Facial Steam For Acne: A Step-By-Step Guide

Acne is an extremely common skin condition that most people will experience at some point in their lives. It is estimated that acne affects around 80% of teenagers and young adults to some degree. However, acne is certainly not limited to only adolescents – many adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond continue battling breakouts.

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This leads to red, inflamed lesions commonly known as pimples, zits, or spots. The medical term for these blemishes is comedones. Acne can manifest as non-inflammatory whiteheads and blackheads or inflammatory red pustules and cysts.

While acne is not curable, there are many effective treatments available today to manage symptoms. Dermatologists typically recommend over-the-counter facial cleansers, topical creams, and oral or topical antibiotics for moderate acne. Severe, cystic acne usually requires prescription medications like isotretinoin or hormone therapy.

Along with medical treatment, at-home remedies can also help improve acne. One easy, affordable home remedy is facial steaming. Read on to learn how facial steaming can aid in acne treatment and achieve a clearer, glowing complexion.

How Does Facial Steaming Help Treat Acne?

Facial steaming offers a multitude of benefits that make it a great addition to your acne-fighting skincare routine:

Unclogs Pores

The warm steam from facial steaming opens up pores and softens skin. This allows trapped sebum, dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris to be released. Unclogging the pores is essential to prevent future breakouts and improve the overall health of the skin.

Dissolves Excess Oil

Excess sebum production is one of the main causes of acne. The sebaceous glands in the skin produce oil known as sebum. In individuals prone to acne, the sebaceous glands are overactive. This results in a buildup of thick, sticky sebum that gets trapped within the pores. The hot steam from facial steaming liquifies the dense sebum so it flows out freely when the pores are unclogged.

Kills Acne-Causing Bacteria

The steam produces a disinfecting effect by destroying bacteria on the surface of the skin. One bacteria in particular called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) plays a major role in the development of acne. The warm, moist environment created by steaming is detrimental to this strain of bacteria.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflamed acne lesions are caused by the body’s immune response to bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells clogging the pores. The heat from facial steaming causes vasodilation, meaning it dilates the blood vessels. This rush of blood to the skin’s surface decreases facial swelling and diminishes red, inflamed pimples.

Improves Hydration

As the steam infuses moisture into the skin, dehydration and flakiness are reduced. Dry skin exacerbates acne, so improving hydration levels keeps further breakouts at bay. The hydrating effects also give skin a plump, luminous appearance.

Calms and Soothes Skin

The relaxation induced by a facial steam nurtures skin and soul. The combination of moist heat, aroma from essential oils, and meditative deep breaths provides soothing stress relief. Lower stress levels also correlate to clearer skin.

What You’ll Need To Steam Your Face

Before you begin steaming, you’ll need to gather the following supplies:

• Pot or bowl – You’ll need a vessel that can hold hot water, such as a pot, kettle, or large bowl. Look for a container with a wide opening so you can easily position your face above it to trap the steam.
• Towel – Drape a large, clean towel over your head to form a tent. This contains the steam around your face for maximum benefits.
• Source of steam – Boil water on the stove, use an electric kettle, or purchase a facial steamer machine. As long as the water temperature is hot – not scalding – any steam source will work.
• Essential oils or dried herbs (optional) – For added aromatherapy benefits, you can add a few drops of essential oils or dried herbs like chamomile, rose, or lavender to the water before steaming. This is not necessary but provides a soothing scent.
• Headband (optional) – Wearing a headband can keep your hair out of your face during steaming.
• Clean washcloth – Have a soft, clean washcloth on hand to gently wipe your face after steaming.
• Timer – Use a timer, stopwatch, or clock to keep track of how long you steam. Most experts recommend 5-10 minutes per session.

Step-By-Step Facial Steaming Instructions

Follow these steps for safe, effective facial steaming:

1. Sanitize Your Supplies

Thoroughly wash and sanitize the pot, bowl, towels, washcloths and any other supplies coming in contact with your face. You want to remove any residue to prevent clogging pores or spreading bacteria.

