How to steam your face to get rid of blackheads and pimples?

Everyone knows that facial cleansing procedures must be carried out regularly. But if a gel, foam or milk for washing is enough for superficial cleansing, scrub, peeling and the use of special lotions are enough for more thorough cleansing, then for deep cleansing of the skin, preliminary steaming of the face is required. In this publication we will talk about how to steam your face for cleansing at home, what stages the procedure consists of, and we will consider precautions so as not to harm the delicate skin of the face.

Why do you need steaming before cleaning?

To understand the importance of the steaming procedure before deep cleansing the face, let’s consider what processes occur in the skin during steaming:

pores open, which allows substances applied to the face after the steaming procedure to penetrate into the deepest layers of the skin and fulfill their mission of nourishing and restoring the dermis as effectively as possible;
blackheads, so-called comedones, are removed much easier and faster;
the scrub removes dead skin flakes much more effectively if the skin is pre-steamed;
dirt or grease is removed with steam easier and better;
when using an antibacterial solution, skin inflammatory processes disappear;
steam stimulates the skin's production of collagen, which means it gives elasticity.

How to steam your face: 3 best methods for home use

Skin steaming is used by professionals in their work - cosmetologists treat the face with steam, which opens the pores due to the gentle effect of heat. Steaming has always been a mandatory part of the manual cleaning protocol.

And despite the emergence of cosmetic products that prepare the skin for this procedure, a vaporizer is still included in the basic toolkit of a cosmetologist, since steamed skin with open pores better accepts any care.

Cleaning - manual or vacuum.
Mask - moisturizing, anti-aging, cleansing, exfoliating.

“Under the influence of high temperature, the pores open, which makes it easy to cleanse the skin with a scrub, mask or other cleanser. Steaming makes it easier to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin.

Increasing the activity of the sweat glands helps eliminate accumulated toxins along with sweat. During this procedure, blood microcirculation also improves and the flow of oxygen to tissues accelerates.

As a result, metabolic processes improve - the skin is rejuvenated, looks fresh and radiant.”

Bath

This is the most effective method, most accurately simulating steaming your face in a salon before cleansing. All you need is a kettle, a glass or enamel container for water and a large towel.

1
Boil two glasses of water in a saucepan or kettle.
2
Remove water from heat and pour into a container. Make sure it is stable and place a towel under it to securely hold it in place.
3
Let the water cool slightly.
4
At this point, you can add a chamomile tea bag to the water. If you want a stronger infusion, add chamomile or calendula flowers while boiling.
5
Close your eyes so that the steam does not irritate the mucous membranes.
6
Tilt your head over the container at a distance of approximately 40 cm. Make sure that the steam is at a comfortable temperature. Cover your head and shoulders with a wide towel, creating something like a tent.

The duration of steaming should not exceed 15 minutes.

Hyaluronic express mask LiftActiv, Vichy

Based on two types of hyaluronic acid, it contains agave yeast extract, which stimulates the production of its own hyaluronic acid. Fills the skin with moisture and gives it elasticity, radiance, smoothness.

Fabric mask “Moisturizing + Comfort” for dry sensitive skin, Garnier

Impregnated with hyaluronic acid gel with the addition of soothing chamomile extract.

Mineral pore cleansing mask Pore Purifying, Vichy

Contains two types of clay (bentonite and kaolin), which draw out all excess from the pores. Allantoin and aloe extract provide hydration and prevent drying of the skin - an important quality for clay masks.

Face mask “Magic of clay. Cleansing and mattifying", L'Oréal Paris

Includes three types of clay, cleanses the skin well, mattifies and helps fight blackheads. Eucalyptus extract is known for its antiseptic properties. Recommended for all skin types.

Cleansing mattifying mask Effaclar, La Roche-Posay

And again, two types of absorbent clay, this time with the addition of proprietary thermal water, which is famous for its large amount of antioxidants.

Black sheet mask “Cleansing charcoal, black tea leaves”, Garnier

Moisturizing, detoxing, mattifying - in just 15 minutes, one mask provides as many as three effects.

Preparing for the facial steaming procedure

Any container with a diameter slightly larger than the face is suitable for the procedure. This could be a glass bowl, an enamel pan, a small basin, etc. You can purchase a special container for this procedure - an inhaler or a home mini-sauna. They are sold in cosmetic departments of stores and pharmacies. There are usually instructions on the packaging on how to properly steam your face before deep cleansing.

Preparing a steam bath:

First you need to boil water. If you are going to do a complete facial cleansing, then the best solution would be to use substances that have healing properties. Herbs that are natural antibiotics are suitable for this: chamomile, sage or yarrow. A decoction should be prepared from them.
The water or herbal decoction is cooled to approximately 50 degrees (plus or minus 2-3 degrees). This temperature is considered the most comfortable for the steaming procedure. Hotter water can burn the skin, and colder water will not achieve the effect.
You can add essential oils to the cooled liquid: eucalyptus, mint, etc. With these additives, facial cleansing will be even more effective and enjoyable.

Preparing the face:

If you have makeup on your face, first thoroughly cleanse the skin of makeup using your usual makeup remover.
Then you need to wash your face well with milk, gel or foam for washing. The surface of the skin must become perfectly clean, otherwise when steaming, dirt can penetrate into the deep layers of the epidermis and infect them.
Next, you need to protect the skin of your lips and around your eyes with cream. The epidermis of these zones is so thin and delicate that hot steam can damage it. If the skin is dry all over your face, then it should also be lubricated with a thin layer of rich cream.

How to steam your face at home - correctly and quickly!

