Facial steams are popular. You can get them at a salon or do it yourself at home. Home-use steamers are available. And you can always just use a bowl of warm water and a towel.
Facial steams feel amazing and leave your skin bright and glowing. But are they good for acne?
Some misinformation about facial steams is out there. This article looks at what facial steams actually do and what other acne treatments you should consider.
Steams Don’t “Clean Out” Pores
You may have heard that steaming cleanses your pores. It doesn’t.
Pore blockages (called comedones) form when oil and dead skin cells get lodged in a pore. They become a thick, sticky substance. That’s the basis of every blackhead, whitehead, and pimple.
Even hours of steaming won’t clear this plug or prevent new ones. That’s because comedones form deeper within the pore. Steam just billows around the surface of your skin. It never penetrates to where comedones form.
Pore Blockages
Facial steaming does have a place in skincare. It softens blackheads and non-inflamed breakouts. That makes them easier to extract.
This is why it’s done before extractions during an acne treatment facial. Once the plug is softened, the esthetician can coax it out with gentle pressure.
If you’re gentle and careful, you can extract some blemishes on your own at home.
Your skin care therapist should never try to extract an inflamed blemish. It will damage the skin.
Steaming also increases circulation. That’s what makes your skin look brighter and gives you a rosy glow (temporarily, at least).
Steaming and Acne
Steaming alone won’t clear up acne. It also can’t stop new breakouts from happening. So if facial steams are your main acne treatment, you’ll always be playing catch up.
Recap
Comedones form deep inside your pores. Steaming doesn’t penetrate that deep so it can’t prevent or clear up pore blockages. It does soften blackheads, though. That makes them easier to get out.
Steaming has no effect on inflamed pimples and larger blemishes like nodules and cysts. You can’t extract these large, deep blemishes no matter how much you steam your face.
Acne Treatments
For treating acne, you should use a topical treatment or oral medication.
Steaming too often or with steam that’s too hot can make inflammatory acne look worse by increasing redness and inflammation.
For mild acne and blackheads, over-the-counter acne products may work. For moderate or severe acne, you’ll need a prescription acne medication.
You can get those prescribed by a dermatologist or your regular healthcare provider.
Summary
Steam facials don’t get rid of blemishes. They soften small blemishes, like blackheads, and make them easier to extract.
Steam won’t stop acne breakouts or get rid of any large, deep blemishes. You may need topical or oral treatments, including prescription products.
For larger blemishes, you likely need medication. Topical and oral medicines are available, both over-the-counter and by prescription.
A Word From Verywell
If you enjoy facial steams, go ahead and use them. But make sure you’re using proven treatments for acne and other skin problems.
If you’re struggling to clear up acne on your own, talk to your healthcare provider. They can recommend products, prescribe something, or refer you to a dermatologist.
