Facial Steaming

December 14, 2015

In a previous post I explained how hard it had become to deal with my acne. I used to have perfect skin and it completely changed since I moved to Australia.. Has this happened to anyone reading? When you move counties your skin changes?

One day my sister suggested I steam my face once a week/fortnight and I haven’t looked back since. My sister is so clever! Why didn’t I think of it sooner?

Why should I steam my face?

It is very beneficial to steam your face.

It is a controversial topic thinking that steam widens the pores and cold water then closes them. This has come to light in recent years that this is not true. Instead of thinking that the pores “open”, the steam penetrates the pores and loosens the oil and dirt to aid extraction, therefore making it easy to clear the skin of any unwanted blemishes. I still believe otherwise!
Steaming can clear congested sinuses and aid in clearing up and chest infections. The steam again loosens anything foreign in the respiratory system i.e. phlegm (ewh) and brings it to the surface and leaves you feeling clear again- you may as well (as lovely as it all sounds) cough it all up. Steaming is not glam, you will look dreadful doing it but it will be worth it when you’re looking and feeling fresh the day or two afterwards!
Facial steaming is very relaxing. It is offered as a treatment in many spas nationwide. Add in some special ingredients into the water and the aromas will help you nod off if you’re having trouble sleeping or aid any other discomforts. I have some oils and teas listed further down the post.

When I first steamed my face I noticed that the next day my bumps under the skin had started to surface. This may not be the ideal scenario to some people but I was thrilled as it meant that everything was being unclogged!

How do I steam my face?

Its easy and only takes about 30 minutes in total.

Firstly fill the kettle and pop it on to boil.
Get a large bowl, a large towel, pick out some ingredients to go in the bowl with the boiling water or your favourite scent and pop on some music.
Wash your face with your favourite cleanser to prepare your skin and remove any surface dirt or oils.
Once the water is boiled, pour the hot water into a bowl.
Then put your face a safe distance above the steam and cover over your head with a towel. It is important not to go too close to the steam because it can dry out or burn your skin. Remain like this for ten minutes maximum. I like to use tea tree oil and lemon slices in my hot water.
After ten minutes is complete, I check my skin to see if there are any spots, blackheads or blemishes ready for extraction. Now is the ideal time to get them out. The blemishes that are ready to come out will glide out without causing too much damage/irritation to the skin.
While the pores are still “open”, now is the ideal time to apply a mud mask as they are specifically made to thoroughly cleanse the pores and completely clean your face out, I’m loving Glam Glow mask at the moment. After the mask is on for 10-20mins, wash off, tone and moisturise. Done!

What ingredients are good for my skin?

There are many herbs, spies, oils and peels out there that you can add to the water. These are specifically noted as they help pull toxins and aid in removing anything that contributes to clogged pores;

Tea tree and lemon slices is my favourite combination. Tea tree is known as an antibacterial for skin

Parsley, Thyme, Peppermint, Rosemary
Tumeric, Cinnamon
Rose, Camomile, Lavender, Evening Primrose, Green Tea
Witch Hazel, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus
Citrus Peels
hot tip: if you don’t have these ingredients in your garden or kitchen, use herbal tea bags!

How often should I steam my face?

It depends on your skin type and how much de-clogging you need to do.

For acne prone skin- once a week/fortnight
Troubled skin- once a month
Less troubled skin- when you feel you need it.

I think you will know yourself when you start to feel like your skin needs a little clearing out. You’ll see a few extra bumps and blackheads, or a pimple that you can’t get rid of. Those are the ideal signs to know when to do a steam.

I hope this post has helped you with your skin care regime. let me know in the comments below if you steam your face, would like to add any more information or if you found this post informative.

Happy Steaming!