Steaming the skin is an essential part of facial care. It helps to improve the health of the epidermis, cleanses the skin of sebaceous plugs, and eliminates remnants of cosmetics and accumulated impurities. There are quite a few methods of manipulation that allow you to achieve excellent results.

Why is it necessary to steam the skin?

Exposure to hot steam is considered the most effective method of facial cleansing. Under its influence, it is possible to enhance the effectiveness of scrubs and peels. The procedure also helps make the use of creams more effective.

Thanks to steaming procedures, it is possible to achieve the following results:

When the pores expand, oil, as well as cosmetic and household contaminants, come to the surface of the skin. The procedure allows you to quickly clean the epithelium.
With effective steaming of the dermis, it is possible to easily bring comedones to the surface of the dermis. By using a film mask or applying light pressure, you can quickly get rid of blackheads.
Even the most expensive and effective masks are not able to penetrate deeply into the structure of the dermis. When steaming your face, the active components of cosmetics will begin to affect the deep layers of the epithelium.
Cell cleansing ensures the activation of metabolic processes. This improves oxygen access to the structure of the dermis. The result of these processes is a beautiful skin tone and natural blush.
Carrying out steaming procedures helps to cope with various inflammations, acne and other skin defects.

To make steaming the most effective procedure, you need to do it regularly. In this case, you should strictly adhere to technology.

This helps to achieve a cleansing and rejuvenating effect, cope with imperfections, and saturate the dermis with nutrients. In this case, people with enlarged pores need to be careful.

In such a situation, means may be required to narrow them.

Indications for the procedure

Steaming manipulations should be performed in the following situations:

Technique of the procedure

To steam your face quickly and well, you should follow a certain sequence of actions. This scheme is suitable for all steaming methods:

Clean your face of cosmetics using special products.
Wash with special milk or gel.
Hide your hair. They should not interfere with the cosmetic procedure.
The skin should be steamed in accordance with the selected method.
The average duration of the procedure is 10 minutes.
After exposure to steam, it is forbidden to wipe your face with a towel. It is important that the skin rests. It should absorb moisture.
Use a dry cloth to wipe the dermis and cleanse the skin with peeling or scrub.
Apply a cream or mask with a soothing effect to your face.

Many girls are interested in how often to steam their face before cleansing. Cosmetic manipulations in case of severe contamination should be performed at intervals of 3-4 days.

If the condition of the dermis is within normal limits, once every 7 days is enough. The final effect of the manipulation depends on the steaming technique.

There are quite a few ways that can achieve excellent results.

Steaming methods

To carry out steaming procedures, you can use hot baths, masks, and applications. You can also use ready-made cosmetic products.

Steam bath

This is a simple and affordable method of preparing the skin for subsequent manipulations. To achieve noticeable results, you will need the following devices:

To get great results, you need to consider your skin type:

Those with dry skin should mix 1 large spoon of chamomile, linden, dandelion flowers, add 2 bay leaves. The finished composition should be mixed with 300 ml of hot water and placed on low heat for 5 minutes.
For combination dermis you need to use 1 large spoon of mint, sage, calendula. Pour a glass of boiling water over the prepared mixture, close the lid and leave for half an hour. Warm before use.
For oily skin that is prone to acne, you need to take 1 small spoon of birch leaves, sage, linden flowers, St. John's wort. Add 2 liters of water and leave to infuse for half an hour.
For aging skin, 2 large spoons of cinnamon, licorice and nettle are suitable. Add 600 ml water. Cover with a lid and keep for half an hour.

You can also steam your skin using chamomile infusion. This is a universal remedy that can be used by owners of any type of dermis. Thanks to its use, you can achieve cleansing and moisturizing effects. The composition also helps cope with acne and facial wrinkles.

Chamomile decoction perfectly heals damage, has a disinfectant effect and relieves inflammation. To make the product, you will need 2 large spoons of dried flowers. They are mixed with 500 ml of boiling water and infused under the lid for half an hour.

The finished broth needs to be heated, poured into a container and cooled slightly. Then bend over the bowl, cover your head with a towel and wait 4-5 minutes. When softening and moistening the epithelium, the towel must be removed. Use a sponge dipped in lotion to cleanse your face of moisture. After steaming, you can begin cosmetic procedures - cleansing or using a mask.

It is worth considering that such baths not only help to expand the pores, but also perfectly warm the muscle tissues of the face and the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx. Therefore, the procedure is recommended for rhinitis, lesions of the upper respiratory tract and similar problems.

Application

To perform the procedure, you will need the same decoctions as for steam baths. To enhance the effectiveness of the manipulation, add a couple of drops of essential oil to the decoction. Lavender, rose, grapefruit are perfect. No less successful options would be rosemary and almonds.

To steam your face, you will need a large cotton napkin. First you need to put it in a warm broth. Then squeeze lightly and apply to cleansed face.

When the material has cooled, it must be moistened again in the product and placed on the skin. Similar actions are repeated 3-4 times. It is important to remember that applications should not be performed using very hot water.

Otherwise, there is a risk of getting burned.

Effective masks

To steam your face, you can use effective masks. Today there are quite a few tools that allow you to achieve excellent results:

Semolina mask

To prepare it you will need 4 small spoons of cereal and a glass of milk. First you need to cook regular porridge without using additional ingredients.

It is important that it has a uniform consistency. Cool the composition to a comfortable temperature and apply to the face. It is recommended to do this in a fairly thick layer.

Wrap the treated areas with film and wait for the mask to cool. Wash with warm water.