2. Boil Filtered Water

Bring filtered water to a rolling boil. Let it cool briefly so it is hot but not scalding. The ideal temperature is 130°F or 54°C. Boiled water ensures any bacteria or contaminants have been eliminated.

3. Pour Water into Bowl

Once the water has cooled slightly, carefully pour it into the clean pot or bowl you’ll use for steaming. Place this container on a heat-safe surface.

4. Add Essential Oils (Optional)

You can add a few drops of essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, rosemary, chamomile, or lavender to the hot water now. These provide aromatherapy benefits and should not touch your skin.

5. Drape Towel Over Head

Sit comfortably and drape your towel like a tent over your head. Make sure to trap the steam so it remains concentrated around your face. Lean over the bowl of hot water.

6. Position Face Above Steam

Keep your face about 10-12 inches above the steaming water. Any closer could risk burns. You want the steam to lightly caress your face and pores.

7. Steam for 5-10 Minutes

Set your timer and steam your face for 5-10 minutes. No longer than 10 minutes is recommended, as over-steaming can dry out your skin. Keep your eyes closed and take breaks as needed.

8. Pat Dry

When finished, remove the towel and gently pat your face and neck dry with a soft, clean washcloth. Do not scrub or rub the skin.

9. Splash with Cold Water

For an extra refreshing finish, splash your face with cold water or rinse an ice cube over it. This helps tighten pores. Pat dry again.

10. Moisturize

Apply your regular acne-friendly moisturizer or a hydrating face mask after steaming. This locks in the moisture and nutrients absorbed during the steam session.

Tips and Precautions for Safe, Effective Facial Steaming

While generally safe when done properly, take these precautions:

• Always check that the steam temperature is not too hot before bringing your face close. Start farther away and lean in slowly.
• Keep eyes fully closed and be very careful not to burn yourself on the hot steam. Stop immediately if you feel any stinging or discomfort.
• Limit steaming to 2-3 times per week maximum. Doing it too frequently can dry out your skin.
• Discontinue use if your skin becomes irritated, overly dry, or acne seems to worsen.
• See a dermatologist promptly if breakouts become more inflamed after steaming. You may require stronger medicated treatment.
• Do not steam if you are taking acne medications that increase sun sensitivity, as the heat can also intensify this effect.
• Avoid excessively hot steam if you have rosacea, broken capillaries, or easily reddened skin, as this can worsen redness.
• Skip steaming if you have any open wounds, sores, or irritations until skin is healed.
• Stop steaming and consult a doctor if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches or any other side effects.

The Many Benefits of Facial Steaming Beyond Acne Treatment

In addition to being an effective acne remedy, incorporating facial steaming into your regular skincare offers numerous other beauty and health benefits:

• Blackhead removal – The steam softens and loosens debris in pores, making blackheads easier to extract safely.
• Blood circulation – The heat improves blood flow to the face for a rosy glow. Enhanced circulation nourishes skin with oxygen and nutrients.
• Product penetration – Steam opens the pores allowing your serums, creams, etc to better absorb. Your skincare works more effectively.
• Skin hydration – Moisture from the steam hydrates skin, combating dryness and restoring suppleness.
• Detoxification – Impurities are flushed out through the open pores. Toxins buildup can contribute to dull skin.
• Stress relief – The relaxing steam, aromas, and deep breathing provide soothing stress relief. Lowered anxiety benefits skin.
• Sinus congestion – Inhaling the vapors can help relieve sinus pressure and loosen mucus if you have a cold.
• Skin radiance – Improved circulation and hydration make skin look luminous. The steam reveals a healthy glow.

Best Practices for an Effective Facial Steaming Session

Follow these tips to get the most out of your at-home facial steaming sessions:

• Start with a clean face – Remove any makeup and thoroughly cleanse skin before steaming to allow pores to fully open.
• Use filtered water – Tap water contains minerals and chemicals that can be absorbed by the open pores. Filtered water is purer.
• Monitor time – Steam face for 5-10 minutes at most. Excessive steaming can cause irritation.
• Sit comfortably – Choose a stable chair and sit upright to keep your face safely above the steam source.
• Get the angle right – Position your face above the bowl and adjust your towel tent to funnel steam directly onto face.

