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Steaming your face is an excellent way to relax after a long day. This technique enhances blood circulation on your face and opens up your pores, allowing you to effectively remove dirt and impurities. To steam your face, begin with hot steam, then use a mask to cleanse your pores, and finish with a toner and moisturizer. If you're short on time, a quick steam using the shower can also be beneficial. Follow the steps below to learn both methods.
Steps
Full Face Steaming
Boil some water in a pot. You only need a few cups of water for proper steaming. Boil the water on the stove or in the microwave.
Wash your face thoroughly. While waiting for the water to boil, cleanse your face to remove makeup and dirt. Use a gentle cleanser and warm water. Cleansing is essential before steaming because hot steam opens your pores, and any residue on your skin can penetrate deeper, potentially causing irritation or breakouts.
- Avoid exfoliating before steaming, as it increases the risk of skin damage.
- After washing, pat your face dry with a soft towel.
Pour the hot water into a bowl. Transfer the hot water into a glass or ceramic bowl placed on one or two folded towels. A beautiful bowl can enhance your experience, so use one if you have it. If you're in a hurry, you can use the pot you boiled the water in directly.
Add herbs or natural essential oils. While not necessary, adding fresh or dried herbs or essential oils can make the experience special and beneficial for your skin. Herbal tea bags also work well! For enhanced steaming, try these options:
- Use lemongrass or peppermint oil for an energizing steam.
- Use chamomile or lavender oil for a relaxing steam.
- Use peppermint or eucalyptus oil for a cold-relief steam.
- Use sandalwood or bergamot oil for a stress-relieving steam.
Position your face over the steaming water. Drape a towel over your head to create a tent, trapping the steam around your face. Stay in this position for about ten minutes. Close your eyes and take deep breaths to allow the steam to open your pores and cleanse your skin.
- Avoid steaming for too long or placing your face too close to the hot water, as excessive heat can damage your skin.
Apply a facial mask. After steaming, use a mask to draw out impurities from your open pores. A clay mask works well. Mix the clay with a bit of water and apply it gently to your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
- Alternatively, you can use a honey mask for similar results. Check out Mytour for DIY mask ideas.
- If you prefer not to use a mask, simply rinse your face with clean water after steaming.
Use rose water to tighten your pores. This step ensures your pores close after steaming, preventing impurities from entering. Applying rose water post-steam leaves your skin feeling firm and refreshed. Soak a cotton pad with your favorite rose water and gently dab it on your nose, forehead, chin, and cheeks.
- Apple cider vinegar is another excellent natural toner—give it a try!
- Lemon water can also work as a toner. Test it on a small area first, as some people have more sensitive skin than others.
Apply a moisturizer to your face. The final step in your facial steam routine is to hydrate your skin. Steaming can dry out your skin, making this step essential. Gently apply your preferred moisturizer or try a natural face oil like coconut, jojoba, or argan oil. Ensure the oil is pure and free from harmful chemical additives.
Quick Steaming
Turn on the shower. Let the water run until it’s hot enough to produce steam. This method allows you to steam your entire body, not just your face.
Wash your face while waiting for the water to heat up. Just like with a full facial steam, cleansing your face to remove dirt and makeup is a necessary first step.
Stand still with your face near the hot steam for about 5 minutes. Unlike a full facial steam, you don’t need a towel to trap the steam directly on your face, as you’ll be standing in a confined steam column created by the shower. Steam your face for 5 minutes, then lower the water temperature and finish your shower.
Apply a mask after steaming. To enhance the benefits, use a medicated mask or a spoonful of pure honey to cleanse your pores. Apply the mask after completing the facial steam, then rinse it off in the shower.
Apply rose water and moisturizer. After finishing your steam shower, pat your face dry and apply rose water, followed by a moisturizer. Don’t forget to moisturize the rest of your body, as the hot steam can dry out your skin.
Tips
- Use a cleanser immediately after steaming to remove impurities while your pores are still open. Rinse with cold water to tighten your pores.
- Ensure all makeup, dirt, and oil are thoroughly removed. You can do a quick cleanse with a washcloth or cleansing wipe.
- Add 2–3 drops of tea tree oil to the hot water if you have acne-prone skin.
Warnings
- During or after steaming, bacteria beneath the skin may rise to the surface. Don’t worry if your skin appears worse temporarily. Any visible marks usually fade within an hour after gently patting your face.