Clay mask

To get this composition, you need to mix 1 small spoon of green clay and zinc ointment. You will also need 1.5 small spoons of lemon juice and as much hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3%.

First, mix the clay with the ointment, after which other components are added. The composition should be applied to the face for 10 minutes. It can only be used by those with oily or problematic skin.

After completion of the manipulation, it is forbidden to clean the skin mechanically.

Honey mask

To prepare it, you need to mix 1 large spoon of liquid honey and olive oil, and also add an egg yolk. Heat in a steam bath to a comfortable temperature. Apply to face and secure with film. After a quarter of an hour, roll the mixture with wet fingers. Wash with warm water and cleanse your face.

Ready-made products

Today you can find a large number of ready-made formulations on sale:

Steaming mask Garnier Skin Active . It contains abrasive elements of volcanic rock that do an excellent job of removing blackheads. Clay dries out acne and eliminates inflammation. The composition is used to care for oily and problematic dermis.
Hydro-gel Pleyana. Contains aloe vera. This component has a pronounced moisturizing effect and removes dead skin particles. The product also contains allantoin, which successfully eliminates acne and kills pathogenic bacteria. The gel is perfect for winter use.
Alpika. This composition is used for cold steaming of the epithelium. It contains many plant components. These include pineapple, papaya, clover. The substance also contains geranium and vegetable oils. These components have a moisturizing effect, help soothe the dermis and prepare it for subsequent procedures. The product dissolves sebum and helps open pores.
Echoice Aloevera Soothing Gel. This product is also available in gel form. The composition retains moisture in the deep structures of the skin, which ensures a long-lasting effect. The product contains plant substances - aloe, mint, chamomile, etc. They improve the tone of the dermis, eliminate inflammation, ensure effective skin restoration and saturate it with useful substances.
Lioele Blackhead Clear Gel. This massage gel helps to expand pores and successfully removes blackheads. Contains honey and mistletoe. The product also includes black sugar powder. With the help of the substance, it is possible to successfully open the pores and make the upper layer of the dermis more loose. This product is an excellent solution for anyone who has contraindications to hot steaming.

How long should you steam your face?

It is worth steaming your facial skin, taking into account its type:

Contraindications and precautions

When hot steam acts on the dermis, there is a risk of negative consequences. These include the following:

excessive dry skin;
the appearance of spider veins;
formation of wounds and damage.

Although the procedure seems harmless, there are a number of contraindications to its implementation. These include the following:

severe inflammation;
rosacea;
increased body temperature;
bronchial asthma;
pathologies of the organ of vision;
pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
pregnancy and lactation;
excessive dryness of the dermis.

Steaming the skin is considered a very effective procedure. With its help, you can achieve excellent results, cleanse your face and make it more youthful and beautiful. To avoid undesirable consequences, it is very important to strictly adhere to the rules of manipulation.

Source: https://superkosmetolog.ru/domashnykosmetolog/kak-rasparit-lico.html

Skin steaming procedure: 3 stages

The procedure for steaming your face at home is very simple and consists of only three steps. With the classic scheme you need:

Remove hair so that it does not interfere. Cover your head with a towel and bend over a container of hot liquid (herbal decoction or water). The optimal distance from the face to the water is 20 cm. Do not hold your head too close to the hot liquid to avoid skin burns. When using a “sauna” for your face, you do not need to cover your head with a towel.
Sit over the steam for 5 to 20 minutes. The duration of the procedure depends on the skin type. Before starting cleansing, the person steaming the face must know their skin type in order to choose the optimal duration of the procedure. The oilier the skin on your face, the longer you can sit over the steam.
Remove the towel, blot your face with a dry cloth (do not rub) and begin cleaning.

After the face has been steamed, proceed directly to cleansing. The pores are open very well and blackheads and other impurities are removed without much difficulty. It is important to remember that when mechanically cleaning, your hands must be perfectly clean to avoid infection, and it is better to use special tools to safely remove blackheads.

After cleaning, it is necessary to “close” the pores, i.e. return them to their original state. To do this, you can use a ready-made tonic or a simple home method: squeeze the juice from a quarter of a lemon into 1 liter of water and wash your face with this solution. When washing your face, avoid the eye area.

After the pores are narrowed, you can apply the cream, day or night, depending on the time of day. It is advisable to carry out the steaming procedure in the evening so that the face can rest well after deep cleansing.

You can watch the facial steaming procedure in detail in the video:

How to carry out the procedure correctly?

There is nothing complicated about steaming. How many minutes should you steam your face before cleansing?

First, you need to make sure exactly what type of skin a person has, because the duration of the procedure will depend on this. For dry skin, seven minutes is enough, while for normal skin it takes at least ten, and for oily skin – a full twelve minutes.

The procedure at home is carried out using a container with a hot herbal decoction. If this method is not entirely convenient, you can purchase special inhalers or small facial saunas. Such devices achieve maximum results in the fight against blackheads.

