Facial steaming and cleansing are popular components of a deep-cleaning regimen designed to refresh the skin and clear impurities. The process uses warm, moist air to influence the skin’s surface. A common point of confusion is the correct sequence: whether to steam the face before or after the main cleansing step. Understanding the purpose of each action helps establish the most beneficial order for achieving a deep and effective clean.
The Correct Order
The most beneficial sequence begins with a gentle initial cleanse, followed by steaming, and then a more thorough, deeper cleansing. Performing a light wash beforehand removes makeup, surface dirt, and environmental pollutants. This initial action prevents superficial impurities from being pushed deeper into the skin once the warmth of the steam takes effect. After this preparation, the skin is ready to receive the benefits of the warm moisture. The final step is to leverage the skin’s prepared state by performing a deep cleanse or applying a mask to draw out loosened debris.
How Steam Prepares the Skin
Facial steaming uses heat and moisture to change the condition of the skin’s surface, preparing it for purification. The warm, moist air increases the skin’s surface temperature, which promotes mild perspiration. This rise in temperature helps soften the skin’s outer layer and loosen compacted materials within the follicular openings.
Targeting Sebum and Absorption
This process specifically targets hardened sebum, the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. When sebum becomes trapped beneath the skin’s surface along with dead skin cells, it contributes to congestion and the formation of blackheads. The steam helps liquify this trapped material, allowing it to move more freely.
Additionally, the heat causes vasodilation, meaning the blood vessels near the skin’s surface widen, which increases blood flow. The warmth also increases the skin’s permeability, which is the ability to absorb substances. This heightened receptivity means that products applied after steaming penetrate more deeply and evenly.
Essential Steps Following Steaming
Once the skin has been steamed and the deep cleanse or mask is complete, immediate aftercare is necessary to finalize the routine and protect the purified skin. Because the heat leaves the skin softened, the next action should be to cool and rebalance the skin. Rinsing the face with cool water or gently applying a toner helps reduce the appearance of the follicular openings expanded by the steam.
Toner also helps restore the skin’s natural pH balance after cleansing. Following this cooling and balancing step, the skin is in an optimal state for product absorption, making it the perfect time to apply specialized treatments like serums or ampoules. The final step is to apply a moisturizer, which creates a protective layer on the skin’s surface to lock in hydration. This ensures the skin retains its supple texture and prevents transepidermal water loss.