Do dermatologists recommend steaming face?

Author: Mrs. Madonna Dooley  |  Last update: Sunday, January 18, 2026

It is recommended to only use a facial steamer once or twice a week if you have acne-prone skin or if you have healthy skin, but just want to increase the skin permeability. If you suffer from any sort of skin condition, we recommend discussing facial steamers with your dermatologist before utilizing them.

Do dermatologists recommend facial steaming?

For acne patients with clogged pores, it can be a great method for unclogging the pores and decrease the acne-inducing bacteria. Once or twice a week can be beneficial. For rosacea or eczema patients, it is definitely not recommended to use steam.

What are the disadvantages of steaming your face?

Steam is harmful for the skin as it takes away natural moisture from the skin leaving it dry and parched. It can increase open pores which may in turn lead to formation of Blackheads and Whiteheads (acne).

Does steaming your face really help?

Steaming your face softens your skin and opens your pores, making it a great addition to your skincare routine. Here are some facial steaming benefits: Purging. The steam opens your pores and purges unwanted substances, like excess sebum.

Should I moisturize before or 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.

Dermatologist breaks down everything you need to know about steam and your skin's health

What should I put on my skin before steaming?

Wash your face with your favorite facial cleanser. Before steaming, you want your face to be free of dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells. The hot steam opens your pores, and dirt can get trapped, causing irritation and breakouts. You can also use a gentle exfoliating scrub as part of this step.

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.

Should I dry my face after steaming?

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. This is also a great time to apply a facial mask and other skincare products, like a serum, as the steam makes the skin more permeable.

What are the disadvantages of face clean up?

If you have a sensitive skin one can also have allergic reactions to the chemicals present in the synthetic scrubs as well. 2. Over scrubbing can result in open pores which are exposed to pollution and UV rays at the same time. It also leaves your skin more prone to infections and tanning.

What is the best facial steamer to buy?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Conair Facial Sauna System at Amazon $49.
  • Best Splurge: Dr. ...
  • Best Design: Vanity Planet Aira Ionic Facial Steamer at Amazon $68.
  • Best Value: Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer at Amazon $50 $40.
  • Best for All Skin Types: Skin Gym Voda Facial Steamer at Amazon $70.

How to close pores after steaming?

However, if not steaming your face, exfoliating your skin can be a great way to keep your skin silky and soft by removing any dead skin cells. Using a toner after you have rinsed away your mask will encourage your pores to close back up to ensure dirt won't easily get back in.

Does steaming your face prevent aging?

According to Tevelin, facial steaming can also help counteract signs of aging. "Facial steaming helps to boost hydration, which means it has a soothing, smoothing effect, and it also boosts radiance," she says.

Who should not steam their face?

Although steaming is generally safe when done correctly, some people should steer clear. “If you're prone to redness or rosacea or have broken capillaries on the skin, I don't recommend steaming,” Diliberto explains. “The heat can exacerbate redness because it brings more blood flow to the surface of the skin.”

Should you wash your face before or after steaming?

Before steaming, most experts recommend a light cleanse. Cleansing before steaming aids in the removal of any remaining dead skin cells. Since the pores may dilate with heat, this avoids further clogging. However, if you don't also cleanse your face after the procedure, those dead cells may clog your pores once more.

What is the alternative to steaming your face?

Take a towel and soak it in hot water, wring it out so that it is no longer dripping, and drape it over your face. If the towel is hot enough, it will steam the face for a few minutes. The biggest challenge with this method is that the wet towel will cool quickly.

Should I wash my face with soap or just water?

Using a standard soap or shampoo on your face is likely to disrupt the pH balance, your skin then has to try and undo the damage, that may have already caused an outbreak. It's simple, only cleansers should be used to clean the face.

Which is the best facial for glowing skin?

Hydrafacial. This popular treatment removes dead skin and dirt, unclogging pores and giving your skin a healthy glow. This works essentially through high-pressure water being blasted into your face and skin with very precise instruments. It combines exfoliation, hydration, and antioxidant protection.

What are the side effects of Hydra Facial?

Side Effects of Hydra-Medi Facial
  • Mild redness and itching on the skin, which subsides quickly.
  • If the Hydra-Medi Facial treatment is performed on an active rash or sunburn, it might aggravate it.
  • Not advisable for pregnant women.

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 does ice do to your face?

Reduce Puffiness: The cold temperature constricts blood vessels, working wonders on under-eye bags, facial swelling, and inflammation. It's a fantastic way to refresh your appearance, especially in the morning.

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.

What to add when steaming your face?

Face Steaming for Dry Skin

You can also add 1 tbsp dried Rose petals, 1 tbsp dried Calendula, and 4-5 drops Rose essential oil. Face steaming for dry skin is an excellent way to hydrate and remove dead skin cells, for a glowing finish. End this ritual with a nourishing night cream for dry skin.

Is it better to steam in the morning or at night?

Are you feeling tired, even when you go to bed early? It could be that you are not getting enough of the important deep sleep. Regular steam baths in the evening are an effective way to improve the overall quality of your sleep.

Is steaming good for hair?

Long considered one of the most effective ways to stave off dryness, replenish curls & give your hair softness & strength, hair steaming is a downright game changer for keeping up the health of natural hair textures.

Previous article
Who shouldn t take niacinamide?
Next article
What is the 2x2 rule workout?