Steaming the face: who needs it, why and how to do it, experts explain

If you’ve ever had a facial at a salon, you may have noticed the beautician using a spray bottle after cleansing. Why? The thing is, steam has its benefits.

The heat of the steam loosens the dirt, bacteria and oil accumulated in the pores. This is why many experts steam the face before cleansing – it helps exfoliating scrubs and masks work even more effectively.

“Because the heat opens the pores, the water vapor molecules penetrate the skin and make it firmer and more elastic,” says dermatologist Ife Jay Rodney, MD.

“Steam dilates blood vessels, which promotes healthy circulation in the skin, which often results in a radiant, healthy-looking complexion,” says dermatologist Kim Nichols, MD.

According to Nichols, the steam softens dead skin cells, allowing the products you apply to do their job better. No hyaluronic acid serum will do its job if it gets in the way of a barrier of dead skin, dirt and oil.

As experts explain, the procedure is not without its drawbacks. For example, if you steam too often, it will lead to dehydration. “Like over-exfoliation, excessive steaming can cause a process called transepidermal water loss,” says Nichols. “Moisture will leave the skin through the epidermis and evaporate.”

Too much steaming can cause vasodilation and hyperpigmentation of the skin, Rodney says. Finally, some people do not tolerate high temperatures, even in soft mode. Ife Jay also advises against steaming for those who suffer from eczema, rosacea or melasma, or who simply have very sensitive skin.

“Once a week is probably a good start,” says dermatologist MD Morgan Rabach. If it becomes clear that the skin tolerates this procedure well, the number of sessions can be increased up to two times in seven days, but this is the maximum – do not spray more often.