Facial Steaming

Using steam to cleanse the body is an ancient practice. Romans, Greeks and Turks were all followers of this ritual.

The benefits of steaming your face are many. It opens your pores, removes dead skin cells, improves circulation and allows for a deep cleansing of your skin. It is helpful for both acne and blackheads. Facial steaming is recommended to be done on a weekly basis as part of your beauty routine.

It is normal after the first few times for a few blemishes to appear, this is due to the steam releasing the impurities in the skin.

However using too high of a temperature for either of the following methods can do more harm than good. Excessive steam can burn your skin so be careful and only do what is comfortable for you. If you have sensitive skin or any skin conditions it is best to discuss with your doctor prior to facial steaming.

Here are two common methods for you to effectively facial steam at home.

Method 1

Equipment needed-
-your face
-pot
-water
-cleanser
-large towel

Step 1
Fill a pot with approximately 3 cups of water and bring to low boil. Keep the stove on low heat while you proceed to step 2.

Step 2
Always cleanse your face prior to steaming. This rids your face of surface dirt and prevents it getting absorbed by your skin. Pat skin dry, do not rub or tug at your face. The key here is to be gentle.

Step 3
Pour the water from step 1 into a shallow wide bowl.

Step 4
Keep your face at least one foot away from the steam. Use a towel over your head to form a tent around your head and the bowl of water. The steam should feel warm and soothing. Remain under the towel for 5-10 minutes.

If the steam is too hot or you are uncomfortable at any time, STOP IMMEDIATLEY!

Step 5
Rinse with cool water to close and tighten your pores. Follow with a facial mask, or a light moisturizer.

Method II

Equipment needed
-your face
-Facecloth-
-water


Step 1
Cleanse your face to remove surface dirt.

Step 2
Run a clean facecloth, under hot water until the washcloth is soaked. Wring the excess water out and place over your face. To make sure that the face cloth is not excessively hot test press the cloth on the inside of your wrist. This should feel warm, not burning. If at anytime you feel uncomfortable STOP IMMEDIATLEY.

Step 3
When the cloth becomes cool (normally under 1 minute) remove the facecloth and repeat step 2 again. I like to repeat Step 2 between 5-10 times.

Step 4
Rinse with cool water to close and tighten your pores. Follow with a facial mask, or a light moisturizer.