How to Steam Your Face to Cleanse Your Pores

Steaming skin at home is a simple and effective way to cleanse pores.

To keep your skin clear and blemish-free, unclogging your pores is necessary. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, clogged pores are a leading cause of acne in people of all ages. While there are a variety of options for cleansing pores, including professional extractions and medications, steaming your face at home is an effective method that is simple to do and, best of all, free. Steam allows pores to open and release dirt and debris. It also leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed and helps to prevent future breakouts.

Things You'll Need

• Cleanser
• Bowl
• Towel
• Pot or microwave-safe dish
• Stove or microwave
• Toner
• Moisturizer

Instructions

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove surface dirt.

2. Boil a pot of water (about 6 to 8 cups) on your stove or in your microwave. Pour the boiling water into a large bowl.

3. Hold your head 12 to 15 inches above the bowl, and drape a towel over your head and the bowl. Hold this position for five to 10 minutes. If your skin gets too hot, move farther away from the bowl.

4. Rinse your skin with warm water, and gently pat it dry.

5. Apply a gentle toner to your skin with a cotton ball. Witch hazel is an inexpensive and natural toner.

6. Apply a light moisturizer to your skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Add herbs or aromatherapy oils like lavender, tea tree oil or green or peppermint tea bags to the water to enhance the steaming benefits and maybe even improve your mood.

• Make sure your moisturizer and all other products you place on your skin are noncomedogenic, which means they will not clog pores.

• Never place your head over a pot while it is on the stove, because you could be burned.

References

• American Academy of Dermatoligists: Dermatologists Offer Advice
• Daily Glow: Opening Your Pores with a Facial Steam
• "Allure" magazine: The Perfect Facial