Kayla Young
We’ve all heard the numerous benefits of steaming your face, and if you’ve tried it in the past, you’re probably familiar with how effective it can be when done correctly. However, can you do it frequently? What are the disadvantages of steaming your face every day?
- The benefits of this well-known beauty secret usually outweigh the disadvantages
- Steaming your face daily can negatively impact your skin
- When done too much, steaming can even cause damage
In this article, we’ll look at the disadvantages of steaming your face daily and provide a few situations in which it may be ineffective or even dangerous.
Contents
Disadvantages of Steaming Your Face Every Day
The time it takes to see the potential disadvantages of excessive steaming becoming evident will vary from one person’s skin type to the next. The most notable negative effects include:
The time it takes to see the potential disadvantages of excessive steaming becoming evident will vary.
1. Skin sensitivity
Excessive steaming of sensitive skin or steaming skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea may trigger facial flushing.
This can aggravate your condition and increase redness and sensitivity.
2. Eye sensitivity
Your eyes are extremely vulnerable to most elements, and there’s no exception when it comes to steam. The more common reactions of the eye to excessive steam are:
- Redness of the eye
- Swelling or puffiness
- Dry eyes
- Continuous watering of the eye
This is of particular concern if you use herbs in your steamer, and if you don’t regularly clean it.
3. Neck exposure
The sweat that is often given off during steaming can settle in the neckline and cause bacteria build-up if not removed properly.
In addition, necklines are often overlooked after applying moisturizers and can become dry and flaky after steaming.
4. Possibility of burning
Finally, the most obvious disadvantage is the possibility of getting burned. Your skin is made up of layers that significantly differ from other body parts.
If you’re using the traditional bowl of water method, you risk getting too close to (or worse, touch) the water.
If you’re using a facial steamer, filling the incorrect amount of water or holding the steamer too close to your face can result in your skin getting burned and even scarred.
Causes of Blemishes
Facial steaming machines can be effective in helping remove blackheads and acne from the skin surface in most situations. However, other factors may be at play which steam may aggravate and lead to scarring if not treated correctly:
Facial steaming machines can be effective in helping remove blackheads and acne from the skin surface in most situations.
1. Hormones
Hormonal activity is normal, of course. Acne or breakouts during times of higher hormonal activity such as puberty and menstruation cycles are a common combination that steaming won’t do much to help.
While occasional steaming will help you control excessive oil on your face, steaming your face daily can lead to any of the disadvantages mentioned earlier while having little effect on the actual facial skin condition.
2. Stress
Stress can cause several chemical and hormonal changes in the body, which often show themselves as blemishes. Once again, excessively trying to steam the issue away can cause more damage than good to your skin.
3. Genes
Certain genetic issues can affect oil production in the skin, which causes breakouts. Steaming can help, but remember that other elements also make up your skin.
Alternatives to Face Steaming
Very few facial cleansing and treatment alternatives can provide the immediate sensation that a good old facial steaming does. However, they do exist and can be used more safely on various skin types. (They’re also a lot cheaper than the higher-tier steamers.)
- Baking soda and water
- Jojoba or coconut oil
- Sugar or oatmeal scrubs
- Milk and honey
- Lemon juice and cinnamon
Conclusion
Steaming is a fantastic facial treatment that will help you keep your skin looking fresh and clear. We’re fans!
While the benefits of steaming your face are well documented, a few negatives are worth your consideration if you intend to steam your face daily as part of your ongoing beauty regime.
Increased sensitivity and redness are the most commonly noted reactions to excessive steam, while scarring and permanent damage are also possible in more extreme but real potential circumstances.
It is always a good idea to alternate between steaming and using products to restore lost vitamins and minerals to your face as part of a complete skincare process.
