Face steaming has been a part of skincare routine since ages. Steam facials are the first thing that professional beauticians at high-end salons perform. Nowadays, face steaming is not something that one does on his or her off-days. It can be done within the safe and convenient confines of one’s abode. Steam treating one’s face is easy to do, albeit with some care. One of the impetuses of doing face steaming at home is the plethora of herbs and essential oils available online.
Face steaming has many benefits and must be done by everyone who has some time on their hands. In fact, everyone must make some time for face care/skincare with the best essential oils for face steaming. But, why should everyone do steaming, what are its benefits?
Table of Contents
10 Benefits of Steaming For Skin
More Than Just A Cosmetic Treatment
Steaming the face, especially with essential oils having expectorant properties, not only leaves us with a healthy glowing skin, but it also relieves sinus congestion and opens the respiratory tract. Organic essential oils at Gya Labs with antidepressant properties relieve headaches and stress.
It Promotes Blood Circulation
The warm steam on the faces causes perspiration. Both the steam and the perspiration increase the blood flow in the face. Better blood flow nourishes the skin and brings more oxygen to the skin. This is helpful in upkeeping skin health.
Steaming Cleanses Skin
Steaming opens up the skin pores. This loosens any dirt or pus buildup in the skin. Even the blackheads are loosened, which makes it easier to be removed.
It Hydrates the Skin
Of course, the steam hydrates the face and is a good moisturizer. Hydrated skin looks supple, it looks healthier and the chances of inflammation decreases.
Eliminates Bacteria Responsible for Acne
The hot steam opens the pores and easily eliminates biofilm accumulation that may cause acne breakouts. The open pores also release dead skin and dirt that may cause acne.
Anti-Ageing Effect
Steaming the skin leads to better production of collagen and elastin. These give strength to the skin and maintain its elasticity, which results in young looking skin.
Make Other Products More Efficient
Young looking elastic and stretchable skin has increased permeability. This property allows the skin to efficiently absorb skincare products including lotion and creams, thereby enhancing its performance.
Regulates Sebum
Excess sebum is a breeding ground for acne causing bacteria. Steaming the skin releases the trapped sebum. When the sebum is released on a regular basis, the sebaceous gland can regularize the production of sebum, thus providing proper hydration to the skin.
Steaming Is relaxing
Steaming for the face is a type of aromatherapy. And aromatherapy with essential oils is relaxing and soothing for the mind and body.
Easy and Affordable
A steamer is affordable; so are the herbs and essential oils that are used for steaming. The process of face steaming is easy; just adhere to the dose of essential oils.
Now that we know the many benefits of face steaming, it’s time to know about the essential oils that are used in steaming for skin. The hundreds of essential oils and blends available in the market pose a dilemma to the user. Here we have segregated the most popular and best essential oils used in face steaming.
Best Essential Oils For face Steam
Lavender Essential Oil For Face Steaming
When in doubt, choose lavender oil. This is a mantra that is religiously followed in the world of essential oils. The soothing floral aroma and mild effect of lavender on the skin makes it a must have oil for face steaming. It has antimicrobial properties that eliminate biofilms, thus preventing acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin.
Suitable for – Most Skin Types
Face Steam with Tea Tree essential Oil
A powerhouse of therapeutic properties, tea tree oil is used to treat and heal several skin conditions. Its antimicrobial and antifungal properties prevent acne breakouts and other infections. Facial with tea tree oil also regulates sebum secretion.
Suitable for – Oily and acne prone skin
Steaming Face With Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary oil and rosemary herbs are used in skincare routine because of its soothing effect on the skin and therapeutic antibacterial and antifungal properties. This oil boosts blood flow in the skin and diminishes the blemishes on the skin because of its cell regenerating properties.
Suitable for – Acne-Prone and Sensitive Skin
Chamomile essential Oil For Face Steaming
Chamomile oil is considered the safest oil for topical application. Steaming with chamomile has a soothing effect on the skin. It is especially used by those with sensitive skin prone to allergies. It increases blood circulation and has antioxidant properties.
Suitable for – All skin types, especially sensitive skin type
Face Steaming With Lemongrass essential Oil
Lemongrass oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that are useful in curbing fungal and microbial growth on the skin. This oil also has astringent properties that upkeeps the elasticity of the skin thus giving the skin a youthful look.
Suitable for – All skin types
Eucalyptus Oil For Steam Facial
The anti-inflammatory properties of eucalyptus oil are good for treating dermatitis and other skin infections. The menthol content of eucalyptus is also good for the sinus. Eucalyptus is used to increase the moisture retention in the skin and give it a supple look. The flavonoids in this oil give it antioxidant properties, which protects the skin from external elements such as pollutants.
Suitable for – Oily and Dry skin types
Face Steaming With Peppermint Essential Oil
The minty effect of peppermint oil leaves a cooling effect on the skin after steaming. This has a soothing effect and lowers skin irritation. The antiseptic and antimicrobial properties of peppermint prevent acne. Steaming with peppermint oil results in sweating and is a skin detoxifying method widely used in spas.
Honorable Mentions
Besides the aforementioned essential oils, the other essential oils that can be used while steaming are geranium, clove bud, oregano, black seed, Clary sage and frankincense.
Essential Oil Recipes For face Steaming
Some of the popular essential oil blends for face steaming are as follows:
Face Steaming and Sinus Congestion
- 3 drops of eucalyptus oil
- 3 drops of peppermint oil
- 2 drops of oregano oil
Steaming For Acne
- 2 drops of tea tree oil
- 5 drops of lavender oil
- 2 drops of frankincense oil
Instructions For Face Steaming With Essential Oils
- Take 2 cups of water in a narrow opening bowl.
- Place it on high flame till it starts boiling.
- Shut the flame and allow the water to cool.
- Once the bubbles stop add your essential oil(s) gently.
- Take a big towel and place it over the head and the bowl.
- Close your eyes and stay in this position for 5 to 10 minutes.
- You can inhale the aromatic steam without fear.
Things To Do After Steaming
- Rinse your face with warm water.
- Pat it dry with clean cloth.
- Apply serum or moisturizer on the face.
- Massage the face gently.
Safety While Face Steaming
- Keep your eyes closed during the entire period of steaming
- Ensure that the hot water does not have popping bubbles.
- Ensure that the steam is not too hot.
- Keep the face a few inches away from the mouth of the bowl.
- Face steam only twice or thrice a month.
- Wash your face before steaming.
- Hydrate yourself before steaming.