For Christmas my sister got me a facial spa thing (I can’t remember what it’s actually called) which is basically a device that you fill with water, turn on, wait for the water to heat up, then put your face over it and let the steam clean your pores. The box claims it will clean out your pores, moisturize your skin, give you a healthy glow, etc. Does this actually work? Are there any problems with it? How often should I do it?
If you have a problem with blackheads or acne, the steamer will definitely help. Try washing your face with mild soap, then steaming it, and washing it again with mild soap, followed by an astringent. By mild soap, I mean something on the order of Ivory soap. At first you might experience more flare-ups, as impurities work their way to the skin surface.
Face steamers are also WONDERFUL if you have a cold or clogged sinuses. Steam your face and then give your nose a really good blow. Sweet, sweet relief. This is better than medication, sometimes.
I don’t know how much steamers moisturize, as I have an oily face, not a dry one. I also don’t know how often one should use a steamer. I would start out at once or twice a week, and see how that works for facial cleansing. I use mine a couple of times a day when my sinuses are particularly clogged up, for instance during allergy season.
This is a more direct approach to the old hot-towel treatment at barbershops. The point is to relax all the pores on your face, allowing the accumulated oils (and dirt and bacteria therein) to escape without difficulty. If you pop any zits beforehand, wash with warm water and soap, do the steaming, wash again, and then wash with cold water to close your pores, your skin will be clear.
I’m gonna disagree with the others and say don’t do it. Pores don’t open and close - this is a rather strange old wives’ tale. What steam CAN do is irritate your skin, cause minor burns, enlarge capillaries, and probably worsen your acne to boot.
If your skin ain’t lookin’ nice, make sure you use the right cleanser, consider a hydroxy-acid product, and evaluate your use of moisturizers and makeup.
well, the reason my sister bought me this thing is because when I had a really bad chest cold I did the whole face over a pot of boiling water thing to loosen up the mucus and she said she just got sick of finding me leaning over the stove. But I did notice that my skin cleared up while I was doing that (I did it every day for a week. I had a horrible cold) so I figured I should continue doing it since my skin looked so good.
Why did you have you face OVER the stove? The general method is to fill a pot with boiling water, stick your head over it then throw a towel over your head.
well I did put my face over the pot of boiling water, and throw a towel over my head. But the pot had to be on the stove for it to boil, you see.
Whatever works, I guess. Books I’ve read about skin care recommend against it; I suspect that it’s not a good idea - and personally I’ve noticed that a lot of highly irritating skin products help a lot in the short term but really suck over the long term. I wouldn’t be surprised if this fell into that category.