Skin Therapy: The Benefits Of Steam
Warming, stimulating, detoxifying and softening. Who doesn’t like a little bit of this?
Steaming the skin has been a facial ritual since the dawn of time with ancient Romans and Greeks harnessing the health benefits on their skin and body.
Today steaming is regularly used in facial treatments to provide numerous benefits to skin.
The Benefits Of Steaming
Here are some reasons to have a steam therapy as part of your skin care ritual
Steaming the skin encourages detoxification by increasing perspiration and causes dilation of the blood vessels, promoting circulation and delivering oxygen to the skins surface.
It softens the pores and assists the release of dead skin cells, bacteria and other impurities that clog the pores and contribute to acne formation.
Sebum is a naturally occurring oil in the skin produced by the sebaceous glands that helps to lubricate and soften the skin. It also forms part of the protective barrier on the surface of the skin. Excessive sebum secretions however, can become trapped in the pores and cause infection. Steam releases excess sebum that has been trapped, preventing bacteria from breeding and causing comedones (blocked pores).
Short periods of steam therapy used on a regular basis can help to hydrate the skin.
The increase in blood flow during steam therapy can promote collagen and elastin production. This can result in firmer, more radiant and youthful looking skin.
Steaming can alleviate sinus congestion and sinus associated headache.
Including steam adds to the sensory experience of a facial treatment that helps to warm, relax, and calm the skin, body and mind.
How To Incorporate Steam In Your Homecare Ritual
Facial steamers used at home can be a great addition to your weekly skincare regime. Steam can be used after cleansing, during exfoliation or during a mask treatment; although always check with your skin care therapist to ensure the particular mask your have been recommended is suitable to use with steam.
Although steam can be beneficial it must also be used with caution to avoid burns, inflammation and irritation. Restrict steam on the skin to less than 10 minutes and avoid applying it too close to the face. Keep the eyes closed while steaming to avoid irritation. Do not use steam if you suffer from rosacea, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, a compromised skin barrier (speak to your skin therapist if unsure about this) or other inflammatory conditions which may be exacerbated by heat. An alternative option for steaming at home can be soaking a face washer in warm-hot water and applying facial compressions after cleansing. This will not only further soften the skin, but help to lift off any impurities your cleanser may have left behind.
