Here in the Northeast, the weather is growing colder and drier, and most of us notice the harsh weather taking a toll on our skin. We all have a natural lipid layer that acts as a barrier to the elements, but it’s important to protect and nurture that barrier when the climate is less than friendly.
One of the simplest and most beneficial things that you can do for your skin is to take a moment for self care and practice facial steaming. Facial steaming increases blood flow to the skin which nourishes the cells and aids in the repair process. It also opens and clears the pores, and prepares the skin to properly receive moisturizer.
Advanced facialists use steaming for comedone extraction, to activate peels and exfoliators, and for saponification, which is a process where oil is used to clear clogged pores.
There are many facial steaming devices on the market, but in all honestly, I don’t recommend them. Because they can easily develop mildew and mold, they need to be cleaned thoroughly during each use. They also don’t apply the steam evenly which reduces the benefits of the treatment. I also don’t recommend using a bowl of hot water draped with a towel–it’s less effective than a hot shower!
That said, the easiest and most effective ways to steam your skin is to use a steam towel. This isn’t just for spas and barber ships. It can easily be done at home, and all you really need is water and a towel. This is something I learned several decades ago in beauty school, but I still use it in every makeup room, every makeup trailer, and on myself!
Most makeup trailers and rooms will have a hot towel cabinet, as we often use a hot towels to remove talent makeup, do a quick facial mask, or to rejuvenate after a long day of filming. You don’t have to have a professional license to purchase one of these, and I even bought one as a housewarming gift for my now husband (I know how to catch a man, ladies and gentlemen!) These cabinets are very nice to have if you want to splurge, but they are not necessary. As you will see below, you can just use a microwave or even very hot water from your faucet.
It’s this simple:
First, roll a traditionally trifolded towel into a tube.
Next, place the tube directly under the faucet, and saturate it with the hottest water you can handle (about 100-110 degrees.) You can even add a few drops of essential oil or (my favorite) Olbas Oil beforehand if you want a full spa experience.
Then, wring out the water. If the towel isn’t very hot, microwave it while still rolled for 10-15 seconds.
After letting the towel cool to a safe temperature (100-110 degrees,) unroll it and place the curve of the towel under your chin and each side over half of your face. Leave an opening for your mouth and nose so you can breathe easily. Lie back and relax for about ten minutes, then remove the towel and pat your skin dry. Repeat as needed.
I like to use a steam towel in conjunction with my aspirin mask, or after generously applying a facial oil like The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil or Everyday Oil. If you really want to go all out, steam twice—first with my DIY Aspirin Mask, then with oil. You still SEE and FEEL a difference immediately!
As you can see, this is an easy and fast at home beauty treatment that will make you feel like you are in a spa or a makeup trailer. Make some time for yourself today and try it!