Is steaming good for oily skin? Learn more in this post.
Face steaming is a popular addition to many skin treatments, from facial peels and masks to hydrating treatments. The idea is the same: a stream of steam opens pores and makes skin more receptive to treatment products. This can be followed by a session with a high-frequency machine or by a traditional way (using a towel and a bowl of hot water).
What does this have to do with your pores? As well as opening pores, steaming soften surface sebum so it’s easier for extractions (by either yourself or a therapist). Steam also stimulates blood flow – therefore bringing oxygen, nutrients, and white cells directly to where they are needed most – ready for them to take away those nasty toxins which cause acne inflammation.
With that being said, steaming has several benefits for your skin. For people with oily skin, you may want to try it out. However, you may wonder is steaming good for oily skin?
Is steaming your face good for oily skin?
Yes, it is. Steaming your face can help to soften the sebum. Sebum is the oily stuff that can clog your pores. When it’s softer, it’s easier to cleanse away and this helps to keep your pores clean. This can reduce the appearance of pores and the oiliness of the skin.
Face steaming is not only good for oily skin but also good for skin in general, such as improving circulation, softening the skin, adding more hydration, and helping other skincare products for deeper penetration…You should try to steam your face as it is an effective and affordable way to take care of your skin!
More: Do Sunbeds Help Oily Skin?
How to steam your face at home for oily skin?
The process of face steaming is the same regardless of skin type. The only difference is the ingredients. There are ingredients that are more suitable for oily skin, including lavender, rosemary, thyme chamomile, clary sage, peppermint…
You can do it in 2 ways:
Traditional way
This way you just need a bowl and a towel and you are good to go.
- First, pour 2 glasses of water into a small pot and bring it to a boil.
- Next, prepare your face before steaming by simply washing it with a cleanser
- When the water is boiled, pour it into a ceramic bowl or a glass bowl, avoid using a plastic bowl
- Then, adding essential oils to the bowl; you can also add herbs instead of essential oils
- Now use a towel to cover your head and lean over the bowl, your face should be around 10-15 cm away from the steaming water
- Let the steam penetrate your skin for around 10 minutes, you shouldn’t steam for more than 10 minutes
You may want to know the best natural oils for greasy faces.
Modern way
Using a facial steamer is easier and more convenient, just plug it in and use it for how long you want.
Each facial steamer has its own instruction, but basically, you just need to pour water and oils/herbs into the steamer, plug it in, put your face near the cone and that’s it.
Since the steamer machine is more powerful than using the bowl-and-towel method, your face will be steamed much faster; therefore, a 5-minute steaming should be enough.
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Best facial steamers for your skin
Best facial oils for oily skin
Many people with oily skin shy away from using facial oils, thinking that they will only add to the problem. However, certain oils can actually help to control oil production and improve the overall appearance of your skin. Thus, to make the most out of steaming, consider adding a few drops of face oil. More on this post: List of Best Facial Oils for Oily Skin That Should Be In Your Routine.
How often should oily acne-prone skin steam face?
For people with oily skin, you can steam your face 3 times a week. If you feel 3 times per week is not enough, you can do it 4 days in a row, however, after that, you must stop for 10 days. The purpose of this break is to allow your skin to restore itself.
More: How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face if You Have Oily Skin?
Final thought
Face steaming is a great way to take care of your skin, regardless of whether you have oily or acne-prone skin. The process is simple and affordable, and the benefits are many. You should try face steaming at home using one of the two methods we’ve outlined. If you find that three times per week is not enough, feel free to steam your face four days in a row – but make sure to give yourself ten days off afterward so your skin can restore itself!
More: Does the Caveman Regimen for Oily Skin Really Work?
F.A.Q
Does steaming increase pimples?
Not likely. Face steaming is likely to improve your visage, not worsen it. However, pimples need special treatment than steaming.
Does steaming your face help with acne?
Yes, it does. Because steaming opens up pores, it makes it easier for sebum to come out. However, again you cannot rely on steaming alone for acne.
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