• Stay centered – Continuously hover your face above the steam. Don’t let it drift to the side away from the direct path of the vapors.
• Keep it hot – Maintain high steam temperature by reheating water if it starts cooling. Cooler steam won’t penetrate pores as deeply.
• Rinse after – Splash face with cool water or swipe with a toner-soaked cotton pad to close pores post-steaming.
• Moisturize after – Lock in moisture by applying a facial cream immediately after patting skin dry.
• Modify as needed – Adjust towel tent, distance, and steaming duration based on your comfort level and skin’s needs.

Facial Steaming Precautions

While generally safe, avoid facial steaming if:

• You have severe, cystic acne. The steam could aggravate inflamed breakouts.
• You’re using acne medications that increase sun sensitivity. The heat can also intensify this effect.
• You have rosacea or easily reddened skin as the warmth may induce flushing.
• You have open wounds, irritation, dermatitis or very sensitive skin that could react poorly.
• You are prone to lightheadedness or dizziness, as the steam may exacerbate this.
• You are pregnant, as raising your core body temp is not recommended.

If in doubt, consult your dermatologist before trying facial steaming for acne. Stop immediately if you experience any adverse effects. Seek emergency care for burns.

Facial Steaming vs. Saunas vs. Steamy Showers

Facial steaming, saunas, and steamy showers all expose your skin to moist warm vapors but have some key differences:

Facial Steaming

• Targets only your face/neck area
• Short 5-10 minute treatment
• Temperature around 130°F
• Purifies pores and enhances circulation
• Done a few times per week

Saunas

• Heats your entire body
• Sessions last 15-30 minutes
• Much hotter temps – typically 160-200°F
• Sweating releases toxins all over
• Done occasionally for detox

Steamy Showers

• Affects full body but not as hot as sauna
• Usually 5-15 minutes long
• Temp around 110°F
• Hydrates and soothes skin
• Safe to enjoy daily

Facial steaming is the most targeted, shortest duration treatment focused solely on facial skin health. It offers both relaxation and skin benefits without overheating your entire body like a sauna.

Facial Steaming vs. Warm Compresses

Warm, damp washcloths are another way to apply moist heat to your face. Here’s how facial steaming and warm compresses compare:

Facial Steaming

• Surrounds your entire face with hot steam vapor
• Heat and moisture penetrate pores deeply
• Continuous exposure for 5-10 minutes
• Convenient hands-free method

Warm Compresses

• Directly contacts skin with a warm, wet cloth
• More focused on specific areas like active pimples
• Must be repeatedly heated and reapplied
• Requires manually holding the compress in place

Facial steaming offers a more passive, easy approach that treats your entire facial area at once. Warm compresses let you concentrate on targeting certain spots but take more effort. You can alternate both into your skincare routine.

Making Facial Steaming Part of Your Regular Acne Skincare Routine

Consistently incorporating facial steaming along with other acne treatments can help you achieve clear, healthy skin. Here is an example weekly routine:

Morning

• Gentle facial cleanser
• Acne spot treatment
• Oil-free moisturizer
• Facial sunscreen

Evening

• Makeup remover
• Gel cleanser
• Facial steaming 2-3 times per week
• Serum with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
• Retinol cream

Occasional

• Exfoliating face mask 1-2 times per week
• Clay mask for oily skin once a week
• Hydrating overnight mask

Be sure to introduce new acne products slowly and discontinue anything that causes irritation. See a dermatologist for guidance on the best medical-grade treatments for your particular skin. With a strategic skincare regimen including regular facial steaming, you’ll be on your way to clear, glowing skin!

Conclusion

In summary, facial steaming is an easy, cost-effective technique that can be incorporated into your weekly skincare regimen to help treat and prevent acne breakouts. The warm steam liquefies oil, purifies pores, kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, hydrates skin, and delivers a soothing sense of relaxation.

Follow the proper steps and safety precautions outlined above to experience the many benefits of at-home facial steaming. When done consistently 2 to 3 times per week, facial steaming can be a valuable addition to your acne-fighting arsenal. Say goodbye to congested pores and hello to clear, radiant skin!