How to steam your face before cleansing

For more effective steaming and solving some skin problems, it is recommended to use additional ingredients. These can be medicinal herbs and essential oils, as mentioned above, as well as some pharmaceutical products and even food products. Here are several options to solve different problems:

Herbal decoctions will help cope with many problems. If you are concerned about irritation and redness of the skin, chamomile and elderberry will help, they have the ability to soothe the epidermis. For inflammatory processes, you should use calendula (marigold), coltsfoot. If you have blackheads, the herb St. John's wort will help. For dry skin, strawberry leaves and the collection of the following medicinal herbs are suitable: linden flowers, peppermint and tea rose petals. If, in addition to cleansing, you need to whiten your face, get rid of freckles and other age spots, you can prepare a decoction of parsley and dandelion, and add lemon juice to the mixture before steaming.
With the help of essential oils, you can enhance metabolic processes in the skin. For dry skin, ylang-ylang, jasmine, orange are good, for oily skin - bergamot, lemon, tea tree, and for combination skin it is recommended to use lavender, grapefruit or neroli oil. Essential oils can cause an allergic reaction, so when using any oil for the first time, limit yourself to a maximum of two drops. In subsequent times, you can increase the amount of oil for the procedure to 5 drops.
Pharmacy antiseptics used for steaming are effective for treating problem skin. If there are acne and other rashes on the skin, you can add hydrogen peroxide, chlorophyllipt, miramistin, furatsilin, rotokan (a natural-based antibacterial agent) to the steaming water.
Potatoes boiled in their jackets will help rejuvenate your facial skin. The starch contained in the vegetable will help restore collagen and give elasticity to the skin. Add 1 tbsp to the water left over from cooking the vegetable. l. baking soda and 10 drops of tea tree oil. Thanks to this combination of substances, you can achieve a lifting effect and get rid of fine wrinkles.

How to properly steam your face at home before cleaning blackheads

Velvety, smooth and radiant skin is the dream of every woman. The most accessible way to achieve the desired effect is to steam your face, preparing the “soil” for further cleansing.

Characteristics of the procedure

Steamed facial skin is the basic foundation, without which subsequent cosmetic manipulations such as peeling, hardware and combined cleansing will not bring the desired result, but will only aggravate the problems. Violation of the integrity of unprepared skin will lead to even more rashes and injuries.

During the procedure, the face “relaxes”, the skin becomes soft and supple, clogged pores open, dead cells are easily exfoliated and, most importantly, toxic substances are removed.

To properly steam your face for cleaning, the water temperature should not be below 50 degrees. Hot steam can burn you, but cold liquid will have no effect.

It is possible to steam the skin both in the salon and on your own, using water, essential oils and medicinal decoctions.

The container for the procedure should be selected with a thick bottom, which will allow you to maintain a constant temperature longer: small enamel pans, tempered glass bowls or basins. Their diameter should be slightly larger than the face.

Pharmacies and specialty stores offer special devices for steaming the face at home. Inhalers and mini-saunas will save time and turn the moment of cleansing into a comfortable event.

Essential oils of bergamot, grape seed, sandalwood, jasmine, and orange will help the skin adapt to the thermal process. They are able to enhance metabolic processes. Such additives will soften and soothe not only the skin, but also have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.

It is best to steam your face for cleansing at home in the evening, so that the skin has time to rest and recover overnight.

Contraindications

Steaming the face at high temperatures, at first glance, seems like a harmless and harmless procedure. But this is not entirely true. The vapor heats the body's cells so that moisture evaporates from them. They become dehydrated and dry.

Such processes are contraindicated for women with dry and sensitive skin. Steaming procedures are recommended to be carried out very carefully. No more than once every 10 days and no more than 15 minutes. This also applies to aging skin. Over time, the processes slow down, and there is a risk of irritation.
It is forbidden to heat your face if there are inflammatory formations on the skin. An increase in temperature will lead to a more active spread of infections and viruses. Pimples that have already matured, on the contrary, will be removed more easily.
It should be postponed due to diseases of the upper respiratory tract, mucous membranes of the oral and nasal cavities, when there is a high temperature, during pregnancy and lactation.
Steaming the face should be postponed if any physical procedures are performed. Interaction with hot streams can lead to complications and burns.

The above contraindications can be attributed to temporary phenomena. But there are taboos, from a medical point of view, which should be neglected only under the supervision of a doctor:

asthma;
blood and eye pressure;
cardiovascular diseases;
sinusitis;
chronic migraines;
allergy;
skin diseases.

Steaming facial skin at home must be done in several stages. The final result will depend on how competently, at the initial stage, you assessed the condition and capabilities of your skin.

Methods at home

Don’t think that a good facial steam can only be found in beauty salons. And it doesn’t matter that in front of you is an ordinary basin or a modern steamer, the main thing is to follow the algorithm.

Before steaming your face at home before cleansing, you need to remove any remaining makeup, otherwise it will penetrate through open pores and cause irritation. It is recommended to additionally treat oily skin with a scrub.
Tuck your hair under the cap. Apply a small amount of rich cream to the thin skin around the lips and in the eye area to avoid damage.
Cover your head with a towel, simulating a bath if liquid ingredients are used. Lean over the prepared composition and breathe. The distance to the liquid should not be less than 20 cm. It is recommended to hold your face above the steam until a feeling of heaviness appears. This means that the skin has steamed and is ready for further action.
Remove the towel and place a dry cloth on your face. Use absorbent movements to remove condensation, but under no circumstances use rubbing movements. Gently wipe the skin with lotion to make sure nothing remains.
Let's start cleaning.

To remove dirt, sebaceous fat and dead skin scales, just use gel and foam for washing. For deeper penetration, you need to soften the skin by first steaming your face.

Depending on your skin type, the duration of facial cleansing at home ranges from 5 to 20 minutes.

The longest time is intended for oily skin. The procedure is carried out up to two times a week.
The cleansing process for combination skin should take 10 to 15 minutes. Preferably no more than once a week.
Housewives with dry epidermis can quickly steam their face, twice a month for no more than 5 minutes.

Treatment frequency

The skin quickly gets used to and adapts to external aggressive influences. There is a need to switch from gentle mechanical cleaning procedures to chemicals.

