I went to a dermatologist yearsss ago, and she actually recommended steaming my face before I started trying to get the blackheads and whiteheads out. I feel Like NOW since steamers are popular and more and more people are buying them dermatologists have bad reviews on them.
It's true, better steamers are more available for people to use at home now where as before you had to go to a dermatologist or beauty spa for it and pay a lot of money! It's also true your pores don't have muscles to open and close like she said BUT they do expand and retract! So a steamer does open up the pores and remove impurities (especially well if you use a microsteamer and deionizing steamer because the steam particles are much smaller and get in better). It also softens everything which helps with cleaning the skin out and for better exfoliation with your products. It's important to finish up with a good serum or toner afterwards though to hydrate the skin and so you don't leave your skin vulnerable to just get refilled with impurities. And it will also absorb your products better. Also you only need to steam for 10-15 minutes once or twice a week depending on your skin type. Over steaming will be too harsh and drying and not give your pores time to rest/retract properly, so for dry skin 10 mins once a week is better. Also if you suffer from very sensitive skin or rosacea you shouldn't use it as it could be too harsh and just make your skin worse. Some steamers you can add essential oils to as well for even better results and a bonus of clearing your sinuses! The key is to use them properly and not overdo things. So yeah, do your own research because there are dermatologists out there that do use and even recommend steamers for people and others that don't. Make your own informed decision! 💖
I've steamed my face since I was 14 (am now 44), and I often get compliments on my skin since my teenage years. My teenage son is breaking out and we''ve started steaming in the last 2 weekends. Seems to be improving so much that I am considering buying an actual facial steamer instead of using a pot of water and towel.
I think she is over the board, if you steam 20 min of course you loose all the water but 2-3 min twice a week and after moistrizing cold steam which al devices have.
Yes if it works get a steamer I just do 3 minutes of steam. My skin is so soft and glowy and stays that way for days. I love it also helps with inflammed sinuses and cough
Certainly it's not for all! I works for me. It works to getting rid of phlegm, adds moisture to my face and it helps my throat! I love it, and just like everything you shouldn't over do it.
The video was going great, until she basically explained that steam does open up your pores so that the ingredients you apply on the skin penetrate better. She just made it sound bad by saying steam "damages" the skin barrier & by assuming we apply harmful products on the skin, and completely neglecting the idea that we can (actually) apply beneficial ingredients like vitamins E & C which promote skin hydration and brightness respectively. Do your research, don't be sold by people's subjective advice, which they back up with their endless qualifications (the long-winded intro on how qualified she is at the beginning of this video, already gave me an inkling there would be an attempt to sway people in a particular direction that isn't necessarily truthful, but convenient). In my personal experience, steaming has been a part of my skincare routine for years & my skin is still amazing. I know family members who beat acne by incorporating steaming into their skincare routines. We're not saying steam is a magical skincare product, but it is certainly a necessity in one's skincare routine if prominent, positive results are the goal. PERIODT.
Vitamin c and e and all other good skincare ingredients are already formulated to penetrate into the layers of the skin where they need to be. When you steam your face and apply “good” skin care ingredients they can penetrate way too deep and cause inflammation. Steaming absolutely damages the skin barrier and drys out skin, and is also not needed to see “prominent” results at all. Steaming your face just makes you sweat and increases inflammation in the skin which isn’t good. Throwing skincare ingredients that promote hydration and brightness in the skin actually is going to be less effective because you have damaged the skin my steaming it, and your ingredients are just gonna further irritate your skin. The only benefit to steaming is that it makes you sweat. So, if you love being sweaty from hot steam then go crazy I guess.
I love steaming it makes my skin glow. I also dont use skin care products like everyone else does. I use coconut oil and squaline thats basically it. My skin feels so soft and clean after I steam. Maybe the problem is people are using too many skin care products? I rinse with cold water and apply moisture after. I dont buy that it damages the skin, why do you think people use humidifiers to moisturize the air and help with congestion. I also use my steamer for my allergies it helps so much also helped my allergy induced cough. For me, it lowers inflammation so Il keep to what works for me.
