Is Steaming Your Face Really Good for Your Skin?

When it comes to addressing your skin concerns  you likely get plenty of advice from friends, family, and social media. But, you never really know if all advice is really true or if it will work for you. One skin care tidbit you may be curious about is whether there are benefits to steaming your face. 

You’ve most likely heard of facial steamers opening clogged pores and providing other skin care benefits,which makes face steam sound like a great addition to your skin care routine — but is it really? Keep reading to learn once and for all — is steam good for your skin? Bonus: if it is, we’ll also talk about how to safely steam your face at home.

What Will Steaming Your Face Do? 

At the root of this question is whether or not steam can open up your pores. Unfortunately, this age-old skin care advice is a myth. Your pores are always open! So, in this way, steam isn’t super beneficial to your skin.

Of course, there are other claimed benefits to steaming at home. And with those, there is some truth to what you’ve heard — even if it isn’t specifically for your face. According to the Mayo Clinic, steam emitted from a humidifier increases moisture levels in the air and can alleviate cracked lips and other health concerns. 

When properly maintained, the steam can keep dry, cold weather conditions from being too harsh on your skin. If you need further reason to consider investing in a humidifier, the American Academy of Dermatology also lists humidifiers as one of their top dry skin relief tips. Alternatively, you can add a face steamer to your skin care regimen, which is specifically meant for the skin on your face.

Editor’s note: You may have skimmed over the key phrase ‘properly maintained’ above, but you’ll need to pay attention to maintenance if you want to combat dry skin with the help of a humidifier. The Mayo Clinic states that proper maintenance is necessary as a dirty humidifier can quickly breed bacteria and mold, leading to illness.

What Are the Rules for Steaming?

Steaming your face at home is actually really simple. If you want to multitask while reaping the benefits, consider hanging out in a room with the door closed and your humidifier turned on. Bonus points if the room is on the smaller side, like a bathroom. As the room fills up with steam, you’ll be simultaneously steaming your face. Use this time to give yourself an at-home manicure or catch up on a new book.

Alternatively, you can use a face steamer to steam your face. This device is specifically made to steam your face at home. Fill it with water and hold it a few inches from your face —always follow the directions that go with the specific steamer you’re using. Allow the steam to pass over your complexion for a few minutes, and you’re done. 

Should I Wash My Face After Steaming? 

Instead of washing your face before, you’ll want to wash directly after and then apply your skin care as usual. This is to remove any residue or oils that came to the surface of your skin during the steaming process. 

Is It Good to Steam Your Face Everyday? 

Even if you enjoy steaming, you shouldn’t do it everyday — you can do ten minutes a week at most. Similar to many skin care practices, steaming everyday can become harsh on the skin and your pores. 

4 Other Ways to Care for Dry Skin 

Okay, now you know steam can help alleviate dry skin — but using one shouldn’t be your only line of defense against dryness. Taking care of dry skin also requires using the right skin care products. And with fall and winter quickly approaching, now’s the time to get your dry skin routine in order.

1. Moisturizer

Everyone knows moisturizing dry skin is a must. If you have uncomfortably dry skin, you should use a thick cream at night that’s formulated with hydrating ingredients. We love the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Night Moisturizer for Face, which contains collagen to supply the skin with intense hydration for plump, bouncy skin. You can apply this in the morning as the last step before sunscreen, or at night for a dose of hydration before you go to sleep.

2. Cleanser

Dry skin types shouldn’t shy away from facial cleansers. Everyone needs to get clean, and there’s no reason cleansing has to leave you with skin that feels tight and uncomfortable. It’s all about using a nourishing cleanser that won’t strip your skin.

As far as cleansing dry skin goes, it’s safe to say that using a cream cleanser is a good idea. The L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cream Cleanser is formulated with replenishing oils to gently yet effectively remove all traces of makeup without over-drying your complexion for softer, smoother, bouncier skin.

When it comes to a low-maintenance cleanse or taking off your makeup, you’ll want to avoid makeup removers that contain alcohol and can dry out your skin further. The  L’Oréal Paris Micellar Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types is a gentle micellar water that can be used to remove makeup — even waterproof products.

3. Face Serum

The right facial serum can also give your complexion a much-needed boost in moisture. For dry skin types, a hyaluronic acid serum is a must in your skin care routine. This hydration-attracting molecule is naturally found in your skin and enhances moisture-retention for lasting hydration. 

Try using the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum, which replenishes hydration in the skin and visibly reduces wrinkles for youthful-looking skin. Pair it with the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid + 1% Caffeine Eye Serum to brighten and depuff the under eye area. 

Next: The Best Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizers for Plump, Hydrated Skin

Edited by: Shannon Stubbs, Photo Credit: iStock