Can I use vitamin C serum after steaming?

Author: Dr. Vada Padberg Sr.  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 25, 2025

To trap that water in, apply a moisturizer or serum, like our AHA Serum or Vitamin C Serum, post-face steaming session. Dermatologists say that doing so after hydrating your skin can help it retain that moisture for longer-lasting effects.

Can I use vitamin C after steaming?

Face steaming increases the penetration of active ingredients applied topically immediately after steaming. Active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol can penetrate better and become more effective.

Can we apply serum after steaming?

After using your facial steamer, give your face a quick second wash with warm water, then proceed to use serums and moisturizers. Effects from these products are enhanced after steaming, so you don't want to skip this part, even if your skin feels hydrated from the mist.

What not to do after steaming your face?

Don'ts:
  1. Don't steam your face for too long or too frequently, as it can lead to skin dryness or irritation.
  2. Don't use boiling water for steaming, as it can cause burns. ...
  3. Don't apply too much pressure or scrub your skin aggressively during or after steaming, as it can damage the skin's protective barrier.

What is the best thing to put on your face after steaming?

After using your facial steamer, give your face a quick second wash with warm water, then proceed to use serums and moisturizers. Effects from these products are enhanced after steaming, so you don't want to skip this part, even if your skin feels hydrated from the mist.

The RIGHT way to use Vitamin C (and mistakes to avoid!)

Should I scrub before or after steaming?

If you're pondering whether to exfoliate before or after steaming face, the answer is always to wait until after. This is because skin steaming loosens up a lot of buildup in your pores, and exfoliating can make removing those impurities much easier. Drape a towel over your face and pat it dry.

How to remove blackheads after steaming?

Steam your face for a minute or two to loosen up all that hardened oil and dirt in the pores and allow for easy extraction. Once done, take a washcloth and dip it in that hot water. Wring out the excess and use that cloth to trap heat in the affected area.

In what order do you steam your face?

The general protocol is as follows:
  1. Cleanse the skin (or pre-cleanse in some cases)
  2. Steam the skin (this sometimes takes place simultaneously with cleansing)
  3. Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells (this can take place before or after steaming)
  4. Extract dirt and oil from the pores (e.g., blackheads)

How long should I steam my face to get rid of congestion?

Allow the steam to enter your nose and mouth by breathing normally though your nose and mouth. Do this for 10-15 minutes. You will need to top up with just-boiled water 2-3 times as it will cool and lose the steam. Use ordinary water, just-boiled from the kettle.

Can you steam your face every day?

Even if you enjoy steaming, you shouldn't do it everyday — you can do ten minutes a week at most. Similar to many skin care practices, steaming everyday can become harsh on the skin and your pores.

Can I apply serum after face mist?

And when it comes to mists, that's right after cleansing skin and before applying a serum. "The thought is that skin is more permeable when it's damp, so ideally everyone should use a mist or toner after cleansing and then follow it with a serum," says Rouleau.

Can I use salicylic acid serum after steaming face?

The main ingredient is Salicylic Acid (BHA) which helps to deeply cleanse oily skin, remove dead skin cells on the skin surface and slow down the skin aging process. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Salicylic Acid effectively support acne treatment and prevent acne from returning.

Can I apply serum after taking steam?

Applying a face serum after the steaming process is completed will add the much-required suppleness to your skin. The Super Clarifying 12% Niacinamide Face Serum for All Skin Types is an appropriate product to use in this regard. Following your exfoliation and face mask, it is time to moisturize your face.

What not to do when using vitamin C?

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Vitamin C Serum
  1. Using Too Many Products with Vitamin C. ...
  2. Buying Poorly Packaged Vitamin C Products. ...
  3. Layering Vitamin C with the Wrong Ingredients. ...
  4. Using Expired Vitamin C Serum. ...
  5. Choosing a Serum with Ineffective Vitamin C. ...
  6. Apply it at the Right Time. ...
  7. Store it Properly. ...
  8. Use the Right Amount.

What to do after steaming your face?

Your skin is particularly receptive to products after steaming, making it the ideal time to apply your favorite face mask. Apply toner. Facial toner helps close your pores so uninvited impurities don't sneak in and undo all the benefits of steaming. If you don't have toner, cold water works, too.

How often should you steam to clear sinuses?

Inhale the steam with slow, deep breaths for at least two to five minutes, refilling with hot water every two to three minutes. Limit the duration of the individual session to 10–15 minutes. Repeat sessions two to three times a day, as needed.

What is the most powerful natural decongestant?

Certain essential oils, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree oil, are known for their decongestant properties. Otolaryngologists often suggest inhaling these oils through a diffuser or steam inhalation to alleviate nasal congestion naturally.

What is the best time to steam your face?

The answer to this question is that more often than not, steaming should occur both before and after you cleanse your skin. In most cases, you'll want to cleanse your skin before you steam in order to remove dirt, pollution, oil, and makeup.

Do you steam through your nose or mouth?

How to inhale steam properly?
  1. Boil a pot of water and allow it to cool slightly.
  2. Use a large towel to cover your head and shoulders so the warm air gets a focused passage to your nose and it does not cool down quickly.
  3. Start inhaling the warm and moist air and continue the procedure for about 5-10 minutes.

Do you steam a clean or dirty face?

Cleansing your face first removes makeup and dirt. This is important because once you steam your face, it opens up your pores, and anything left on your skin such as makeup and dirt can get inside your skin and may cause pimples or irritation.

How do you draw out a deep blackhead?

To extract blackheads, you need to properly squeeze the skin with your fingers or use a tool to remove material that's clogging a pore. A professional esthetician can remove blemishes, including blackheads, during a facial treatment, or you can do it yourself at home. Be sure to also follow proper steps for aftercare.

What are the disadvantages of steaming your face?

Disadvantages: It can aggravate sensitive skin, or if you suffer from rosacea or eczema, the heat and steam may trigger “facial flushing”, so anyone prone to redness should avoid it.

What melts away blackheads?

Salicylic acid

It breaks down dead skin cells and extra oil before they can clog your pores. When you go to the pharmacy, check the ingredient labels carefully. You'll find products with salicylic acid that range in strength from 0.5% to 5%. The acid can be harsh on some people's skin.

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