I was going to purchase a very expensive steamer today. I'm prone to hyperpigmentation, I'm happy I just came across your video. I will NOT be getting a steamer after watching your video. Great information.
@Whitney Bowe Could you please cover injections around the eye area for puffiness for African-American skin or dark skin? I go to a dermatologist and she said it was not a good idea because it would cause me too I have dark circles under the eye area. I’m 50 years old and I was thinking about getting it just to look more rested but maybe I’ll just leave it alone if it can damage my eye area rather than help it. If you have a video about this please link it. Please and thank you.
I have hyperpigmentation and it's done wonders for my skin literally wonders I made my skin way more even toned and I've often used just a little green underneath my primer to keep my skin tone normal and I don't have to use anymore in fact I usually use less now
Hello, I will like share some personal experiences using facial steaming. 10 years ago my acne was really bad. I was overworked stressed college student. Lol I tried everything and nothing worked. Until I was introduced too facial steaming. I boiled Citrus peels, apple slices, carrots and whatever else I thought was cleansing. I covered my head with a towel over the pot for about 15mins. Then I would rinse my face with cold water and allow it my face to air-dry. My face dramatically improved. 😊give it a try. Good luck
Thankful to Dr. Whitney. I was debating which facial steamer to buy, and as I was researching different reviews of steamers, this video popped up in the feed. It immediately caught my attention since a dermatologist should definitely be able to advise whether facial steaming has ANY benefits. I also learned I have a proclivity to hyperpigmentation. I’ve been able to control my acne with Retinol, and though I have no active acne at this time, I still have brown scarring to deal with now... ugh. Lol.
I’m so glad that I watched this video! I bought a steamer yesterday and I’m taking it back to the store. I suffer from hyper pigmentation. I have a few scars from pimples. I’m currently using a prescription that my dermatologist prescribed. I had no idea that heat would make this condition worse but it makes sense. I also have eczema. The steamer is going back!
I’ve been steaming my skin for years. Just once or twice a month and it makes a huge difference. Face is brighter, smoother and clearer. I believe it impacts everyone’s skin differently and I would not do it more than once per week.
I had a really bad cough after covid that just wouldn’t go away and my doctor recommended using an inhalation steamer. Well, the face steamer on Amazon was more affordable and was basically the same thing (my doc approved). For me, it was a 2-in-1 product and I used it every night for a week and my face was so good and my lungs really appreciated the warm steam too… now I use it whenever I have a respiratory infection and also as part of my skincare, maybe once a week or every other week… love it!
This makes so much sense! I was moisturising my face every day and using salicylic acid face washes, using clay masks once a month; my skin was looking great, but then, out of the thought my skin would look more smooth, I did a face steam a few days ago and it's only now that I realised why my skins been troubled for the past couple days. I'm going back to my old routine. Seriously listen to this woman
@@animetiddies3424exactly we’re all different. i think it might not work well for me because i have dry sensitive skin. i might try it for a couple minutes and see how i react
If you use a face vacuum without steaming first, little to nothing will come out, BUT if you do steam first your pores do open and black heads and withe heads do come out, after steam yo vacuum, after vacuuming you apply cold, and voila, beautiful skin.
I know steaming the face is not going to open the pores like doors, but when I do that before I apply the blackhead strip thing, a low adhesive one work like miracle I don't even need to use a strong one 😂 I don't know what's happening. A bunch of face spa place using this steaming method before they use their metal tweezers to remove blackheads. I think probably cooling the skin back is the missing step after steaming
I moved to Canada and wasn't use to such dryness. It really started to affect my already prone to being dry skin. I was also getting bumps on the back of my arms and dry patches on my face. I tried all sorts of recommended dermatologist creams and they did not help. So i started full body steaming once a week for 20 minutes. The bumps are gone, my skin is soft and glowing, plus it helped with wrinkles. Keep in mind after i do this i don't put anything on the skin for a few hours besides a nice cold shower. If after a few hours i feel like putting something on the skin, i use natural oils.. etc...coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan oil which also have anti inflammatory benefits ( i prefer not to put chemicals on my skin ) I mean, im no doctor, but after plenty of trial and era this works for me, and may not work for others. Each to their own i guess.
