What Is a Steam Facial?
A steam facial is a skincare treatment that uses trapped vapors from hot water to cleanse the skin. It is also typically implemented as a means to add moisture to the face and to loosen substances in the skin’s pores. Steam facials can be performed either at home over a sink or at spas with specialized steaming machines. An at-home steam facial generally only requires two main pieces of equipment: a sink or large bowl and a towel. A person fills the sink or bowl with hot water, then bends over and positions his or her face close to the water without touching it. He or she then can drape a towel over his or her head to trap the steam from the hot water so it only penetrates the face. The amount of time the treatment takes can vary depending on the individual and his or her comfort level with the steam temperature, but is commonly around 15 minutes.