How to make steam baths and saunas for acne and blackheads. How to properly steam your face for cleaning Steam facial cleansing

01.05.2024 -

There are many procedures that help bring your skin condition closer to ideal. The most accessible and widespread method of cleansing it is steaming. It is not neglected by elite beauty salons, where the latest developments in the field of cosmetology are used, but you can easily steam your face at home, using what is always at hand - for example, hot water.

Characteristics of the procedure

The essence of steaming is that hot and humid air, acting on the skin, increases its elasticity, makes it softer, increases blood circulation, and causes the pores to open. This makes it possible to remove dead cells, makeup particles, and fat plugs that were previously inaccessible. The procedure perfectly prepares the face for cleansing, that is, for the removal of acne, blackheads, and wen, and the effectiveness of masks and creams applied after it increases several times.

Steaming different types of skin has certain nuances:

The skin must first be prepared:

You need to remove your makeup and wash your face using a cleanser. If your skin is oily and prone to dermatoses, you can use a scrub. It is important that the skin is clean before the procedure, because if dirt gets into open pores, inflammation may begin.
Apply a rich cream to the skin of the eyelids and around the mouth for protection.
Hair is tucked under a special cap or bandage so that it does not fall on the face.

Further actions will depend on one or another steaming method.

Ways to steam your facial skin

Use of special means

Manufacturers of cosmetics offer ready-made masks that have a steaming effect. The components of the product, when interacting with water, emit heat, under the influence of which the pores expand and are cleaned of excess fat and impurities. This product cannot completely rid the skin of comedones (blackheads), but it dries and tones the skin well. The advantage of these masks is that they can be used even by those for whom intense heat exposure is contraindicated (people suffering from hypertension, bronchial asthma).

The cold hydrogenation method is gaining increasing popularity today. Products for this procedure are indispensable when traveling, as well as in cases where the skin is contraindicated from exposure to moist heat. Their action is based on the ability of the liquid from the gel components to penetrate the surface cells of the skin, causing them to swell and reject dead particles. The undoubted advantage of using such products is that the time required for the gel to act is limited to 5 minutes.

Products for cold hydrogenation are sold in the form of gels

Online stores sell reusable steaming cloths. It is made of a material resembling microfiber. To carry out the procedure, just moisten it well, place it in the microwave for 20 seconds, and then apply it to the face for 5 minutes.

Carrying out the procedure at home

There are three main methods for steaming the skin at home - using steam (steam baths), using an application and using a steaming mask.

Steam steaming

For this procedure you will need water (a liter will be enough), a small wide container and a large towel that can cover your head and a bowl of water.

After steaming, you can begin cleansing your face. If it was not planned, then apply a moisturizer to dry skin, and after it is absorbed, rinse it with warm water. Oily and combination skin can be treated with a scrub, but this must be done very carefully. It's better to just wash your face with cool water and apply toner. If there is none, then lemon juice diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5, or apple cider vinegar (take a teaspoon of the product per glass of water) is quite suitable.

After steaming, you need to avoid exposure to sudden temperature changes. You should not use too cold water for washing or go outside (this is why it is recommended to do the procedure in the evening). If you still need to leave the house, it is better to calculate the time so that at least two hours pass after steaming.

In order for steaming to also have a healing effect, decoctions of medicinal herbs can be added to the water. When choosing a component, you need to consider which one is suitable for a particular skin type.

Decoctions for steaming are usually prepared in advance. Plant raw materials are taken at the rate of a tablespoon per glass of water (for sensitive skin, the volume of the herb is halved), brought to a boil, infused for 30 minutes, filtered and heated again for the procedure. Herbs can be used individually or made into a collection by mixing several that suit your skin type in equal parts.

Table: Herbs for different skin types

Photo gallery: Plants suitable for preparing steaming decoctions

Nettle tones the skin and stimulates metabolic processes Coltsfoot decoction helps relieve inflammation Calendula is great for acne Chamomile can be used for all skin types Elderberry decoction is good at relieving irritation on sensitive skin

The use of essential oils also gives the steaming procedure a lot of beneficial properties.. These substances activate metabolic processes and have a positive effect on the psychological and emotional state. However, if you plan to use an oil that is being used for the first time, its dosage for the first procedure should be reduced to two drops. It is also better to reduce the duration of steaming. This is done in order to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.