Facial steaming works for me and always give me that tight and dewy skin and I don’t even have to apply serum and moisturizer afterwards. I love it, regardless of what this derma says 😂
She left out all of the benefits such as an increased amount of heat shock proteins which help with cellular recycling (autophagy and unfolding misfolded proteins) not all detoxification happens within the liver, the cells have their own methods of detoxification on the cellular level. I think the main reason this is being recommended against is that its very hard to profit from. The best place I have found for accurate science is the world of athleticism as profit is connected to accurate results whereas in medicine profit is connected to how many pills or drugs you buy even if you don’t need them.
I bought one and used it today for the first time. Washed my face first then spent 3mins washing it while steaming . Not something I’ll use everyday more like once a week or every other week
I would follow some precautions with steaming, such as avoiding direct sunlight, putting on sunscreen or makeup; and avoiding oily and concetrated products inmediately after. My reasoning is, I don't want to clog my open pores with products that have pigments, or that will not allow the skin to transpire properly while the pores return to their normal size. I will steam my face, wash it with a tonic or witch hazel soap to tighten pores, and put on a ligh water based moisturizer before going to bed because it helps me sleep too. I know many people follow up steaming with contrast cold washes, ice rolls and such to make the pores finer. I personally dont care for putting cold stuff on my skin, but I'm told that's very good for activating blood circulation XD. All in all, I think steaming does more good than harm, specially if like me you have a tendency to pick your skin. Its best to use a safe steamer than bending over the kitchen fire, or turning your face into a gore scene. I at least haven't experienced any negative effects, and my skin is super fair and prone to redness. On the benefit side, I watched the deep smoker's early wrinkles around my mounth literally dissapear overnight after months of using products, exercising and massaging my face with no lasting results, so I'm declaring myself a fan of facial steaming ^__^.
Thanks do much! I’m 67 and have not taken care of my skin well. I am so dry everywhere and i erroneously believed a facial steamer would be good for me! So glad i decided to investigate first!
I’ve worked with chefs who work in the steamy section of the kitchen and their skin is glorious. Also, many places near the water create a very humid environment. The people living there tend to have very pretty skin
Riddle me this… why does a steamy shower or bath improve my skin significantly? Even with no face products, regular hygiene that includes a steamy shower typically accelerates the healing of acne.
I don’t understand why dermatologists making scare us of steaming. No one complained about it. It’s better for the skin. Just cuz rare cases have some adverse reactions to steaming for some underlying reasons, that doesn’t mean you go scare the whole population and tell them don’t steam. This is the best way to encourage people to ignore their skin health, and blindly pay a dermatologist to fix their negligence skin and by what, by a medical steaming that cost you hundred. It’s like telling us, don’t steam, wait till it gets worse and we will take care of your skin if you pay us.
This is interesting! Especially, because when you take a hot shower that's literally steam on your face and everywhere else. So, should we stop taking hot showers too? What about the steams in saunas and bathplaces? Just a thought! I could be wrong in the way that I'm thinking.
Showering in steaming water on the long run will cause the skin to dry. Saunas and bathplaces are not an everyday thing. Once in a while its fine. Better shower in lukewarm water.
This was very informative. My partner have been suffering with dry and irritated skin for the longest time. After visiting a few dermatologist with no luck, she's willing to try getting a steamer. I'll make sure to bring up this video for her just to give some insight
My 14 year year old daughter is going through an acne phase and gets the deep cysts that don’t go away for a long time. What can I do for her to treat a current cyst? Thanks! Just found your channel, there is so much useful information. Thank you!
May have a food allergy even. I found out i was allergic to soy (not deadly) and got really bloated and would get acne more often each time i ate something with soy in it. But this would cause the skin on the face to get really tight and itchy until they go away. No one told me, in case someone has it please test your food allergies
if she’s using skincare products and wasnt before and never had skin problems get her off of them and just use water or water and organic honey whatever oil works best for her and a good spf
My skin was red, More dry it made my marks more noticeable, I felt like my pores were more clogged and my face was very oily for days. It definitely made my pores more noticeable. My texture was more noticeable it was very awful
I am so glad I was able to hear this episode and I learned so much about steaming. I just bought a unit of Pure living care steamer and I have a very bad case of melasma on my face now its confirmed where I got it because I love to cook. Im in the kitchen 4-6 hours almost everyday doing some cooking. Thank you so much Dr for this info.
