Everything you need to know about skin steaming

Is a DIY steam safe?

Mia Erickson

3 min read

November 7, 2023 - 12:46PM

There are more benefits to skin steaming than pure relaxation, but can it be replicated at home on a budget? Image: iStock

Lifestyle

Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.

It’s common for dermal specialists to incorporate steam into a beauty treatment, but how effective is the practice? An expert breaks down the benefits of skin steaming, sharing the dos and don’ts of trying the treatment at home.

There’s not much beauty trendsetters will shy away from when it comes to innovative skin treatments. From ice baths and facials to hot stone massages, temperature-driven treatments have been used for centuries around the world. Now the TikTok beauty girlies are praising the power of skin steaming (and no, we’re not talking about down there, Gwyneth).

And while anyone who’s ever felt the warm mist during a facial can attest to the instant relaxation, the benefits of skin steaming go beyond the surface of our epidermis. Paired with the right products and techniques, skin steaming has been found to promote deep exfoliation, blood flow stimulation and improved skin elasticity.

With the hefty price tag attached to most trendy skin treatments not being totally compatible with most of our bank accounts, at-home skin steaming is an affordable (and effective) way to get your glow on, granted you take the right precautions. Award-winning skin and dermal therapist, Isabella Loneragan, breaks down the benefits of skin steaming, sharing how to master the DIY treatment properly.

Like what you see? Sign up to our bodyandsoul.com.au newsletter for more stories like this.

How to nail skin steaming at home

According to the experienced dermal therapist, heat treatments like skin steaming are routinely used to boost circulation, ease muscle tension, open pores, and reduce fine lines, and unlike most beauty trends rising to the surface these days, the centuries-old heat technique actually does work.

While steam in its pure form is renowned for its influence on several bodily systems, it’s best used in conjunction with specific products when it comes to effective exfoliation. “Unlike skin steaming for internal health purposes such as treating chest or sinus ailments, skin steaming for external skin brightness is most effective if coupled with an exfoliation system that is fruit enzyme-based,” says Loneragan.

Unfortunately, opening the dishwasher on your pores straight after a cycle isn’t likely to do much good for your skin. In order to start seeing results from skin steaming at home, Loneragan says there’s no substitute for consistency, proper technique and investing in a good quality steam apparatus, which typically costs anywhere from $40 to $200. Simply position the steamer 30 to 40 cm from your face, and let it work its magic for up to five minutes.

Effective skin steaming doesn’t need to eat into your time or bank account too severely. Image: iStock

“When skin steaming is correctly used in conjunction with a fruit enzyme-based exfoliation system, the effects are incredible because the steam works to open the pores and really enhance the power of skincare products,” she explains. “[At-home skin steamers] are far more effective than using boiling water in a bowl or pot because the skin steamer consistently produces steam versus sitting hot water which will cool down quickly.”

So how often should we be exposing our faces to steam? Loneragan says, like any beauty treatment, the answer depends largely on what your goals for your skin look like, as well as any preexisting concerns and sensitivities you may have.

“Those with flaring temperature skin conditions like rosacea should consult with a qualified dermatologist before incorporating skin steaming into their skincare routine because the heat from skin steaming will increase inflammatory mediators in the skin which can worsen rosacea redness,” says Loneragan, adding that individuals with acne should aim to steam twice a week, with those seeking general rejuvenation benefits only steaming once a week.

Above all, the dermal expert urges people to steer clear of potentially dangerous at-home methods, no matter no how time-efficient they may seem. “Please do not skin steam with a kettle! I cannot stress this enough. Doing so will put you at a high risk of burning your face!” Says Loneragan, adding that investing in a proper device will ensure the steam remains at a safe temperature throughout the entire treatment.

Skin steaming with the right products will actually get you more bang for your buck, elevating the effectiveness of your exfoliators, serums and moisturisers. Image: iStock

How to get the most out of each steam

While you may gravitate towards scrubs for deep exfoliation, Loneragan says it’s imperative you avoid any harsh, granular products when using a skin steamer, given the heightened likelihood of skin sensitivity. As a safer alternative, the dermal therapist recommends using a fruit-enzyme-based product that will be activated with the steam, dissolving dead skin buildup and allowing post-treatment serums and moisturisers to be better absorbed into the skin.

“The benefits of skin steaming with a fruit enzyme-based exfoliation system are numerous and include increased hydration for dry skin, a release of trapped sebum which prevents bacteria from breeding and thus preventing acne and blackheads, increased skin elasticity from better absorption of skincare products, better collagen production and better circulation which results in a healthy glow,” adds Loneragan.