The Facial Steamer: Your DIY Spa At Home

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The practice of facial steaming dates back to ancient times, with the Romans using steam baths for body cleansing, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Due to its many proven benefits, bathing in steam still remains a popular technique, especially in skincare treatments.

You can still do as the Romans did, but there’s no need to find a Roman bath or bring out a pot of hot water. Reap the benefits of this simple yet potent treatment method using an at-home facial steamer. But first, discover more about facial steaming, its benefits, how often to use it, its downsides, and more.

What does steaming do for your skin?

The age-old beauty practice of facial steaming breathes new life into dull, congested skin. But what exactly is facial steaming, and how does it work?

What is facial steaming?

DEFINITION

Facial steaming is exposing facial skin to vapor produced by heated water. It can be done at home using a portable or improvised face steamer, in a clinic, or during spa facial treatments.

Contrary to popular belief, exposure to steam does not cause pores to open up. Steam acts as a gentle exfoliant, loosening the skin barrier, or stratum corneum, making it easier to remove excess oils and impurities from the skin's surface.

The warmth that comes from the steam can help put the mind and body at ease, making facial steaming for most people a heavenly experience. But this is not the best part yet. Here are some of the many benefits of steaming.

Boosts hydration - dry and dehydrated skin can benefit from the extra hydration that steaming can provide

Increases circulation - the heat from the steam gets the blood flowing, this helps in collagen and elastin building

Removes trapped sebum - as a gentle exfoliant, steaming loosens excess oils and buildup that clog pores and cause blemishes

Enhances nutrient absorption - the softening of the stratum corneum increases permeability, allowing products to penetrate more easily

Softens the skin - steaming softens and primes the skin for easier and painless extractions

Adds a healthy glow - improved circulation and transport of nutrients gives the skin a flushed look

How can you include facial steaming in your routine?

All skincare routines should start with a fresh and clean complexion. Wash your face and make sure to remove all makeup. Dry your face thoroughly and proceed with facial steaming. Only use distilled water for steaming as tap water may contain minerals that can clog your pores and your machine. For maximum effects as well as safety, keep a distance of eight to 12 inches away from the steam.

Steaming is good for the skin, but doing it daily may harm your complexion. Skin experts recommend including face steaming in your regimen two to three times a week for 10 to 15 minutes per session.

What are the downsides of facial steaming?

Facial steaming, like any new treatment, also has potential downsides. If not used with caution, steaming water can cause burns and scalds. Always keep a safe distance. Do not stick your face directly into the face steamer machine.

Exposing sensitive skin to steam could trigger irritation and redness. For those with acne-prone skin or inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, facial steaming can exacerbate inflammation and increase oil production. Additionally, over-steaming strips the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness. If you don't clean your personal steamer after each use, you risk spreading germs and bacteria to your face.

Ionic Steam vs Regular Steam

What is the best facial steamer? While conventional steam is already highly beneficial for a variety of purposes, there is a new sort of steam that claims to be more effective: ionic steam.

A nano facial steamer is designed to generate nano-sized steam particles which are 10 times better in penetrating the skin than regular steam.

Sensa Nano Ionic Facial Steamer by Project E Beauty is a revolutionary skincare appliance that provides a wide range of skin and health benefits. This ionic steamer features a state-of-the-art ion generator that creates nano-sized steam or water particles. Unlike steam from basic face steamers, these microparticles are absorbed by the skin better, ensuring maximum benefits.

Sensa is designed to quickly soften the pores and loosen blackheads, whiteheads, and other impurities, making them easier to remove. Use of this ionic facial steamer also helps promote better circulation and oxygenation of the skin’s surface. This facial steaming appliance has an adjustable nozzle and an auto shut-off feature for ease of use.

To help you have a more relaxing and soothing experience, Sensa includes aromatherapy baskets that you can use while steaming. Easily include the Sensa Nano Ionic Facial Steamer in your next self-care routine for a healthier, glowing complexion and overall feeling of wellness.

written by Olivia Khader