Constant artificial exfoliation of the skin disrupts its natural balance. It becomes dry, gradually loses its protective functions and, as a result, a chronic inflammatory process will not be long in coming.

Often you can steam your face only when clean skin is necessary for emergency surgical operations.

The cleansing process from steaming to cleaning at home should always be completed with nourishing masks. You can consolidate the result using clay, natural honey and oatmeal.

It is not recommended to apply greasy creams after steaming your face. They will clog the pores before the nutrients penetrate them. It is necessary to help them close back.

A natural tonic made from lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in a 1:1 ratio with water can cope with this task.

Herbal steam bath

To achieve maximum effect, instead of water, you can use auxiliary products in the form of all kinds of solutions, masks, and special cosmetics.

Many experts advise steaming your facial skin using tinctures based on medicinal herbs. Method for preparing the decoction:

For a liter of water we take 270 g of dried flowers or 150 g of fresh ones.
Pour boiling water over the grass and leave for half an hour.

For problematic and oily skin, a composition of calendula, lingonberry and plantain will have a beneficial effect. They have an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect. Chamomile relieves redness and swelling.

At home, St. John's wort will help you steam your face before cleansing blackheads. Dry skin needs to be supported with the nourishing components of mint, linden and rose petals.

Recipes based on dandelion and parsley will whiten the skin and even out the complexion, get rid of age spots and freckles.

towel napkin

You can open the pores on your face at home using fabric applications. We use the same compositions as with the classic version of steaming.

Dip a clean cotton napkin or thin towel into the hot broth. Apply it to a cleansed face and lie there for about 3 minutes. It is necessary to repeat the procedure up to 4-6 times. You can steam your face at home in this way when there are minor impurities and no acne.

Thermoactive cosmetics

Professional products will make the process of steaming your face for cleaning much easier. You can use them on the road and on vacation.

The gentle components in special gels are heated without dehydrating the cells. Therefore, the product is recommended for dry and sensitive skin.

In this area, products from well-known brands - Garnier, Evelyn, Naturel - have been recommended. They contain plant extracts, natural oils, and clay microparticles.

What are the benefits of steaming?

This is one of the most effective manipulations to get rid of acne, stagnant pimples, blackheads and dead cells. It is enough to steam the pores, and all the accumulated dust and dirt will begin to come out, even if you apply a minimum of effort.

Regular steaming of your face before cleansing at home will help you forget about uneven skin color and greasy pores.

Blood circulation improves, water balance is restored, the skin receives additional nutrition and is saturated with oxygen. In adulthood, this procedure promotes active skin regeneration and collagen production, stopping aging.

Source: https://ProLitso.ru/chistka/kak-rasparit-litso

Duration and frequency of the procedure

The duration of the steaming procedure is determined based on the type of skin. For oily skin, the procedure time can be 15-20 minutes, but for the first time it is better not to exceed 10 minutes. Dry skin is thinner and more vulnerable; prolonged exposure to steam is contraindicated for it, so we shorten the steaming time to 5-7 minutes.

The frequency of the procedure also depends on the skin type. Oily skin can be steamed once a week, while dry skin can be steamed once or twice a month. Combination skin needs pre-steaming before cleansing approximately once every 10 days.

Why is this necessary and can this procedure be self-sufficient?

Steaming is usually used to prepare the skin to receive nutrients from a cream or mask, but this procedure itself has a beneficial effect:

Cleanses pores.
Stimulates blood circulation.
Moisturizes and softens the skin.
Prevents the appearance of wrinkles and reduces existing ones.

Such procedures are especially useful for oily skin prone to acne and pimples. Contraindicated for skin prone to rosacea, with caution for dry and aging skin.

Contraindications: who should not steam their face?

Although at first glance the steaming procedure seems harmless, there are a number of contraindications to its implementation:

You should not heat a face with noticeable inflammation over steam. As a result, inflammatory processes will only intensify.
In case of rosacea, the procedure is strictly prohibited. Damaged blood vessels can burst when exposed to hot steam.
High temperature is a contraindication to the steaming procedure.
Bronchial asthma and steaming are not compatible. The procedure easily provokes an attack.
Some eye diseases, especially those associated with increased intraocular pressure, exclude the possibility of a heating procedure.
It is not advisable to steam the face for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system. Hot steam can increase blood pressure and cause an exacerbation of heart disease.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the steaming procedure should be carried out very carefully. The skin during these periods is especially vulnerable to various influences. It's better not to experiment.
It is worth considering that hot steam deprives the skin of moisture, as a result it may become overdried and begin to peel. People with extremely dry skin should not steam. Mature skin, dehydrated due to age, will also not benefit from the procedure.

Contraindications

Steaming is considered a fairly effective and completely safe procedure, but in some cases it is better to refuse it. In particular, such manipulation is not recommended for girls with:

Asthma.
Hypertension and some other cardiovascular diseases.
Cooperosis.
Skin diseases.
Pathologically enlarged pores.
Increased body temperature.
Exacerbation of any disease.

It is worth considering that pregnant women should steam their faces with extreme caution. Firstly, their face is characterized by increased sensitivity, and secondly, overheating can generally have a negative effect on their general condition (especially in problematic pregnancies).

Is it possible for acne?

The presence of dermatological diseases is a contraindication for steaming procedures. But at the same time, facial cleansing seems to be aimed at getting rid of acne. So can you still steam your face if you have rashes?

