We all want healthy, glowing skin, but often, it’s hard to make time for expensive spa treatments (not to mention, budget for them). If you’re on the search for ways to amplify your skincare routine at home without breaking the bank, you may be wondering about the possibility of facial steaming and whether it’s worth adding to your lineup.
So, is face steaming good for your skin? When it comes down to it, there are numerous advantages to facial steaming, making it one of our go-to self care practices. Read on to get the scoop on all the benefits steam can offer.
#1 Steam Aids Absorption of Skin Care Products
Among the benefits of steaming your face, perhaps one of the most helpful is that steam has been shown to increase your skin’s permeability.
This means after steaming your face, the top layer of skin gets softer and more likely to absorb skincare products such as
This allows the other steps of your skincare routine to be all the more effective.
#2 Steam Hydrates Skin
If you have dry skin, warm steam can help by delivering moisture to your face—particularly if you live in an area where the humidity drops during the colder months of the year.
To trap that water in, apply a moisturizer or serum, like our AHA Serum or Vitamin C Serum, post-face steaming session. Dermatologists say that doing so after hydrating your skin can help it retain that moisture for longer-lasting effects.
#3 Steam Is Soothing and Relaxing
If you’ve ever found yourself not wanting to leave a steaming-hot shower because you feel oh-so-relaxed, you’re likely to love the soothing, calming effects of facial steam.
Aside from providing warmth and hydration, taking a moment for a mini at-home spa treatment can help you relax and decompress or gather yourself to take on the day’s challenges. Some at-home facial steamers can also be used with essential oils and herbs to create an extra relaxing aromatherapy experience. Who needs the spa now when you can create your very own spa day at home?
#4 Steam Helps Unclog Your Pores
Whether you struggle with oily skin or simply appreciate the freshness of a deep cleanse, facial steam may be your friend in this area as well.
The heat and moisture from facial steaming can help:
- Soften blackheads
- Help loosen sebum built up in the pores
- Loosen dirt and other impurities contributing to clogged pores
All these magical steaming effects allow your skin to be more easily cleansed later on.
#5 Steam Improves Circulation
The heat from hot steam has also been shown to increase blood flow and improve the circulation of your skin. Why does this matter?
Blood flow provides oxygen to your skin cells, which promotes healing and keeps your skin looking plump, healthy, and nourished.
How to Steam Your Face
Now that we’ve covered several benefits of steaming your skin, you may be wondering the best way to go about it. Though many spas offer steam facial treatments, the bright side of steam is that it’s easy and affordable, making it one of many popular self care essentials for a spa day spent at home.
There are a couple of different methods to consider:
- Bowl-and-towel method – After heating water to the point of steaming, pour it into a heat-safe bowl, position your face a safe distance away, and drape a large towel over your head and the bowl to trap in the moisture.
- Steamed towel method – Soak a clean towel or washcloth in hot water and let it sit until warm. After wringing out the excess water, lay back and drape the towel over your face.
- Steam machine method – This option takes the guesswork out of steaming. Many at-home facial steamers heat up on their own once they’re plugged in and filled with water. Some even have built-in timers to keep track of how long you’re steaming. Once you purchase a home facial steamer, simply follow the directions that come with it for an easy at-home spa experience.
A Note of Caution
Because steam means dealing with very hot water, there are a few things to be aware of before steaming your face. Most importantly, you’ll want to be careful to avoid splashes or burns when heating or pouring the water.
It’s also a good idea to not get too close. You never want the steam so hot or so close to your face that it hurts. In general, be sure to keep enough distance between yourself and the steam, and move back if it feels too intense. Your comfort is the priority!
If you have sensitive skin or another specific type of skin condition, you may also want to check with a medical professional before steaming to make sure it’s a good option for you.
Get More Benefits with Honest®
When you’re trying to squeeze a chill moment into your busy life or bolster your beauty routine, the last thing you want to do is constantly question the products you’re using.
Whether you’re ready to wind down or glam up, Honest® is your resource for safe and effective bath, body, and beauty essentials. Our thoughtfully designed products take the guesswork out of self-care, allowing you to face the day with a face you know is in good hands.
Journal of controlled release. Microsecond thermal ablation of skin for transdermal drug delivery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3148293/
American Academy of Dermatology. Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
Cleveland Clinic. Is Steaming Your Face Good for Your Skin? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-steaming-your-face-good-for-your-skin/
Health. Effects of dry and mist saunas on circulatory and thermoregulatory functions in humans. 10.4236/health.2013.52036
We aim to provide you with the most honest and credible information possible. This article was reviewed for accuracy by The Honest Team and was written based on trusted sources that are linked at the bottom of the article.blog_review_statement