Face steaming is making a comeback! Give yourself a salon-worthy facial at home with our tips on how to steam your face and the skin beautifying benefits of doing so.
The benefits of face steaming
Facial steaming has been around for a long time. It's a traditional way to cleanse and invigorate the skin and often done during an in-salon facial. Lately, though, it seems more of us are incorporating face steaming into our home DIY facials!
It’s not surprising. The benefits of steaming your face are big, especially if you have large pores and congestion-prone skin.
What are the benefits of face steaming for your skin?
Most skin types can benefit with a regular, gentle face steaming session which can help;
Open pores to release trapped sebum and debris
The heat from the steam does a wonderful job at loosening dirt, sebum, and any other debris trapped deep within the pore. It softens the build-up, allowing stubborn blackheads to be purged from the pore, leaving skin brighter and clearer.
Energise and brighten skin
Face steaming boosts circulation. The result is a natural, glowing flush - a sign of blood stimulation energising the skin.
Improve product absorption
One of the lesser-known benefits of steaming your face? It helps your other skincare products do their best work. Steam makes skin more permeable which means products and ingredients are better absorbed into the skin.
Any skincare you apply directly after your steam your face will be working extra hard!
Release toxins
Sweating helps cleanse your body's largest organ (your skin) of impurities by releasing toxins. If you’re not up for a sweaty HIIT session, a gentle facial steam or sauna is a great alternative to purge toxins from within your body.
You relax! It’s the perfect soothing self-care activity
Face steaming is skincare, relaxation, and self-care all wrapped up together. Include steaming your face as part of your at home pamper session to unwind and enjoy the calming benefits.
Steaming your face at home
Steaming your face at home is simple, effective, and so enjoyable! Here’s how to do it;
Step 1: Cleanse with a gentle cleanser
Start by using a gentle cleanser to wash away any impurities, dirt, and oil. We recommend using a cleanser from The Uncomplicated Cleanser range. Have oily, congestion-prone skin? Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Charcoal is an ideal choice.
If you wear makeup, double cleanse at this step. This helps remove every trace of makeup and sunscreen from your skin.
Step 2: Heat water and add to a big bowl
Ideally, it’s safest to heat the water to around 40 degrees. You can bring the water to the boil in a jug, pour it into a large bowl and wait for it to cool down. Never steam your face using boiling water or you’ll risk scalding your skin and broken capillaries.
Step 3: Steam your face
Once the water is at a safe temperature, hover your face about 30-45 cms above the bowl. Staying a comfortable distance away will avoid overheating your skin.
If this is your first time steaming, we recommend face steaming initially for 2 minutes and observe how your skin reacts. If everything seems to be fine, without irritation, steam for another 8 minutes. Then, blot your face with a clean, soft towel.
Tips for using a facial steamer
You can turn up the salon-type experience up a notch with a facial steaming machine. A few tips for getting the most out of your face steamer;
- Always use purified or distilled water in your face steamer. Tap water contains minerals that build up and mess with the facial steamer functionality.
- Don’t put essential oils or any other additives into the water.
- Clean your facial steamer regularly - at least monthly - to demineralise the steamer and keep it working properly.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 4: Apply a face mask
Next, it’s time to take advantage of your fresh, open pores and put a face mask to work! While your skin is extra permeable and warm, the active ingredients in your masking product will be deeply absorbed.
Discover our range of Booster Face Masks. They’re designed to treat a range of common skin concerns.
Dull skin and pigmentation: Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask
Ageing concerns: Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask
Dehydration: Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask
Congested, oily skin: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster
Redness and inflammation: Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask
Dry, sensitive, and mature skin: Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask
Refer to the “How to use” guide (located on the product page) to apply your mask of choice as per the application directions.
Step 5: Apply a serum
After removing the mask apply a serum from our Skin Treats range to clean skin to double down on post-steam benefits. Face serums and masks can be mixed and matched but see our handy guide for suggested pairing below.
Dull skin and pigmentation: Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask | Pomegranate Brightening Serum or Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum
Ageing concerns: Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask | Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum or Golden Anti-Ageing Serum
Dehydration: Hyaluronic Hydrating Booster Mask | Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum
Congested, oily skin: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster | Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum
Redness and inflammation: Anti-inflammation Mint Gel Booster Mask | Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie
Dry, sensitive, and mature skin: Ultra Nourishing Booster Mask | Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum
Always finish with a moisturising lotion or facial oil to quench the skin after steaming and lock in moisture.
What to avoid
Unfortunately, not all skin types will benefit from steaming.
If you have inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, eczema or psoriasis, steaming is not recommended. It will only aggravate sensitive skin and trigger uncomfortable flares of prolonged flushing and heat for rosacea-prone complexions.
Even if your skin can benefit from steaming, please don’t go overboard! Ease facial steaming into your routine with sessions once a fortnight. See how your skin reacts and increase to once a week (at most) if your skin is reacting well.
If you’ve got any questions about how to steam your face or what products to use reach out to the esmi Skin Team!
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