Table: Essential oils for steaming different skin types

Applications

Another very common method of steaming the face is applications. To carry out this procedure, you will need a container of hot water (you can also replace it with a decoction of medicinal herbs or add a few drops of essential oil) and a large cotton napkin:

We wet the fabric, wring it out and apply it to the face, pressing it tightly to the surface of the skin.
After it has cooled a little, remove it and repeat the steps described above 3-4 more times.
After completing steaming with lotion, wipe the skin and proceed to further procedures.

When steaming with a cloth, you need to be careful: if the water is too hot, you can get burned.

Masks with steaming effect

A steaming mask can be made using honey or oatmeal

If you do not trust products produced in industrial conditions, you can prepare a steaming mask yourself (the frequency of using such products depends on the type of skin: for oily and combination skin they can be done once a week, for dry ones - once every 10 days). Here are some simple recipes:

Mix the yolk, honey and olive oil in equal parts until smooth. The composition in a water bath should be brought to a temperature where it becomes noticeably warm, but not scalding, and applied to a cleansed face for 10 minutes. You can check the temperature of the mask by applying it to the back of your wrist. After the required time has passed, rinse off the composition with warm water.
A mask based on semolina will help not only steam, but also lighten the skin. To do this, you need to cook thick milk porridge (do not add salt, sugar and butter), and after it has cooled to a comfortable temperature, apply it to your face for 15 minutes. The composition is suitable for very sensitive skin or in cases where the vessels on the face are dilated or located close to the surface.
Another option is an oatmeal mask. A thick porridge is boiled from them in water and table soda is added (a teaspoon of soda is taken for 3 full tablespoons). The warm mixture is applied to the face for 15 minutes and secured with polyethylene. At the end, the skin is lightly massaged and only then the mask is washed off with warm water. This procedure is suitable for oily skin types.

Video: How to properly clean your home

Contraindications and precautions

The question often arises about how often you should steam your face. The permissible periods have already been mentioned above, but if there is no urgent need, it is better to reduce the frequency of the procedure to once every 10 days for normal and oily skin, once every three weeks for dry skin. The drier and older the skin, the worse it reacts to such aggressive influences and the higher the risk of irritation.

Steaming has its own contraindications. These include:

hypertonic disease;
vascular and heart diseases;
bronchial asthma;
skin diseases in the acute period;
rosacea (spider veins).

Steaming masks should not be used in parallel with other thermal effects, as this can cause tissue overheating and even burns. Although such compositions are not contraindicated for people with high blood pressure and poor circulation, they should be used with caution, carefully listening to your feelings during the procedure.

Before you start using a new component, you need to test for allergies by applying a small amount to the elbow and waiting two hours. If no reaction occurs during this time, the composition with the ingredient can be safely used.

Skin health is one of the most important criteria for beauty. To preserve and maintain it, you need to constantly take care of your face. Steaming is the basis of many cosmetic procedures, and their effectiveness and final result depend on how correctly it is done.

Every girl's dream is perfect facial skin. Even in past times, many different recipes for this were created, and modern cosmetologists have qualitatively improved them. At home, the most effective way is to cleanse your face. This procedure prevents cell aging and increases their tone. Cleansing allows you to open clogged pores and get rid of dead cells. The easiest way to do it at home is steaming.

The benefits of steaming

The sebaceous glands of the skin secrete a fatty secretion that protects the skin from external irritants and atmospheric influences. Everyone wants to have soft and healthy skin. But poor nutrition, poor environment and genetics have a bad effect on it, which leads to contamination of the skin pores.

On the face as a result of this blackheads may appear. Poor diet causes your pores to become clogged and inflamed, resulting in nasty pimples. To allow your skin to breathe normally, you need to perform cosmetic facial cleansing from time to time. This procedure will prevent the appearance of acne and other unpleasant conditions on the skin.

Some people believe that steaming is just a preparation before cleansing the skin at home. But that's not true. The influence of hot vapors is already cosmetic procedure that has a beneficial effect on facial skin:

Allows you to deeply cleanse pores. Steam removes excess sebaceous secretions, cosmetic residues and city dust.
The procedure softens the keratinized layers of the skin. It is believed that before peeling you need to steam the skin well.
Hot steam stimulates cell generation processes and also promotes collagen production.
Among other things, the procedure saturates the skin with oxygen, so it receives many nutrients.

