring the skin back to comfort.
Apply Serums or Masks While Pores Are Open
Steaming temporarily makes the outer layer more receptive to treatments. This is a good time to use serums or masks with hydrating or soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide. Hold off on strong acids or retinoids, which can sting and irritate freshly steamed skin.
Moisturize to Lock in Hydration
Moisturizer is essential after steaming to prevent water loss. Creams or oils work well for dry or sensitive skin, while lighter gels or lotions may be better for oily or combination types.
Use SPF if Heading Out During the Day
Freshly steamed skin is more vulnerable to the sun. If you’re going outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UV damage.
Avoid Exfoliants and Strong Actives
Give your skin a break from scrubs, chemical exfoliants and retinoids for at least 24 to 48 hours. Using them too soon can lead to redness, stinging or peeling.
Monitor Your Skin’s Response
Pay attention to how your skin reacts after steaming. Prolonged redness, irritation or flaking can be signs of over-steaming. Scale back on frequency if this happens.
Limit Steaming to 1 or 2 Times a Week
Most dermatologists recommend steaming once a week for 5 to 10 minutes. Oily or congested skin may benefit from up to two sessions. More than that risks broken capillaries, irritation or a weakened skin barrier.
Common Questions About Facial Steaming
What should you put on your face after a steam?
Always follow with hydration. Apply a mask, serum or moisturizer to lock in moisture and maximize results. Sunscreen is essential if you steam during the day.
What to do before and after steaming?
Before steaming, cleanse your face to remove dirt, oil and makeup. After steaming, apply treatments such as masks, serums and moisturizer to take advantage of your skin’s increased absorption.
Is steam good for rosacea?
No. Steam and heat are known triggers for rosacea and can make redness worse. Those with rosacea should avoid facial steaming.
How to remove blackheads after steaming face?
Steaming softens debris and makes blackheads easier to treat but avoid squeezing them. Use a clay mask or consult a professional for safe extractions.
What’s the best time to steam my face?
Evening is ideal as it preps your skin for nighttime serums and masks and gives your skin time to recover overnight.
Can I apply ice after steaming my face?
Yes, you can apply a cold compress or an ice cube wrapped in a cloth, which can calm redness and help tighten the skin after steaming.
Don't forget to follow up your at-home skin care rituals with regular trips to the spa for professional care. Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to find out more.
