Steaming can help clear away acne, improve product efficacy and boost hydration levels in your skin. All it requires is some water in a bowl with towels – it is best to opt for distilled water to prevent mineral build-up on your towel!

Lean over the water with your face 6 to 10 inches away and drape a towel around your neck to trap steam.

1. Increases Blood Flow

Facial steaming involves subjecting your face to hot water (or herbal-infused water) at high temperature, typically by leaning over a bowl of simmering water and covering it with a towel; there are also facial steaming devices on the market. As the steam dissipates over your blood vessels and increases circulation, dilation occurs thereby improving overall blood flow while offering many health benefits.

Steaming facials increases circulation, encouraging collagen production that keeps skin firm and elastic and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Steam also opens pores and loosens gunk that makes cleansing, toning and masking more effective at dislodging and eliminating it from pores.

Hydration is another reason to use steam: its water vapor can help replenish skin moisture reserves, strengthening and restoring strength and elasticity.

2. Reduces Acne

Oils that clog pores and lead to acne can be softer with steaming, so estheticians often steam before extractions for professional-level facials to soften these clogging oils and prevent skin from irritation during exfoliation.

Steaming can also help remove dirt or bacteria lodged deep within pores, helping prevent blackheads from turning into stubborn pimples. Some may claim it makes their pores appear smaller as well; however, no research supports such claims.

No matter which facial cleansing method you employ – be it toweling over your face or using an electric device – using distilled water is key to effective skin care. Regular tap water can contain minerals that irritate skin conditions; while distilled water is free from such impurities.

3. Hydrates Skin

One of the best things you can do for your skin is keep it hydrated, and steaming can do exactly that. The water vapor contained within steam helps soften dead cells on your face so they can shed faster, giving way to newer, more vibrant ones that emerge from underneath them.

Heat also opens pores, loosening any dirt, oil, or debris that might be contributing to acne breakouts – which is why facialists typically recommend steaming a client prior to performing extractions (which should always be performed by professionals and never at home).

Steam your skin using either plain water, or by adding in drops of your favorite soothing herb or oil for additional benefits. Just be sure to use distilled water, which has been filtered and freed of minerals.

4. Reduces Redness

Steam softens the layer of dead skin cells that clogs pores and prevents natural shed-off of skin cells, helping to clear blackheads and whiteheads as well as reduce pore size.

Breaking up this layer also allows subsequent skin care products to penetrate more deeply into the skin–hyaluronic acid serum cannot work effectively without being able to reach deeper into it!

Some skin care experts suggest adding salt or lemon to steaming water for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and skin soothing properties. Salt may also help reduce dark spots while evening out the complexion.

5. Softens Skin

Steaming can help maximize the results of your skincare products. By opening pores, steaming allows products to penetrate more deeply into the skin and prevents any potential clogs that could prevent absorption.

No matter if you use a device specifically designed to steam your face or simply place it over boiling water, distilled water should always be preferred as it has been purified of minerals and bacteria; moreover, its acid mantle won’t be disrupted as easily.

Warm steam combined with perspiration is often recommended as a method of improving circulation; however, those suffering from high blood pressure should exercise caution when engaging in this practice. In addition, too much steaming may cause irritation and redness if done excessively; therefore it is wise to consult a dermatologist prior to trying any home remedies yourself.