Taking into account all the advantages of steaming, we can confidently say that steam cleaning can be either an independent procedure or a preparation for peeling.

Order of conduct

To ensure that cleansing your facial skin at home is beneficial and not harmful, you need to do it correctly:

The steam cleaning session should be carried out regularly, but at the same time consider skin type:

Normal - no more than once every 2 weeks.
Fat - every seven days.
Dry - only once a month.

After completing the session to expand and cleanse the pores, you need to carry out procedures to narrow and close them. Cosmetologists recommend using only natural tonic without alcohol or preservatives. After it dries, you need to apply a layer of moisturizer. It will protect the skin and give it the opportunity to recover.

Experts advise washing your face only with mineral water for the first few days and never using soap.

Folk way

Girls often wonder how to steam their face for cleansing. Of course, you can go to the salon for an appointment with a cosmetologist, or you can do it yourself.

There are many recipes for cleansing your face at home. Usually they use decoctions of various herbs: chamomile, mint, lavender and others. To do this, the head should be above the open container with heated liquid at a distance of 30 cm.

Decoctions are prepared only in enamel containers, observing proportions, depending on skin types: for oily 1 tbsp. l. dry matter per glass of water; for dry - 0.5 tbsp. l.

Dry herbs are poured with cold water and boiled for 20 minutes. The decoction is prepared in advance, filtered after cooling, and heated before the start of the session. Before choosing a herb for steaming, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the skin and intolerance to certain plants.

Cosmetologists advise those with dry skin to carry out the steaming procedure for no more than 5 minutes. For people with normal skin tone - eight minutes, and for people with oily skin - ten. The head is held above the steam of the heated broth at a distance of 20–30 cm. To achieve a better effect, you can cover yourself with a towel.

If you don’t want to boil and strain herbs, you can use essential oils in a ratio of 10 drops per liter of water.

You can also use special wipes that are sold in pharmacies. They are made of pleasant natural material that absorbs moisture well. Soak a napkin in a hot solution or water and cover your face for 15 minutes. If it has cooled down, dip it into the broth again. Usually during one procedure the napkin is rinsed 3-4 times.

Upon completion of all manipulations, you should cover your face with a towel and rest a little. Then rinse your skin with cool water and do not go outside for another 2 hours.

Mask recipes

Masks with a peeling effect will help tidy up your skin. They can be made quite easily at home.

First of all, you need to properly steam your face before the mask, and only then begin the procedures.

There are many recipes for preparing homemade peelings, but it is better to use proven ones. But, one way or another, when choosing a composition, you need to take into account your skin type and possible allergic reactions to its components.

An oatmeal mask is ideal for delicate skin. Thanks to a large number of vitamins and microelements, it nourishes and cleanses pores.

It’s quite easy to prepare: 1 tbsp. l. Steam oatmeal with boiling water to obtain a thick paste. Apply it on the face with light massage movements, avoiding areas around the mouth and eyes, and leave for 20 minutes. After completing the session, rinse everything off with warm water.

Another effective option for oatmeal peeling: 1 tbsp. l. Grind the flakes into flour, beat the white of one egg into foam, add one tablespoon of warm milk and essential oil (suitable for your skin type). Mix everything thoroughly and apply evenly to the face.

The mixture will dry in 20 minutes and become a dense film. The disadvantage of this method is that washing the mask is troublesome, but you will get an amazing effect.

Received a lot of positive feedback peeling with steaming effect based on bee honey. The procedure is suitable for people with dry skin type. To do this, mix honey, raw yolk and oil (olive or corn) in a 1:1 ratio. In a water bath, bring the mixture to a hot state, but not to a boil. Apply to previously prepared skin and leave for 15 minutes.

For a greater steam effect, avoiding the area of the eyes, nose and mouth, cover your face with cling film. After a while, wet your fingers in water and roll up the mask with light movements. Wash with warm water and apply cream.

They will help to cleanse the skin of blackheads very well. masks from cosmetic clay. It has absorbent properties and perfectly opens and cleanses pores. You can use any clay: white, black, red, green and blue.