Cosmetologists assure that those pimples that are just beginning to form (they hurt and are inflamed) definitely cannot be heated. Steaming in such a situation can lead to the spread of inflammation and aggravate skin problems. Steam baths, applications and appropriate masks can be used only after the pimples have matured (when they have formed a white head or they stop hurting).

When steaming problem skin, you should use tea tree or eucalyptus oil when steaming. They contain substances that promote effective cleaning and elimination of toxins.

For stains

The presence of pigment spots and signs of post-acne on the skin is not a contraindication for steaming. However, mechanical cleansing of the face, which is usually performed after the pores have enlarged, can aggravate the pigmentation and make it particularly patchy.

Girls with blemishes on the skin can undergo gentle steaming of the skin, and do not subsequently supplement it with rough cleaning. It is best to entrust this task to an experienced cosmetologist.

Alternative steaming methods

If you don’t really want to steam your skin over a bowl or pan, you can make applications: dip a clean napkin into the prepared hot infusion, then place it on your cleansed face and lie there for about 5 minutes. Then repeat the procedure three to five times (depending on skin type). The effect will be significantly less than with the classical method.

You can purchase ready-made steaming masks for facial cleansing. The substances included in their composition, when interacting with water, begin to release heat, as a result of which the pores expand and cleaning becomes easier. The effect will be small, but these masks will help people who are contraindicated for intense thermal procedures.

Due to the large number of contraindications and the fairly high aggressiveness of the effect of steam on the skin, steaming gel for facial cleansing is gaining increasing popularity. The cosmetic product allows you to expand pores, soften sebaceous plugs and dead skin particles. When using the product, there is no heating of tissues, so almost everyone can use it. The cold hydrogenation procedure is best done by a cosmetologist, but if you strictly follow the instructions, you can do it yourself at home.

Methods

To steam your skin at home you can practice:

Carrying out steam baths. This is the most popular, quite convenient and effective method.
Carrying out applications. Takes a little longer, but is considered less invasive.
Carrying out various masks. Such procedures can provide an additional nourishing or moisturizing effect.
Use of special cosmetics.

Every girl can choose the option for skin steaming that will be convenient for her.

Bath

Steam baths can be easily prepared at home. To do this you need:

Boil about 4 liters of water in a small saucepan.
Add healing components to it depending on personal preferences and skin type. It is better to prepare herbal decoctions in advance and add ready-made ones to boiling water or use them as they are prepared.
Cool the water a little. Steam that is too hot may burn delicate skin or cause irritation. The water temperature should not be higher than 80 °C.
Bend over the container so that your skin is approximately 20 cm from the water.
Cover yourself with a fairly large towel and relax.

Dry skin can be steamed in this way for no longer than 5 minutes, and oily skin - up to 15 minutes. Of course, if the procedure causes discomfort, burning or any unpleasant symptoms, you should stop it immediately.

After finishing warming up, immediately pat your face dry with a clean, soft, natural cloth. Then you can proceed to the next stage of skin care - cleansing, applying a mask, etc.

Component Selection

It is best to select the optimal ingredients for preparing a steam bath depending on your skin type:

For dry epidermis, it is better to give preference to rose, oregano and thyme.
For oily use lemon, oak bark, linden blossom and mint.
If normal - rosemary, lavender and jasmine.
When ripe and withering - sage and coltsfoot.
If you have rashes, use chamomile and calendula. In principle, such herbs are considered the most universal, although they have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
For age spots - dandelion and parsley.

To prepare a healing decoction, you can take 1 tbsp. l. selected component, brew 700 ml of boiling water and leave in a thermos for 30 minutes (or in a water bath). Add the strained infusion to separately boiled water and use as directed.

Application

To perform such steaming procedures, you can use exactly the same decoctions and infusions as for preparing steam baths. To enhance their effectiveness, you can also add a couple of drops of essential oil, for example, rose, rosemary, ylang-ylang, grapefruit, etc. To steam your face:

Arm yourself with a large cotton napkin.
Dip a napkin into the warm broth, squeeze it a little and apply it to cleansed facial skin.
Wait for the fabric to cool slightly, dip it back into the broth and apply it again to your face.
Repeat the above manipulations the required number of times (on average 3-4).

Remember that applications must also be carried out with caution, without fanaticism. Too hot water will not give any additional effect, but will only cause a burn.

Steaming mask before cleansing

Homemade steaming masks can also be a good option for opening pores. To prepare such a remedy, you can:

Combine 1 yolk from a homemade chicken egg with 1 tbsp. l. high-quality honey and the same volume of olive oil (unrefined). Heat this mixture in a water bath, stirring constantly. Then apply it to the cleansed epidermis in a fairly thick layer and leave for 15 minutes. Next, wash thoroughly.
Boil ordinary thick oatmeal in milk. Add to 2 tbsp. l. hot porridge 1 tsp. baking soda. Apply the mixture to the skin for 15 minutes.
Boil fairly thick semolina, cool slightly and apply to skin for 20 minutes. In order for this product to give a more pronounced effect, supplement it with essential oils of your choice.
Mix kaolin (clay) with hot water, add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture and apply a thick layer to the skin. Wait for the mixture to cool and wash.
Boil the potatoes in their skins, peel while hot and mash with a fork. Apply the puree to the skin and leave for 15 minutes.

Warming masks can be a good alternative to steam treatments. But it is worth considering that in terms of effectiveness they are somewhat worse than baths and applications.

Professional products

To clean the skin at home, you can use various factory-made warming agents. Such products are presented in the lines of many cosmetics and most often contain:

Clay.
Extracts of bee products.
Seaweed extracts.
Spices extracts, for example ginger.
Chemical components.