Check out Beauty Within, there is literally no reason to be afraid of it. Check out Beauty Within, they go all over this and they give you Very good Intel on Skin/Products that you can use in your skin care routine. It's what they Mainly talk about!
Steaming is okai, your basically steaming your face in wet saunas and being in a hot country. Its okay as long as you dont do it to long and close your pores after cleaning them with cold water.
I’ve battled acne and skin sensitivity since adolescence. A facial steamer is the single best thing I’ve ever done for myself. My dermatologist never recommended this and now I know why. It took me nearly 50 years to get it under control. A facial steamer also makes a wonderful giftt. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Combining quality care skin care products with a steamer is all you need to do. I purchased a small facial steamer for under $100 and I couldn’t be happier with it. I single facial at the spa can run around $300. You can still be on a budget and have a good looking skin. I try to use my steamer daily, but I average 2 to 3 times a week. It’s relaxing and your make up application will be dramatically improved.
Dermatologists just tiny want us using at home products. Steam has been used since Cleopatra and everyone knows humidity actually makes you look younger . Naturally used properly
Yeah there are limitations to face steamers. This is why I prefer wet sauna's that you can adjust to the appropriate temperature and also moderating how long and how often I use it per week. Not to mention, appropriate moisturing afterwards. This prevents me how getting extreme heat to sensitive part of my body and face but actually sweating it out by moderate temperature. I just got a face steamer, I would never get closer than 8 inches to quickly heat up my face and sweat it out. I treat it as an addition if my face is not getting the appopriate care from the steam room. I haven't even got to the part of the importance of staying hydrated and getting lots of good rest and healthy meals either. so important
Thanks for the informative video! I didn't know steaming was bad. Are you saying don't steam or lightly steam only? Because when you shower, your face & body get steam. Which opens the facial pores. What do you recommend for removing blackheads?
The Dr. got me, but when she said “opens up your pores” I can no longer continue watching this video. Pores can soften up but are not muscles therefore they cannot contract meaning they can’t open and close.
Super helpful! I'm happy to have found your advice before getting into steaming regularly, I might do it once in awhile for short period if I want to feel like im living lavish though lol
Esthetician’s and dermatologist both say not necessary . But is some sense we get steam when taking a shower. Hmmmm 🤔 in spas I see them use it all the time….why use it if it’s bad?
From my knowledge as well this is what I know and I don't know why some spas insist on this steaming and even tell people it's to "open up the pores" I let my clients know pores don't open and close and steaming does not detox your skin either. LOVE this video
Wow! This was super informative. I gravitated towards steam treatments to thin phlegm and avoid sinusitis. I always had bad seasonal allergies that produce a lot of mucus. During the winter months, it becomes thick and I feel like my nasal cavities are constantly swollen-stuffy nose. Are steam treatments okay one or two times a week for about 2 to 5 minutes? Thanks for sharing!
Steam helps my allergies. Which tells me it lowers inflammation. So I would go by what works for you not what she says. I dont agree with anything she says but im not a DR either. My body responds the complete opposit of what she says and I love steaming so try it out and see what works for you
Oh my God ! I was just gonna get a facial steamer . I came here to see how to use it to my benefit at 51 yrs of age , and came across this video . I don’t need that problem , Jeez! thank you is an understatement 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🥰
So glad to see this video. I maybe use steam on a client about once a month if that; There are very few clients who are even suitable for it. I get some kickback for it (but rare), and this just confirms all my reasons for not using it. Thank you Whitney! And I loved your book! I recommend it to all my clients that suffer with acne.