Dilute the powder in warm water or a decoction of herbs until it becomes thick sour cream. After 20 minutes, rinse everything off or wait until it starts to dry, and then massage your face with wet fingers for two minutes. During this procedure, the clay will gradually be washed away, cleansing the pores.

Recently, a mask made of gelatin and activated carbon has become very popular. It effectively cleanses and gets rid of blackheads. The algorithm for its preparation is very simple:

grind one tablet of black coal into powder;
add 0.5 tsp. dry gelatin;
dilute the mixture with one teaspoon of water and heat in a water bath until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

When the mask has cooled, apply it to the face with a brush or bandage roller using “tapping” movements. Problem areas need to be treated especially carefully. As soon as the mask dries, it must be carefully removed from the bottom up.

Contraindications for the use of peeling include the following diseases:

To avoid causing overheating or tissue burns, steaming should not be combined with other thermal procedures.

When conducting a steam cleansing session, in order to avoid consequences, you need to carefully listen to your own feelings. Despite the established timing of the procedures, it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the skin and the tolerance of the components.

Healthy skin is one of the most common criteria for a woman’s attractiveness. For your face to look flawless, it needs constant care.

This procedure is carried out before using a scrub or applying it, but after thoroughly cleansing the skin.

How are such procedures useful? Cleansing your face with hot steam baths activates the glands and pores, increases blood circulation, and brings to the surface of the skin all the toxins and dirt that collects in the pores. In addition, such procedures soften and moisturize the outer keratinized layer of the skin.

You will need water, a metal container and dried medicinal herbs, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. Choose only those plants that will be beneficial for your skin. If you are the owner of a sensitive type, it is better for you to use chamomile or oregano. And if you suffer from enlarged pores on your face, it is better to use oak bark or parsley. For atonic (pale) skin, rosemary sprigs are ideal to increase blood circulation.

You can add a few extra drops of your favorite essential oil to the steam bath, which will help enhance the effect.

Facial cleansing with laurel steam baths

Bay leaf increases the elasticity of the skin and increases blood circulation. To prepare, you will need five bay leaves. Drop them into boiling water and simmer over low heat for a couple of minutes. After this, cool the broth a little, place the container on the table and tilt your face over it. Don't forget to cover yourself with a large towel and try not to let the steam escape. Carry out the procedure until the water cools down, then pat your skin with a clean towel and apply a mask or use a scrub. The decoction can later be used to rinse your hair, as bay leaf enhances hair growth.

Calendula bath

This plant has excellent bactericidal properties, heals wounds well and dries out the epidermis, so a procedure with calendula is ideal for oily, problem skin. To prepare the decoction, you will need six fresh calendula flowers, and if you are going to use the plant in dry form, then two tablespoons. Place the calendula in boiling water, then turn off the heat and cover the container with a lid for five minutes, after which you can use the decoction.

Cleansing your face with a chamomile steam bath

This plant soothes irritated skin, relieves inflammation and has a rejuvenating effect. The plant is ideal for those with dry and sensitive complexions. The preparation method is the same as for a calendula bath.

In steam baths for the face, you can use not just one plant, but whole mixtures, just choose the ones that are most suitable for yourself, in this case the result will be even better.

It is very useful for facial skin to cleanse (on average 2 times every two weeks) using steam baths. The skin of the face loves moderate herbal steam, which improves blood circulation, removes toxins, relaxes facial muscles, and cleanses.

How does steam cleanse skin? With the help of steam, the pores open, sweating increases, which helps eliminate toxins. In addition, steam softens the skin of the face, which allows it to absorb beneficial herbal ingredients.

What herbs should you use to steam your face? Herbs should be chosen according to your skin type. Several types of herbs can be used.

Herbs for steam baths

The following herbs are suitable for effectively removing dirt and grease: fennel, linden blossom, nettle.

To improve blood circulation and deep cleansing, you should use the following herbs: nettle, rosemary.

For sensitive skin, as well as for gentle readings, the following are suitable: chamomile, mint, lemon balm, lavender, rose petals.

For oily skin, you should use the following herbs: calendula flowers, yarrow, sage.

Suitable for dry skin: mantle, young (flowers, leaves), parsley.