All components in their combination effectively warm the skin. It is believed that this method of expanding pores is gentler than thermal steaming. Masks have a more gentle effect on the skin. Among such products are:

Garnier Skin Naturals.
Biox Thermal Expirience Mask.
Eveline Cosmetics Q10+R.
Professional product from Samtea.
Thermal mask from Algo Naturel.

Professional products are easy to use, help save time, and also have an additional healing effect on the skin. But most often, simple steaming is more effective.

Softening cleaning gel

To cleanse the face at home and in a cosmetologist's office, not only warming agents, but also cold hydrating gel can be used. This product effectively softens the top layer of skin, thereby reducing the trauma of subsequent cleaning. The gel remarkably loosens the skin and facilitates the exfoliation of dead skin cells. You can purchase various types of such products in specialized stores or online. Using such a cosmetic product is not at all difficult:

The gel must be applied to the skin in a thin layer.
Place napkins or plastic wrap on top.
Apply a warm compress on top.
After 5-10 minutes, you can start cleaning, and only the area of the face being treated should be exposed.

Typically, hydrating gel is used by cosmetologists. At home, girls prefer more natural products that have a completely natural composition.

How it works?

The main effect of steaming masks is to produce a warming effect on the skin, increase its blood flow and, as a result, open the pores. In addition, such masks increase the overall tone of the skin, improve complexion and prevent the appearance of acne and inflammation.

As for eliminating blackheads, steaming masks will not be enough. In addition, this will require mechanical treatment of the face, that is, intensive massage after applying the mask.

Currently, masks with a steaming effect can be purchased ready-made. They are found in most well-known brands. And for those who do not trust salon cosmetics, or prefer more natural options, there are homemade recipes for steaming masks.

Why you need to make a steaming mask

To make it easier to understand the effectiveness of steaming masks, you need to know the principle of their effect:

After applying the mask to the epidermis, a completely harmless greenhouse effect occurs, which is safe for sensitive and thin skin. During steaming, metabolic processes can be accelerated, blood circulation improves, blood clots are uncorked and blood vessels dilate;
after enriching the epidermal cells with oxygen, the complexion improves significantly;
due to exposure to heat, the synthesis of elastin and collagen improves, smoothing out any wrinkles;
the most important thing in our case is that the pores open and are completely cleaned, and substances harmful to the body come out through them.

The advantage of a steaming mask is that for this method of skin cleansing you do not need to hold your face over “scalding” boiling water - the entire procedure is painless and safe.

Mask

There are many different means for cleansing the skin, which can only have temporary effects.

In particular, these include exfoliating products:

Using masks to steam the skin is an excellent way to make the skin softer, add elasticity and also significantly even out the tone.
Homemade masks, which contain apricot, flakes and other components, are the so-called professional products, but at home.
By steaming, the pores open, dirt is removed from them, and visually the skin becomes healthier and more attractive.

If the amount of comedones is insignificant or you are afraid of harming the skin, use a more gentle product - a mask. It should be applied for 15-20 minutes. The best cleanser is clay-based masks.

Place 1.5-2 tbsp. clay in a ceramic or glass bowl. You cannot use metal utensils, as metal and clay react chemically.
Dilute the clay with warm water according to the instructions on the package. Usually 2-3 tbsp is enough. liquids. You need to achieve a creamy consistency.
To enhance the cleansing properties of the mask, you can add 1-2 tsp to the clay dilution liquid. apple cider vinegar.
Apply the prepared clay to your face in a thick layer. Pay special attention to areas where blackheads accumulate, such as your nose and cheeks.
Do not let the clay dry out - it dries out the skin too much. Spray your face with water every 3-5 minutes.
Gently rinse off the mask with plenty of water, trying not to stretch the skin. In addition to clay, you can use a scrub mask based on honey and oatmeal. Mix them in equal quantities and apply on your face. After 15 minutes, rinse off with massage movements. Due to the fact that honey is a potential allergen, do a sensitivity test first.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with Honey and Olive Oil Face Mask - The Best Healthy Recipes

Despite numerous advice, you should not use abrasive products, that is, scrubs and peels, immediately after steaming the skin. This can lead to inflammation and increase the number of acne breakouts.

Consumers have different attitudes towards steaming. Most people lean toward the classic option and don’t look for alternatives. For some, traditional steam is contraindicated, which leads to a negative attitude towards the option. Those who have tried special loosening cosmetics leave mostly positive assessments of the method of action on the skin.

Negative attitude towards classic steaming.

Positive impression of steaming cosmetics.

Negative score for hydrogenation.

The mechanisms of action of the masks differ. They are:

Thermoactive - warm the skin, improve blood flow, open pores. There are many manufacturers - Nuxe (France), Styx (Austria), budget domestic KORA and New line.
Hydrating gels are applied coldly, dry and seal the epidermis with a film, thereby not causing increased redness and inflammation of the skin elements. When using both, they are applied to cleansed skin and covered with a napkin. Waiting time 10-15 minutes.

The pores on the skin of the face are constantly contaminated and because of this, the epidermis is not saturated with oxygen. Because of this, the skin becomes dry and subject to accelerated aging. A steaming mask can:

Gently cleanse the skin;
Open contaminated pores;
Remove toxins and impurities.

It will not harm your health, but it will rejuvenate your face and make your skin smooth. The mask is used for any skin type (sensitive, dry, oily). Its effect is noticeable with regular use.