I want to add my comment on this video I watched just to post my personal opinion and results. I bought a steamer and a black head extractor AFTER watching this video. This video is very informative about the skin and anatomy of the skin BUT sometimes it’s hard to believe that doctors want to keep clients coming into the office and protect their business. We see it a lot. I get it. But I can’t afford to constantly go to estheticians and I also see a dermatologist once a year. I was prescribed medication to help with my acne that i was told was caused by inflammation in my body. My medication did not work. Nothing helped. I went ahead and bought a steamer and extractor along with a top rated mask and it’s inexpensive. I have combination skin. The steamer and extractor has already given me better results than anything else I’ve done or that was recommended to me by my dermatologist! My skin is clear and the junk that came out of my face was insane! I feel the steamer has helped me and my face feels amazing after using a steamer and it’s also very relaxing. Again, this is my results only and could be different for everyone but it’s the best money I’ve spent on myself in a long time and both only cost my $70!
I’m glad I decided to do research on facial steaming...thank you so much for this information. I was going to order a steamer today. My skin would’ve been a mess.
How often should we steam for day and night? How many minutes do we wait to put on our skincare after steaming? Also, as you mentioned it’s bad to use steamer if you have rosacea, I’m the type of person who’s in a close space with lots of people, if it’s too hot, or when I get shy and embarrassed, I’ll have a rosy cheeks! It is safe to use steamer?
Technically when you work out your hormones either increase or balance out so doesn’t that mean working out = hormones change = sweating = cleaning out your pores ?
Sweating does in fact release toxins from the body! I was pretty surprised she said it doesn't. Yes your kidneys and liver are eliminating organs but your skin is your largest eliminory organ! It's a supplemental filter to the kidneys for removing wastes from the blood. Yes there are specific toxins that your skin doesn't get rid of (e.g mercury, alcohol most drugs) which is what your liver detoxifies but your skin deals with other toxins just like the kidneys, they deal with other things. I don't think she is deliberately saying false things but just going on whatever information she has been taught wherever she has studied. But it's not accurate. Everyone can't be aware of everything I guess and even someone who has studied and is a professional can continue to learn and improve their knowledge along the way. 💖
Very good info. Sounded like a broken record to me as I watch Beauty Within and you both have said very similar experiences with certain tools. They are the ones I go to for all skin care, They haven't let me down, yet!
Steaming your face is good but it depends on how you would applied it, I used a natural way of steaming with ginger, and lemon, red onion and makes my face glowing and my pigmentation becoming more healthy. So steaming with natural herb it’s help more glowing to my hypoallergenic sensitive skin.
What are your opinions about milia and steam ? Does that help in releasing trapped keratin ? P.s- My dr. prescribed me steam or applying ice but in my experience both doesn't do anything to milia.
Very interested in the UV ray repellening clothing you advertised on CBN! I think the swim wear line will help my daughter with her pool sessions.. Still pitching it to her!! Shalom!!
It has been great for me, plus it helps nasal congestion. Years ago, most doctors were behind steaming to help certain skin conditions. now, since it is popular and cheap to do at home, it is now bad to do? Looks like money is the factor with most reviews to steer people away from it.
This video has taught me a lot I just stopped steaming 2 weeks ago and I noticed some irritation on my upper cheek while using it I heard it’s best to steam once a month..
I’ve had clear skin all my life up until this past winter. I had to play my hockey season with a mask and that’s when my skin just went crazy. That mixed with the fact that my hormones are going crazy probably led to my acne. I’m also Italian and have dark tan skin and the acne is leading straight to hyperpigmentation. Any tips on how to deal with hyperpigmentation?
I appreciate you providing expert opinion for free online, this kind of knowledge is hard to come by, and it's even backed by the experience of a professional. Just wanted to give my gratitude.
After 9 minutes of battering steam treatment by talking on and on in regard to its harms: how she simply says "S... One of the things that I find especially troublesome when it comes to steam..." Basically: It is not really a good idea for too many reasons to steam one's face, and it seems that increasing circulation (unless you have reasons to avoid this) can arguably be the only positive. Thank you so much; Dr. Whitney, for your in dept dive to a subject very differently represented by too many "health & skin experts".
My nostrils clogs up when I sleep, so I was considering a facial steamer to lose than up after waking up, cause moist air really helps with that, but after seeing this that's not going to happen.