For mature skin, as well as with a yellow complexion, the following herbs are suitable: red clover (flowers, leaves), elderberry flowers, dandelion.

Suitable for problem skin: comfrey (roots, leaves), dill.

How often do you cleanse your face with steam?

For normal or mixed skin types, steaming (steam cleaning) should be carried out once a week. For oily types, cleansing is recommended 2 times a week. For dry skin types, steam cleansing should be done no more than once every two weeks.

Contraindications

Steaming is not recommended if you have spider veins on your face, or if you have serious skin problems. In addition, herbal steaming is contraindicated for asthma or other respiratory problems or heart disease. If you have these ailments, you should consult your doctor before cleansing.

Steam facial cleansing procedure

To cleanse the skin with steam, you will need 1.5 liters of boiling water and 2 handfuls of fresh herbs; if you don’t have fresh, then take dry herbs (5 g - one handful).

Pour 1.5 liters of water into an enamel pan, bring to a boil, then add the herb, boil for 1 - 2 minutes and remove from heat. Herbs should only be stirred with a wooden spatula (spoon).

Place the pan on the table, sit comfortably, tie your hair in a ponytail, and first remove your makeup. Lean over the steam, but look ahead so as not to get burned. Place a towel or thick cotton cloth over your head and leave a space (hole) in front of your face to breathe.

There should be approximately 30 cm from the pan to the face (45 cm for sensitive skin). While steaming the skin, your eyes should be closed; if you use chamomile, you don’t have to close them, because it cleanses the eyes at the same time). You should sit over the steam for 10 – 15 minutes. At this time, you can turn on the radio and light music.

After cleansing your skin with steam, you should rinse your face with warm water, then after a few minutes with cold water. To close the pores, you can wipe your face with a cotton swab soaked in vinegar or herbal infusion (mint, sage, yarrow).

It is better not to go outside for an hour so as not to expose your skin to external conditions.

Before going to bed, you can moisturize your skin with a vegetable oil, such as shea butter. About oil.

Herbal decoctions - natural cosmetics

Instead of expensive cosmetics, the skin can be treated or cleansed with herbal infusions. Herbs can be used externally and consumed internally. For external use, infusions, decoctions, lotions, oils, and ointments are prepared from herbs.

Birch leaves: a decoction of birch leaves cleanses pores and restores. Suitable for baths.

Horsetail: contains a lot of silicon, which whitens the skin.

Strawberry leaves: () tightens pores, cleanses. Suitable for oily and combination skin.

Juniper berries: the decoction is best used in a bath. The plant tightens pores and disinfects. Suitable for oily skin.

St. John's wort: promotes regeneration, treats sensitive and damaged skin.

Yarrow: tightens the skin, brightens the complexion.

Bay leaf: A decoction can be used to treat fungal infections, itching, rashes. The plant improves blood circulation.

Calendula: soothes irritated and sensitive skin, promotes regeneration, healing of eczema, allergies and. Calendula can be added to children's baths.

Elderflower: An excellent disinfectant and cleanser, especially for acne. Elderberry soothes and regenerates cells and is good for baths.

Green tea: soothes and disinfects. Green tea is great for oily and combination skin.

09 03.16

A gray tint to the skin, the presence of inflammation, pimples and blackheads are the consequences of clogged pores with sebaceous secretions, cosmetics and dust from the environment, which is why periodic cleaning of the pores at home or in special salons is required.

Of course, we will mainly talk about home methods.

For this purpose, various masks, scrubs, as well as special tools and entire devices are used.

Basic Rules

To effectively cleanse pores, you must follow certain rules:

Any procedures should be carried out on previously cleansed facial skin of makeup and other cosmetics. To do this, just wash your face using gel or foam.
Scrubbing the skin allows you to remove dead skin cells of the epidermis and surface contaminants of the dermis.
Since pores require deep cleaning, you must first steam the skin.
After the skin has been prepared, you can proceed to the main procedure.
However, before applying the cleanser, it must be pre-tested to avoid possible allergic reactions.
Cleaning should be carried out no more than once a week, and after the procedure it is necessary to take measures to narrow the pores.
You should not use cosmetics immediately after cleansing, as the skin should rest and the pores should close.

Steaming

To open pores, salons use special equipment. At home, an effective method is the steaming procedure.

