Why you should not steam your face so often
Friday, 5 September 2008
I have a phobia of having my face steamed during facials. When I close my eyes and feel the hot steam hovering over my face, I always fear the machine will malfunction and I will get hot water splashed on my face instead. Okay, that’s pretty irrational. I know. But I always have this feeling that steaming isn’t that great for my face even though it is supposed to open up the opens for better cleansing and some experts even claim steam moisturizes the outer layers of the skin.
Perhaps it’s true that the skin will feel plump and saturated with the water coming from steam but from the various books I’ve read, the heat coming from steam is actually bad for our skin. Hot water can leave skin feeling dry and irritated, plus may cause dry skin types to overproduce more oil. In addition, it will aggravate broken capillaries on the skin too.
According to Paula Begoun in The Beauty Bible, wet heat is deceptive. “Because the surface layer of skin likes water so much, hot water can enter the skin, stay there, and cause a burn-like reaction.”
In addition, I also read from the Acne Magazine that excessive facial steaming may actually leave people with acne proned skin to break out more because the steaming action may actually swell the skin’s top layer, which can trap oil, dirt and bacteria in the pores and cause acne postules to form. It can also cause inflammation.
Well, I’m not saying that you can’t steam your face but it’s best to steam in moderation. Once a month during a facial is probably fine. In addition, if you’re using some DIY steaming therapy, be careful that the steam is not too hot. And frequent sessions at the suana is a bad idea as it could leave your skin more dehydrated.
But personally, I think it’s fine not to have my face steam. I’ll rather keep it steam free. So what about you?
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Posted in Beauty | 28 Comments »
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September 5th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I think it is great to have facial steam once a while. At least it helps my skin:)
Deb: Once a while is fine as long as it’s not overdone.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Thanks for this, I never knew it could be damaging. I would rather be steam-free too, because I have difficulties breathing when doing steaming.
City Girl: Oh…I know that feeling. Don’t like it too.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Wow, I didn’t know that. I love steaming my face but only once a month to extract the black/whiteheads. It makes my skin feel super clean and getting rid of the clog pores extra easy. But when I do steam I tend to over steam. Now that I know that, I’ll make sure that I don’t cook my face with my steamer. Great post.
Lana: Once a month sounds fine but don’t over steam! A warm wash cloth over face can do the trick too.
September 6th, 2008 at 3:21 am
I have a question. I have tiny veins on my eyelids. Is that normal? Or have I damage them by steaming (extreme heat / cold) and washing with extra cold water? Does applying eye cream with pressure damaging to the skin (under the eye and the eyelid)? I found that it helps reduce the puffiness and sagging on my lids. But am I doing more harm than good? Thanks.
Lana: The tiny veins should be the broken capillaries. Could be due to heat, cold water, sun, age or even excessive intake of alcohol. I have these too! So it’s quite normal. I know there are products available over the counter to combat this problem but I’m not sure it they work since I’ve never tried. Another effective way is to have laser vein therapy but of course that has to be done by a dermatologist.
Lana, don’t exert pressure when applying eye cream. I doubt that created the veins but you’re pulling and tugging at delicate skin around the region, it could cause wrinkling in future. You may not see the immediate effecs now though. Tap lightly. Use a gel to combat the puffiness or cucumber slice. Don’t drink water at least half an hour into bed too.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:44 am
every once in a while i like to steam my face. sometimes it doesn’t do the job for my really stubborn pimples. any suggestions?
andrea: Hard to suggest not knowing your skin condition. You need to determine if your pimples are caused by hormonal activity or overproduction of oil by the oil gland. They could also be caused by products you use. Have you seen a dermatologist or are you use any topical prescription?
September 8th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
thanks for the tip!!!! ddnt know it cld give damaging results as i steam once a wk at home!!! wat i do is every weekend i boil some water & pour it in a bowl & cover my head with a towel for abt 5mins & then i use the body shop ionic clay mask.it actually does wonders as it removes impurities & tightens my pores cos i ve combination skin i would however reduce it to twice a month.
Many thanks!
yanju: Yes, try to cut down. You can also use a warm wash cloth in place of the process.
September 21st, 2008 at 2:46 pm
[...] Viva Woman tells you why you should not steam your face too often. [...]
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:22 am
I actually have cystic acne and find that steam helps to combat regular breakouts when used regularly. I don’t steam more than once a month and only during a serious skincare regimen. I also use steam when I am doing extractions because it opens the pores.
Noreena: Steaming once a month is fine! I think it helps with some skin types too.
October 12th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I boil my face everyday using a stove pot. I fill it with water, when its boiling i just put my face on the steam to open the pore. Is that good? I really have bad acne and tried everything, proactive to nature’s cure. I started this like 2 days ago. I also apply a little of some neutrogena acne cream and steam my face right after i put it and wash it off w cold water after.
Richard: This will probably keep your face clean but it’s not good to steam too frequently. If you think steaming helps, try to keep to once a week at most, then decrease the frequency when your problems subsides. Steaming daily is really not recommended. What about your diet? Hey, join us at http://www.glowingdiva.com. There are some recommendations on acne over there. See if you can find something to help you. I also suspect your problem is due to hormones so seeing a dermatologist might help you.
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:54 am
[...] Viva Woman tells you why you should not steam your face too often. [...]
