How often should I do a deep cleansing facial steam?
I say every four to six weeks is perfect. You'll see an over all improvement in your skin as you get in the routine of doing this. When you first start out, you may want to do your facials more often, such as every three weeks, then reducing to every four to six weeks to maintain better skin condition.
You probably have everything you need! Put your hair up in a towel and secure the towel with clips or pins so the towel does not flop down while your leaning over to steam. While your doing your facial, it's a great time to deep condition your hair. You want to keep your hair completely off your face.
Get in your most comfortable sweat pants and T-shirt or favorite robe, light a relaxing blend candle such as lavender.
*(see below for options) For Steam Inhalation, to relieve colds, bronchitis and congestion, See Below Home Facial Section.
First, put some water on to boil in a medium size pot (1/4 to 1/2 full), add some salt. Start with cleaning your face while waiting for the water to boil. I'm a soap and water girl but use what you like best. Skin cleansing is important, so find a product that works best for your skin type. Olive oil is a very good make up remover, skin cleanser and moisturizer!
You'll need a couple of extra towels, exfoliating product, toner or witch hazel (never alcohol!), cotton pads or balls, moisturizer, body lotion, and a mask is optional. After cleansing, exfoliate. For more information on exfoliating, go to the "Skincare" page from the menu on the left.
Now your ready to steam your face, the water should be boiling now. Turn the burner off and let it settle for a few moments. You can leave the pot on the stove or bring it to a coffee table (if it's not too high or an antique).
Be sure and lay a towel under the pot to protect your furniture and above all, use extreme caution moving hot water. (That's why you only need a small amount of water in the pot).
To steam your face, put a towel completely over your head like a tent over the pot of water and let the steam rise up to your face. Never put your face too close in the pot or the steam will burn you. You will find the right distance quickly. You want to do this for five to ten minutes if you can stand it.
Pat dry, don't rub. Steaming the skin is an important step because it's going to get those pores open, loosen any blackheads, you sweat out toxins and open up your sinuses also. (I do this when I'm suffering with a cold or sinuses and add a drop of peppermint and a few drops of eucalyptus to the water). For facials, you can also add your favorite essential oil or herbs if you like. If you do add fresh herbs, make sure you use a glass or enameled pot, not metal.
I know hovering over a pot on the stove or table is not the most relaxing situation, but hey, let me know if there's a better way to do a home facial. I even tried using a vaporizer but it was not as effective because it was too hot and you can't control it, and, I bought a facial steamer but it was a pain to keep clean, it broke, and is just another thing to store! I also found that I was less likely to keep up my facial routine since I had to dig it out the closet, take it from the box, get it ready, etc, etc! (if you saw my closets...you'd understand!)
Next you want to extract any blackheads while your pores are open and your skin is supple from the moisture. Use gentle pressure to extract, you can damage your skin by squeezing too hard! Once that is done, then you want to use your toner (witch hazel) to pick up any impurities on the skin.
Next would be a mask. Follow the instructions on the jar or tube and then get to your most comfortable place. Please see "facial recipes" (link below) for some easy ingredients you may have in your kitchen already for a great mask. Now it's time to put lotion on your feet, ankles, legs, knees, elbows, wherever!
*Options for home facials: If you have an electric blanket you can get really cozy. (Just remember to plug it in ahead of time) Socks and gloves or plastic bags can be used on/around your hands and feet after applying lotion. Wrapping hands and feet in a heating pad will help lotion work even better.
As far as facial masks go, I prefer one that washes off. I don't care for a "peel off" type.
This is the only relaxing part of an at home facial so try your best to relax and enjoy even if it's only ten or fifteen minutes! After you remove the mask with warm water, pat dry, then use toner again to remove any residue left. Let skin breathe for a little while, then apply moisturizer. Your skin should be soft, supple, hydrated with a new glow and rosy complexion.
In some cases, you may have a blemish come out in a couple of days. This is the steam and pulling action of a facial mask bringing impurities to the surface of the skin. It was already there, you just brought it out sooner. Once you decide to do facials on a regular basis, you will see an over-all improvement in the skin.
If you experience any irritation such as a rash like patch of redness, did you use a new product? If so, that is most likely the cause and you are having a reaction.
After a facial, you should be a little pink which is healthy and caused by friction from cleansing, along with creating a good circulation of blood flow.
If you are red, (not a rash type pattern), you probably got too close to the steam and poached yourself a bit. Next time, just back away from the steam a little higher.