Those who have already experienced the steaming effect of cleansing gels speak extremely positively about it. All people note a clear opening of pores and softening of the epidermis, improved complexion. In addition, according to them, the effectiveness of even the most ordinary mask applied after using a steaming gel increases significantly. For comprehensive and comprehensive care, it is necessary to use a steaming facial gel at least once every 10 days.

Cleaning

Cleaning steamed skin at home is not difficult at all. Wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap and begin cleaning immediately. Delay threatens to close the pores, which will significantly complicate your task and make cleaning more painful. [adsense1]

Wrap your fingers in a sterile bandage.
It is best to start cleaning from those areas of the face where there are the most blackheads. Most often they are the cheeks and nose. Press down on both sides of the blackhead and carefully remove it.
Repeat this manipulation as many times as necessary.
If individual comedones are not removed, leave them until the next procedure. Excessive pressure can cause serious injury to the skin.
Treat any red or inflamed areas with alcohol-based lotion or salicylic alcohol. For the next 2 days, refrain from using cosmetics and do not do intensive facial treatments.

You can also use a Uno spoon. You can buy it in online stores or cosmetology stores. This device is designed specifically for facial cleansing. On one side of the spoon there is a protrusion with holes, and on the other there is a sharp and thin needle. You can easily squeeze out blackheads with a protrusion. If you decide to use this tool, be sure to first boil it and treat it with alcohol.

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Composition of cold hydrogenation agent and its advantages

Numerous reviews from both ordinary customers and cosmetologists indicate that the following products are the most effective:

“Cetaphil” is a truly deep cleansing product for the epidermis. When applied correctly, it not only promotes effective opening of pores, but also has an antibacterial effect. Lightens comedones and prevents their reappearance. Can be used not only as a steaming product, but also as a regular daily cleansing gel.
Another effective steaming product is the steaming gel for problem, oily or combination skin from Alpika. It is the best product that prepares the skin for mechanical cleaning.
The fairly well-known brand Eveline has released a steaming mask with a gel texture. The advantage of this remedy is its double effect. It simultaneously softens the epidermis, opens its pores and immediately acts on it as a nourishing and moisturizing agent. The gel texture easily and quickly penetrates deep into the epidermis.
The EcoLab brand has also launched an excellent and highly effective “Deep Cleansing” washing gel, which has proven itself to be an excellent steaming agent. Ideal for even the most sensitive and problematic skin. It has no contraindications for use.
The “Clean Line. Ideal Skin” series of products includes a mattifying gel for washing. It also proved to be excellent not only as a cleansing gel, but also as a product steamer. After its use, the epidermis softens very well, and the pores open wide, which significantly increases the effectiveness of further effects on the skin.
And the domestic brand “Granny Agafya’s Recipes” could not stand aside, and therefore provided customers with a deep cleansing facial gel. Thanks to the presence of a huge number of natural extracts, this product can compete with many well-known brands in terms of opening pores and softening the epidermis. Gently and gently affects the skin without causing any unpleasant sensations.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with Keratosis of the skin: treatment on the face and body with ointments and other means.
The features of the steaming gel for washing are provided by its composition. The main components among them are 2 types of connections:

substances with hypotonic properties - plant extracts act as such. They penetrate the epidermis and cause its swelling;
the second component is substances that stimulate blood microcirculation in the skin. The most commonly used extracts are aloe and some varieties of cactus.

The remaining components of the product are more familiar:

water is a universal medium for any other compounds;
gelatin or agar;
glycerin – has a moisturizing effect. You can read about how glycerin works and what masks are available with it here;
Trehalose is a disaccharide that improves the protective mechanisms of the dermis.

Hydrogenation has a number of advantages compared to the standard procedure:

removes dirt and sebaceous plugs without heating the skin, which eliminates injury;
accelerates blood microcirculation, but at the same time ensures sufficient blood flow;
stabilizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands, unlike a conventional steam bath, which provokes their activity;
suppresses inflammation, relieves itching and relieves irritation;
softens the epidermis and opens the pores, but at the same time it also disinfects.

In general, homemade cleansers only have a temporary effect as they exfoliate dead cells. With regular use, the effectiveness is visible and consists of the following:

the cover is soft and elastic;
natural color appears;
the appearance becomes fresh.

Speaking about warming masks for facial cleansing, the result of their use is much better - they open the pores of the skin, allowing you to remove impurities from the deepest layers of the skin. They are used not only to obtain instant results, but also to prevent the formation of blackheads, pimples and blackheads.

metabolic processes are normalized due to an increase in temperature on the surface of the cover;
blood flow to epidermal cells improves;
replenish the lack of nutrients and vitamins;
have a softening effect, eliminating peeling;
stabilize the production of elastin and collagen. Remove wrinkles, tighten the oval of the face;
tone the skin.

In addition to the above, a warm composition of a cosmetic product is much better absorbed by tissues than a cold one. It is for this reason that the result will be instant. Cosmetologists claim that this type of mask can be considered an anti-aging skin care product.

Selection rules:

For oily skin, degreasing foam, mousse, scrub and toner without alcohol, designed specifically for oily and problem skin, are suitable.
For dry skin, cleansing milk or oil is suitable for cleansing, which will saturate it with vitamins and moisturize the skin, smooth out fine wrinkles.
The choice of cleansing products for normal skin is wider. This includes a variety of gels, micellar water, milk, powders and powders.
Alcohol-free products are suitable for cleansing mixed-type skin: gel, foam, milk.

When purchasing facial cleansers, it is important to pay attention to the presence of harmful substances in the composition, such as animal fats, bentonite, glycol, and gluten. High-quality drugs should not contain such substances.

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