{"id":175078,"date":"2022-06-08T15:09:51","date_gmt":"2022-06-08T22:09:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/?p=175078"},"modified":"2022-06-19T15:32:28","modified_gmt":"2022-06-19T22:32:28","slug":"benefits-steaming-face","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/benefits-steaming-face\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefits of Steaming Your Face"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve seen the steamy saunas at the gym, and maybe you\u2019ve even heard about facial steaming at your local spa, but is there actually any benefit to steaming your face?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surprisingly enough, there is.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/spa-treatments-at-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spa like treatments<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at home can be overwhelming, steaming can be easily included in your routine. As a fast, inexpensive, and effective way to remove dirt and other impurities from deep within the skin, facial steaming is quickly becoming an essential part of many skincare routines. In fact, not only can facial steaming help your skin feel its best, but it may also help your skin retain more moisture (and we love a good moisturized glow).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are just <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">some<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the potential benefits of steaming your face. In this guide, we\u2019ll walk you through 5 reasons why steaming might be a good choice for you and explore how to steam properly for maximum effect.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>#1: Steaming May Help Open Your Pores<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One potential benefit of steaming your face is that it may help open your pores.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When your pores are opened, the exposure to warm, moist air might help you with some of your skincare goals, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Softening blackheads for easier removal<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loosening dirt, dead skin cells, and oils<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Priming your skin for skincare products<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is a great way to treat any clogged pores you may be seeing, which can also prevent acne breakouts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>#2: Steaming May Improve Your Circulation\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steaming face benefits might also include improved circulation.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Warm, humid air can help dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow. In turn, this can lead to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improved skin cell turnover<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Faster healing from damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A bright, healthy-looking glow\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Think about how you feel after you exercise. The movement of your body increases your blood flow, and your cheeks get a rosy glow. So, in other words, steaming can help you look like you just went for a rejuvenating jog\u2014<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">without<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> all of the sweat and strenuous effort.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>#3: Steaming Your Face May Help with Moisture Retention<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can work for every skin type, but especially if you have dry skin. Steaming your face may also help your skin better absorb your moisturizing products.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is because those short bursts of warm, humid air from facial steaming can make your skin more permeable. When your skin\u2019s surface is primed to accept moisture, your skincare products may be more effective because they\u2019re more readily absorbed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means that you should always apply a moisturizer <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">after <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a steaming session to reap the maximum benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>#4: Have a Cold? Steaming May Help You Find Temporary Relief<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steaming your face doesn&#8217;t only have skin care benefits. When you have a cold, one of the most frustrating parts is dealing with congestion. Breathing difficulties can impair your sleep and ability to focus during the day. One method that may help loosen some of your congestion is steaming.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While steaming your face won\u2019t make your cold go away faster, it may provide temporary relief from:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches caused by congestion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Runny nose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry throat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although studies on the effectiveness of steaming for cold relief are inclusive, the soothing impact of breathing warm, humid air might help you feel (and breathe) a little bit better.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>#5: Steaming Can Have a Calming Effect<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lastly, steaming your face can help calm you, especially before bed. In one 2019 study, 25 adult men with existing sleep problems experienced improved sleep quality after a warm steam session before sleep.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This suggests that the relaxing properties of steaming may induce a calm state. And, when you\u2019re calmer before bed, your sleep quality can improve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means the benefits of steaming may extend beyond skincare to include congestion relief and more relaxed sleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>How Should You Steam Your Face?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know some of the potential benefits of steaming your face, you\u2019re probably wondering exactly how to do it. There are several different methods you can try, depending on the supplies you have available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of which method you choose, keep in mind that the key to facial steaming is to use warm water\u2014not hot water\u2014to reduce the risk of burning your skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Method 1: Try a Facial Steamer<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A facial steamer is an all-in-one product designed specifically for the task of steaming your face. The process involves three steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You fill the water tank with fresh, clean water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The heating element in the steamer heats the water to the proper temperature.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The device emits steam through an opening where you put your face.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the advantages of a facial steamer is that it heats the water to the right temperature so there\u2019s less risk of overheating your water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re interested in this method, we love the Vanity Planet Aira Ionic Facial Steamer. This cute, easy-to-use steamer features an ion generator that helps water molecules penetrate the skin and clean even deeper.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Method 2: Use Warm Towel Steam<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a facial steamer isn\u2019t your style, you can use a simpler method\u2014a warm towel. To steam your face with a warm towel:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fill your sink with warm (not hot) water<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submerge a soft, hand towel in the warm water<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Squeeze out the excess so that the towel is damp, not dripping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place the towel over your face and relax<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This method is quite easy and only takes about five minutes of your time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Method 3: Put Your Sink to Work<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also steam your face by using your bathroom sink. This method involves the following steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fill the sink with hot tap water<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lean over the sink, keeping your face at least six inches above the water<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create your \u2018steam room\u2019 by draping a towel over the back of your head<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relax and allow the steam to do its job<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your bathroom sink won\u2019t work, you can follow these same steps by filling a large bowl with warm water and placing it on a table where you can sit comfortably.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Tips and Tricks for Facial Steaming<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with all skincare routines, steaming isn\u2019t appropriate for everyone. You should speak with your dermatologist to see whether your skin will benefit from steaming.