Q&A for How to Do a Steam Facial

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  • Question
    How should I prepare for a steam facial?
    R. Sonia Batra, MD, MSc, MPH
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Dr. R. Sonia Batra is a board certified Dermatologist and the Founder of Batra Dermatology based in Los Angeles, California. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Batra specializes in lasers, medical devices, patient and public medical education, and skin cancer research. She received her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree in Public Health, and her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees from Harvard University. As a Rhodes Scholar, she earned a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics at the University of Oxford. She completed her residency training in Dermatology at Stanford University. Dr. Batra has contributed and reviewed for the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and JAMA Dermatology. She is also a co-host of CBS’ Emmy award-winning television show, The Doctors.
    Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    Hold off on using any products that contain retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids for at least three or four days before you do a steam facial. Those ingredients are good for treating acne, but they can sensitize your skin and make it a little bit more inflamed when combined with steam.
  • Question
    Will this reduce pimples and oil on my face?
    Celina Larraine Mack
    Community Answer
    Yes. Steam opens the pore; the clay mask helps pull impurities out of your skin; and the toner, lemon or honey closes the pore. A good weekly routine of this process, eating right, and drinking plenty of water should help pimples. Remember to use clean makeup brushes as well.
  • Question
    Can I do a steam facial daily?
    Community Answer
    You can, but I don't do it more than a couple of times a week. If you take hot showers daily, your face will already get a steam facial of a simple sort. Too much of a good thing isn't good!
  • Question
    Can I use cold water to close my pores instead of toner?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you surely can! Just be sure to wash your hands first, you don't want to undo all of your effort by putting bacteria back on your face.
  • Question
    What could I use instead of cleanser?
    Community Answer
    You could use baby soap or bar soap as long as it does not have any harmful alcohols in it. However, you don't need to use a cleanser. Instead, you can just rinse with cool water and pat dry.
  • Question
    Should I apply the mask right after steaming, or should I wash my face first?
    Community Answer
    Wash your face before you steam, and after you steam, apply the mask. This way your pores will be open to absorb the product.
  • Question
    After steaming, can we put honey directly on the face?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Just make sure you rinse off the honey after a while, otherwise your face will be sticky all day/night!
  • Question
    Can I use a peel-off mask after steaming?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The clay mask helps to tone the skin overall, whereas a peel-off mask helps to rid of blackheads while helping to smooth the skin.
  • Question
    Can I wash my face with soap after steaming?
    Community Answer
    Yes you can. A face wash or baby soap works well and can remove all dust and debris. Don't forget to apply moisturizer afterward.
  • Question
    If I already steam my face before cleansing it, what can I do to limit bacteria going into the pores?
    Community Answer
    Let your face cool down for a few minutes after steaming, then cleanse it and use toner.
  • Question
    Can I do the steam facial without the mask?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Instead of a mask you can use raw honey, or you can just use cold water to close your pores.
  • Question
    I have spots and whitish patches on my chin and facial skin. What can I do to get rid of them?
    Community Answer
    Try making a coffee scrub and gently rub your face with it. Rinse with cold water and put some coconut oil on afterwards. This worked for me.
  • Question
    I am a man. Is it better to shave before doing a full facial?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is better to shave. You will not get the full effect of a facial with facial hair as the steam will not be able to reach the pores as well as it could without the hair.
  • Question
    Do I have to add herbals and oils?
    Community Answer
    No.
  • Question
    Can I use an exfoliant after steaming?
    Community Answer
    You shouldn't, as hot water opens up the pores. Use a toner instead. Wait until the following day to exfoliate again.
  • Question
    How often should I do a steam facial?
    Community Answer
    It is recommended you do a steam facial no more than once a week, as doing it more frequently can dry out your skin.
  • Question
    Can I steam my face with a face mask on?
    Community Answer
    No, this isn't advised. It's best to steam your face when it's clean and clear so that your pores can be reached more effectively.
  • Question
    Can I use sheet mask then a clay mask?
    Community Answer
    It's best to do one or the other. Too many masks can stress your skin. Try alternating masks and use them 2-3 times per week.
  • Question
    How many days before prom day should I get a facial?
    Community Answer
    I would recommend getting one a month or so before so you know how your skin will react. Then schedule on a day or two before your prom.
  • Question
    Can you recommend a good apple cider vinegar product for me?
    Community Answer
    Bragg Organic apple cider vinegar is the best option, as it is high quality, organic, and easily obtainable. Organic is important, as you don't want to introduce fertilizers and pesticides from conventional plant products into your body.
  • Question
    Will my skin get darker?
    Community Answer
    No. When you steam your face, you are only removing dirt from your pores.
  • Question
    Can I apply sandalwood powder after steaming my face?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Adding any clay or earth to it will increase the benefit. Sandalwood is known to sooth and cool the skin.
  • Question
    Can I add ginger to the steam?
    Community Answer
    Sure.
  • Question
    How long do I leave the moisturizer on for?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to remover moisturizer, simply leave it on and your skin will absorb it.
  • Question
    Will this remove facial hair?
    Community Answer
    No. .
  • Question
    After applying the mask, can I rub an ice cube on my face?
    Vaibhav Bhagat
    Community Answer
    Yes. This will close the opened pores on the skin. You can also use cold water or a toner.
  • Question
    After steaming, can I just use a face pack of patanjali instead of a mask to close my pores?
    Community Answer
    A face pack and face mask are the same thing, so, yes.
  • Question
    How often should steam my face if I have oily skin?
    Community Answer
    Just a few times a week. You don't want to over-do it as it can cause your face to dry out, which can make it produce even more oil.
  • Question
    I waxed recently and got a pimple afterward. What can I do about it?
    Community Answer
    You might have an ingrown hair. There are many home remedies for this, check out this article on how to Remove an Ingrown Hair .
  • Question
    If I do a steam facial and then take a shower afterwards, will the shower undo everything the steam facial just did?
    Community Answer
    No, it won't. It's just like washing your face after a steam facial. Just don't use unnecessary face washes and scrubs. You might want stick to coconut oil, honey or maybe even a simple moisturizer.
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