November 16th, 2008 at 2:01 am
This is a great advice. It’s like taking a warm shower instead of a steaming hot shower. Cooler water is better for the skin and I use a shower filter to remove the harmful chemicals.
Edith: I like warm water too. I have this phobia with hot shower.
November 26th, 2008 at 9:23 am
WOW!
Qften we don’t meet people who think like us, cause I feel the same whenever I take steam for my face.For that five mts I just close my eyes tightly and tell myself that nothing bad happens.
Rajita: Oh, you’re exactly like me!!! So I’m sure you can feel my fear too! It’s scary I swear. Most of the time I pretend it’s too hot and ask them to move it further away and sometimes, I’m even tempted to tell them to skip it. And I always can’t wait to get over with that process.
December 16th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I have had skin problems since hitting puberty and the only thing that ever worked for me was a daily steam, and it might shock some people for me to say that I steam my face for about 20-30mins!
My skin is very oily and I would still be incredibly acne prone had a friend not advised me to try steaming.
I think it depends on the individual and also what types of beauty products you use after the steam. I have been using a prescribed acne cream for over a decade and it doesn’t work as effectively if I don’t keep steam in my routine.
I suppose it’s not a necessity for me to do it every day, but at least once a week is absolutely essential to keep my pores clear and my skin nice and tight which also gives my skin a nice healthy glow to it.
Maria: You’re right. It depends on the individual. As long as it doesn’t create too much problems, then keep to what you’ve been doing since it works for you.
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:30 am
[...] scalded. In addition, you might be interested in a post I’ve written sometime back on why you shouldn’t steam your face too often especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. Doing it in moderation is good for thorough [...]
April 12th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
My previous beautician always steams my face b4 extraction which I hate. Like you, I wonder will the steaming machine go haywire and explode =.= haha. But I have changed facial salon and my current facial sessions have no steaming and I love it.
Tara: That’s good! I used to inch lower whenever the beautician walks out so that my face will not feel that much steam.
April 13th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Hey.. Im using zineryt at the moment as I have tiny spots on my forehead, that have been there quite a while, I also have tiny little spots on my cheek to. Is this a good solution to use? Any suggestions Thankyou
Sam: They sound like skin bumps and could be clogged pores. Is zineryt rich? some products could be too rich for your skin and causing the problem.
April 30th, 2009 at 8:36 am
I used to steam my fave everyday and then developed a case of really bad dry eye that had to be treated. I wonder if the steaming had anything to do with it.
Isabella: Not 100% sure but hot steam is drying so there is some connections. Anyway, don’t steam too often. It will open up your pores too much and then there will be a problem of them closing nicely in future. Occasional is okay.
May 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 am
i have a que???
i want my skin very tight & without any pimple….. so what have to do…???? my skin is so sensitive now…
Rahul: To begin with, you need to identify your own skin type. If you have pimples, what’s causing it. Perhaps for a start, you should look at your cleansing process; are you using a cleanser without SLS? Is it clean enough for you?
May 12th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Thanks, but if used once a month is it benificial or can cause damage?
I have pimple prone skin and have blackheads too. So i thot if i steam by face my pores will open and i can clean them.
if steaming is not good then what other measures i can take to keep my skin from pimple and blackhead free.
I even have spots after pimples are healing.
Please let me know the cure.
Mona: You can try it occasionally. It may not may not help with pimples though. To keep your skin away from pimples and blackhead, you need to determine why you are having them. Is it your hormones or is it your skin care. Cleansing and using anti-blemish mask can help too.
May 29th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
i have a problem of whiteheads,i have to steam my face daily to clean the whiteheads without which im my face is looking ugly…plz suggest me something so that i can get rid of whiteheads without using steam.and one morething my whiteheads are spreading all over my face…plz help me with a gud suggestion.
June 8th, 2009 at 7:45 am
I have PERFECT SKIN!! I eat oily foods, No facials, NO nothing! and my face feels as gooood as nicole kidman!! BOO YAAA!!!
sesame Reply:
June 8th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Lucky gal!
September 1st, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Hello,
My name is Sara I have been suffering from Acne for a very long time, and its really taken a toll on my self confidence and pretty much everything I do. I walk with my face down just so no one can see my face and I have pretty much grounded myself due to the appearence the ace has caused. I have roseacea, cystic acne and extremely dry and blotchy skin, I seem to have it all. I don’t want to use any steroids prescribed by a dermotologist and I am really at a breaking point any tips on natural ways anyone has had luck with will help, thanks..
sesame Reply:
September 1st, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Sara, I can understanding how frustrating you must feel. What do you use to wash your face and what’s the products you use currently? In addition, what’s your age group and do you include diary products in your diet? Sorry for the questions but it’s quite hard to offer any sort of relevant advice without some understanding.
September 7th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
hi, thanks for great article. i always steam my face twice a week for 15minutes before apply clay mask because i have a lot of stubborn white heads on my forehead area. i’d like to ask, is it better to steam the face for a few minutes for reduce my whiteheads and a few pimple breakouts? or i can just apply purifying mask directly? thanks in advance
sesame Reply:
September 7th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
You can apply your mask directly without steaming. Say if you wash your face with warm water, you can apply the mask right after that. Don’t steam your face too often or the pores will stay open and big in future.
September 18th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Hellow! CAn you tell me in just one word is it good to steam or is it bad??
sesame Reply:
September 18th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
No, don’t steam if you can help it.