A steam mask allows you to relax and indulge yourself at the end of a long and tiring day. It promotes blood circulation in the face and the opening of the pores in order to remove impurities. To perform a facial treatment with steam, start with hot water, then apply a mask that allows you to cleanse the pores; then complete with the use of a tonic and a moisturizing product. If you're short on time, take advantage of the steam from a quick shower. Read on to learn more about both methods.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Perform a Full Face Treatment
Step 1. Pour the water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil
About a liter of water will suffice for an effective steam mask. Use the stove or bring it to a boil in the microwave.
Step 2. Wash your face
While the water heats up, wash your face to remove makeup and impurities. Use warm water and a mild facial cleanser. Removing all traces of dirt and make-up is essential when you want to perform a treatment with steam. Otherwise, the open pores will tend to absorb foreign substances present on the skin, causing unwelcome irritation and pimples.
- Do not exfoliate your face before treating it with steam. Otherwise you will increase the risk of irritating your skin with the intense heat.
- After washing your face, pat it dry with a towel.
Step 3. Pour the boiling water into a bowl
Use a glass or ceramic bowl and place it on a folded towel or two. Part of the experience of a facial is to make your day enjoyable, so use a bowl of your own taste if possible! If you are in a hurry you can also use the pot directly.
Step 4. Add herbs or essential oils
Although it is not necessary, if you want to make your treatment truly special you can add some fresh or dried herbs to the water, as well as essential oils, allowing the aroma to spread. Even a tea bag will do! Experiment with using the following oils and herbs to get the most out of your treatment:
- USA lemongrass or mint for an energizing steam mask.
- USA chamomile or lavender for a relaxing effect.
- USA mint or eucalyptus to fight colds.
- USA sandalwood or bergamot to relieve stress.
Step 5. Place your face on the steaming water
Cover your head with a towel to create a steam chamber. Stay in place for about 10 minutes. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, allowing the heat to wake up the skin on your face and open its pores.
Do not prolong the treatment excessively and do not get too close to boiling water. Intensive heat exposure could be the cause of skin inflammation
Step 6. Apply a face mask
The next step is to remove skin impurities from open pores using a special mask. A clay mask will certainly be effective. Mix it with a little water and spread it on the skin of the face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes before gently wiping it off with warm water.
- You can achieve the same effect by substituting honey for clay.
- If you don't want to use a mask, simply rinse your face with cold water.
Step 7. Use a toner to close the pores
It's time to close your pores again to keep them clean. Following the steam treatment, the use of a toner will give you a youthful and supple looking skin. Apply it with a cotton ball on the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin area.
- Wine cider vinegar makes a great natural tonic, try it!
- Alternatively, you can use lemon juice.
Step 8. Moisturize the skin on the face
To complete the beauty treatment, apply a nourishing product to the face that guarantees proper hydration. Steam tends to dry out the skin, so don't omit this step. Spread the cream evenly. Instead of a normal moisturizer, you can use a natural oil, such as coconut, jojoba or argan oil.
Method 2 of 2: Quick Steam Treatment
Step 1. Get into the shower and let the hot water run
Wait for it to get very hot and produce steam. This method will ensure a full body steam bath.
Step 2. Rinse your face while it warms up
Just like in a normal facial treatment, before using the steam it is important to cleanse the skin by removing all traces of make-up and impurities.
Step 3. Stay with your face next to, or inside, steamed for about 5 minutes
You won't need to use a towel to direct the steam towards your face - the walls of the shower itself will effectively trap it. After the recommended five minutes, reduce the water temperature to complete your beauty routine as usual.
Step 4. While doing your personal hygiene, apply a face mask
For the results of your treatment to be truly remarkable, you can use a ready-made mask or a simple spoonful of raw honey, favoring in both cases the cleansing of the skin pores. Before you get out of the shower, get rid of it by rinsing your face thoroughly.
Step 5. Apply a toner and moisturizer
Dab your face with a towel and complete the treatment by toning and nourishing the skin. It is also advisable to apply a moisturizer for the body, as the intense heat could dry out the skin.
Advice
- Immediately after the treatment, when the pores of the skin are still open, use a facial cleanser to remove impurities. Then rinse the skin with cold water to close the pores.
- Before starting the treatment, remove any visible traces of make-up, sebum or dirt from the face. Use a cleaning cloth or cleaning wipe to make sure the leather is perfectly clean.
- If you suffer from acne, add 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to the warm water.