Take a terry towel, moisten it with hot water and apply it to your face for a short time, then remove it. Repeat this procedure about 3 times. During this time, the skin will steam and the pores will open.

Another way is to open the pores over steam. Take medicinal herbs, such as chamomile, and brew it in a small saucepan. While the broth has not cooled down, you need to lean over the steam, covering your head with a towel, wait about 15 minutes.

Steam allows the pores to open, while at the same time it has a beneficial effect on the dermis.

After steaming, this decoction can be used as a lotion, or frozen into ice cubes.

Cleaning methods

There are a huge number of methods for deep cleaning of pores, both traditional and hardware. The main task is to choose the right method for you.

Mechanical cleaning

After steaming, you can clean the pores mechanically, that is, by squeezing either with simply treated fingers or using a special tool - a metal loop (a more hygienic method, since it can be disinfected and processed after each comedone).

Mechanically cleaned pores must be treated with a disinfectant using a cotton swab.

Gelatin film mask

The film mask has the excellent ability to cleanse the skin of various impurities, smooth out wrinkles, remove dead skin cells of the epidermis and improve complexion.

You can prepare this mask at home using natural ingredients.

In a water bath, it is necessary to bring a tablespoon of gelatin, a tablet of activated charcoal and 2 tablespoons of milk to a homogeneous state. After cooling, apply the mask to the face area and leave until completely dry.

The mask must be applied to a cleansed face, neck and décolleté in an even layer (excluding the eyelid and lip area).

After applying the product, you need to relax all facial muscles.

Remove the film mask carefully from bottom to top, and wash off the remaining residue with warm water.

Masks with gelatin are very effective. This is just one of the options, in fact there are many.

Clay mask

To clean clogged pores, you need to dilute a tablespoon of clay suitable for you with warm water until a creamy consistency is achieved, add a teaspoon of lemon juice and mix thoroughly.

Apply the mixture in a thick layer to your face and wait until it dries completely. The mask must be removed with cool water.

Scrub

Cleaning clogged pores is very simple. To do this, just use a soda scrub. So, we need foam from baby soap and a small amount of baking soda. Apply foam to the face, then take baking soda and massage directly over the foam with light movements, following the massage lines.

We pay special attention to blackheads on the nose. The procedure should last no more than a couple of minutes and do not apply too much pressure or stretch the skin. Avoid the eye area.

Hardware cleaning

Beauty salons use ultrasonic devices for cleaning. A special device creates sound waves that spread through the dermis and free the pores from comedones, while blood and lymph circulation improves, and skin tone also increases.

This device can be purchased and used at home, but it is quite expensive.

Instrumental methods also include vacuum cleaning, the essence of which is to deeply cleanse the pores on the face under the influence of a vacuum created by a special device.

Brush

A soft brush, special or toothbrush, allows you to delicately remove various stains. To do this, just use it to apply cleansers and massage lightly. The brush must be soft and clean.

This method is not suitable for dry and sensitive skin. And for oily and problematic skin, such cleaning should be carried out no more than once a month.

After care

After the cleansing has been carried out, the skin must be additionally moisturized, nourished and be sure to carry out a procedure to narrow the pores.

Moisturizing mask

A mask of 2 tablespoons of rolled oats flakes brewed in a glass of boiling water will help restore the water balance. After 15 minutes, drain the liquid and add a teaspoon of honey, lemon juice and aloe juice to the oat mixture. Apply the mask to the face for 20 minutes.

Feeding

As a nourishing mask, you can use a mixture of 5 ml grape oil, 20 ml carrot juice, 30 grams of melted honey and half a chicken yolk.

Honey masks nourish the skin down to the deep layers of the dermis, however, it is worth considering that honey can cause an allergic reaction, so it is worth checking the skin for sensitivity first.

To tighten pores

How to narrow and close enlarged pores after cleansing? You can wipe your face with an ice cube, or you can use a clay mask. It is enough to dilute a little clay with lukewarm water until a creamy consistency is obtained, then apply to the skin and wait for it to dry completely. Rinse with lukewarm water and treat the dermis with lotion.

With proper and regular cleansing, the skin looks healthy and fresh, and age-related changes become less obvious.

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Until we meet again, your Evgenia Shestel