Does Steaming the Face Help With Acne?
Steam facials are nothing new. Back in the day, wealthy Romans frequented bath houses to lounge around in the laconicum, or steam room, and rid their skin of toxins and impurities. These days, steaming is associated with expensive facials and enviable celebrity skin, but a relaxing facial steam--which is nothing but hot water and a handful of herbs--is free and accessible to anyone. Give a nod to ancient Rome, and steam out your impurities right at home.
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Bowl Steam
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Cleanse your face to remove any makeup and product buildup. Bring 2 to 3 cups of water to a boil. For easy control of the hot water, use a teapot. Once water is boiling vigorously, pour into a wide, shallow bowl. Drape a towel around your face and lean over the bowl, using the towel to trap the steam. If the steam is too hot, move farther away from the bowl. Breath slowly, letting your face relax. After 5 to 15 minutes, remove the towel, splash your face with cold water and moisturize.
Washcloth Steam
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For a quicker facial steam, run a soft washcloth under hot water. Test the temperature of the washcloth on the inside of your wrist. Place the washcloth over your face until it cools. Repeat the whole process 5 to 10 times, and finish up with a splash of cool water and your favorite moisturizer.
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Acne
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Facial steaming is especially beneficial to those with acne, as the heat opens up the pores and causes the face to sweat. Sweating has a twofold effect: it moves excess oil and dirt out of the pores, and the saltiness of sweat is slightly antibacterial. Steaming also improves circulation, which in turn brings oxygen and nutrients to your skin.
Oily Skin
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Adding teas or herbs to your facial steam is a wonderful way to get additional skin benefits. If you're using tea or loose herbs, add them to the water before it begins to boil, and let it boil for an extra 5 minutes or so. If you're using essential oils, add 2 to 3 drops to the water once it's boiling. For oily skin, add tea tree oil, witch hazel, green tea, mint, lavender, or rose. Licorice works wonders for all skin types. For severe acne, try adding strawberry leaves, sage, tansy, or lemon balm for a more drying effect.
Dry Skin
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If your skin is acne-prone but dry, use the facial steam to moisturize as it cleans out your pores. Add fennel, rose geranium, sandalwood, lavender, frankincense, jasmine, neroli, or licorice to your boiling water. Follow up with a rich moisturizer.
Sensitive Skin
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Be careful not to overheat your skin if you're prone to sensitivity, or the top layer may become inflamed, which encourages acne. Keep your face at a safe distance from the hot water, and only steam for 3 to 4 minutes. Add a soothing herb to your water, like chamomile, calendula, or comfrey. If you're adding essential oils (lavender works for sensitive skin, too), limit yourself to 1 to 2 drops.
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