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you get the go-ahead, keep the following tips in mind to get the most out of your facial steaming sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Start with Clean Skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first thing you should do <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">before <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you steam is clean your face thoroughly. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following steps for washing your face without damaging your skin:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose only non-abrasive cleansers, like the MALIN+GOETZ <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grapefruit Facial Cleanser, which is gentle enough for all skin types.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use lukewarm water to wet your face.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carefully rub the cleanser into your skin with your fingertips.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should never use a washcloth or other abrasive cloth to wash your face. You also shouldn\u2019t scrub when you cleanse as this can irritate and damage the delicate skin on your face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After your skin is clean, you can set up your steaming station and allow the warm, humid air to calm and relax you as it helps open your pores.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Mix It Up with Herbs and Essential Oils<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to add a little excitement to your face steaming sessions, you can try adding herbs or essential oils to the warm water. You\u2019ll enjoy the enticing aromas of these simple add-ins as you give your skin a relaxing and rejuvenating break.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of our favorite essential oils include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lavender<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eucalyptus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orange<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tea tree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peppermint<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lemongrass<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Geranium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clove<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oregano<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also add chopped rosemary or chamomile tea leaves to your warm water for a fresh herb boost. With these simple tricks, you can get that spa-level feeling of freshness in the comfort of your own home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Set Your Parameters and Stick to Them<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The two components that will make your face steaming session a success without causing unwelcome effects are time and temperature. Ideally, you should:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steam for between five to ten minutes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use warm, never boiling water<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close your eyes while steaming<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop steaming if you feel uncomfortable<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you use the sink or bowl method, never put your face closer than six to ten inches from the water to prevent burns. Because some people experience slight irritation when they steam their face, you should begin slowly. Start with one, short session per week and gradually add a second session if your skin responds positively. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin that may react to a face steam.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Always Finish with Moisturizer<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">never <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">skip the moisturizer after you steam your face. The steam helps to open your pores, making your skin more receptive to your skincare products.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This means your lotions and serums are better absorbed into your skin after a steam, making them more effective. So grab your moisturizer or your favorite <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/skincare-product-for-your-skin-type\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">skin care product for your skin type<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and get ready to hydrate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get the most impact from your facial care routine, follow these post-steam steps:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rinse your face immediately after you finish steaming<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pat your skin dry<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply your moisturizer or face serum using gentle circles with your fingertips<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After this, your skin should have a soft, rosy glow. You might also feel more calm and relaxed. These factors make facial steaming an ideal pre-bedtime skincare activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Get All of Your Essential Face Steaming Gear with FabFitFun<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many potential benefits of steaming face care. Facial steaming can help you loosen debris from your clogged pores, help your skin retain moisture from your moisturizers and serums, and promote relaxation at the end of a long day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re ready to try steaming your face, a FabFitFun membership can help you stock up on all of the essentials, including personal steamers, gentle cleansers, and hydrating moisturizers. Plus, along with our seasonal boxes, a FabFitFun membership gives you access to special sales, exclusive products, beauty advice, and so much more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/get-the-box\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sign up for a membership today<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and get ready for your best skin yet.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><b>Sources:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ScienceDirect. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Effect of Heat on Skin Permeability. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0378517308002214?via%3Dihub\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0378517308002214?via%3Dihub<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PubMed. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Comparison of Whole Body Vibration and Moist Heat. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3560772\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3560772\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heated, Humified Air for the Common Cold. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cochranelibrary.com\/cdsr\/doi\/10.1002\/14651858.CD001728.pub6\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.cochranelibrary.com\/cdsr\/doi\/10.1002\/14651858.CD001728.pub6\/full<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hindawi. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warm Steam Inhalation Before Bedtime Improved Sleep Quality in Adult Men. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hindawi.com\/journals\/ecam\/2019\/2453483\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.hindawi.com\/journals\/ecam\/2019\/2453483\/<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Academy of Dermatology. <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Face Washing 101. <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aad.org\/public\/everyday-care\/skin-care-basics\/care\/face-washing-101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.aad.org\/public\/everyday-care\/skin-care-basics\/care\/face-washing-101<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":"You\u2019ve seen the steamy saunas at the gym, and maybe you\u2019ve even heard about facial ...","author":6479141,"featured_media":175079,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[6,275],"tags":[],"thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/static.fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/19150900\/5-Benefits-of-Steaming-FaceFT.jpg","thumbnail_url_middle_card":"https:\/\/static.fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/19150900\/5-Benefits-of-Steaming-FaceFT-386x200.jpg","formated_date":"June 8, 2022","category_name":"Beauty","category_icon":"https:\/\/d3vodd1ws13xud.cloudfront.net\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/10113828\/beauty-1.svg","author_name":"The FabFitFun Team","trending":false,"sponsored":false,"random_color":"#ff5507","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/175078"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6479141"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=175078"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/175078\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/175079"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=175078"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=175078"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fabfitfun.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=175078"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}