Will Facial Steaming Help Against Acne?

Acne is related to the glands in our skin known as the sebaceous glands. Oil (sebum) is secreted by the sebaceous glands to keep the skin moisturised. When these glands overproduce oil and our pores become clogged, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria. This leads to skin inflammation and pimples, which in severe cases can lead to acne.

Steaming or applying warm water to the face can help clear and unclog the pores – in doing so, acne outbreaks can be reduced. Steaming the skin allows it to absorb acne medications and other skin ointments more effectively. After receiving steam, your skin softens, making anything you apply more effective. Let's explore some more benefits of steaming face for acne.

You can open your pores and remove dirt and bacteria that cause acne by using steam on your face. Furthermore, it softens blackheads and whiteheads (caused by clogged pores), so you can remove them easily.

The steaming process increases the amount of blood flowing to your face, which delivers nutrients and oxygen. It improves skin elasticity, boosts collagen production, and reduces wrinkles and fine lines.

Steaming your face hydrates your skin. Natural oils are released when your pores are open, preventing dryness and keeping your skin moisturised.

If you're wondering "is steaming face good for acne", here's the truth: steaming your face alone will not help clear your acne. It will also not prevent the pimples and breakouts from reoccurring. Also, if you are considering steaming face for acne scars and using it as your primary acne treatment, you'll always find yourself lagging.

Steaming your face does not have any effect on inflamed pimples and more significant blemishes such as cysts and nodules. You will not be able to extract these deep-rooted, more significant blemishes irrespective of how much or how long your steam your face.

If you want to know how to steam face for acne at home, here's what you need to follow:

1. Cleanse your face with a mild, gentle cleanser. You would want to start on a clean surface so that your pores are all clean and there is no dirt, bacteria, or sebum collected, which would cause further issues.
2. Allow your face to steam between 5 and 20 minutes while you relax.
3. Apply a deep cleansing face mask and allow it to dry.
4. Afterwards, wash off the face mask and splash cold water on your face. This will tighten your pores. Alternatively, you can use cold steam if your steamer supports it.
5. Use a clean towel to pat your face dry.
6. Finish off with a moisturiser that is non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores).

We all know that anything in excess is harmful, isn't it? Steaming excessively is bad for your skin and acne as well since it can lead to aggravating the condition. Hence, it is ideal to steam your face no more than once a week for mild acne conditions.

But if your pores are extremely clogged and you need to clear your skin, you can steam your face twice a week, but no more than that. You can do this twice-a-week routine for two weeks, and then shift to a once-a-week routine.