It is common for pregnant women to have many issues when they use steam rooms as it increases their core body temperature. Is steaming the face as a part of facial treatment is harmful? Many pregnant women are concerned about steaming face while pregnant. Taking facial steam while pregnant is relatively harmless, though. Although, it’s important to follow some steps and take certain precautions while steaming your face while pregnant.
Can I Take Steam During My Facial When Pregnant?
You don’t have to abstain from some beauty treatments because you are pregnant. Most facials do not pose a risk to pregnant women. They are relaxing and give the skin a boost. Facials include steam. Steams facilitate the absorption of key ingredients from face packs and creams used during facials.
It should be noted, however, that while many ingredients in creams, lotions, and face masks are safe for pregnancy, there are some ingredients in skin products that should be avoided. As an example, retinoids can be found in some skincare products that treat acne, psoriasis, wrinkles, and other skin conditions, and should be avoided during pregnancy.
Retinoids are vitamin A compounds. A high vitamin A intake during pregnancy can result in birth defects. Steam, as mentioned previously, increases its absorption through the skin. However, if you are using natural ingredients for your facial, such as turmeric, besan powder, fruit, and vegetable paste, then steaming your face or wrapping just your face in a hot towel is okay.
Related Reading: 8 Common Pregnancy Skin Problems
Can I Inhale Steam During Pregnancy?
How about steam inhalation? Does it pose any risks to pregnant women? Well, as long as your body is at normal room temperature, steam inhalation is safe during pregnancy.Many respiratory issues can be treated with it, such as nasal congestion, coughing, and sinusitis. Pregnancy is a period when you may wish to avoid certain medicines as much as possible and inhaling steam is an age-old home remedy for many health issues.
4 Benefits Of Facial Steaming During Pregnancy
If done properly, taking steam on the face during pregnancy has some benefits. Listed below are the top 4 advantages of steaming your face while pregnant:
1. Facial steam relieves chest congestion
The inhalation of steam during pregnancy can alleviate chest congestion1. Doing so before going to bed can also help you sleep better. During the winter and in cold climates, many pregnant women get chest congestion. Steam inhalation during early pregnancy is very beneficial in this aspect and is an important home remedy for curing cold during pregnancy. A facial steamer would be a good alternative to a steam inhaler if you don’t have one. Beauty stores and medical shops sell them.
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You can also lean over a bowl of hot water while wearing a thick towel or blanket as if you were giving yourself a facial. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to hot water could help.
2. Decongestant for sinuses
Increased blood flow to the nasal passages and enlargement of the nasal veins during pregnancy can bring about nasal congestion. Nasal congestion may contribute to sinusitis during pregnancy. Microbes can also bring about sinusitis. Facial steam provides some symptomatic benefit and can help relieve sinus congestion to some extent and the headaches that are often associated with it2.
You can boost the effectiveness of your steam by adding certain essential oils like eucalyptus oil. Try inhaling and exhaling steam several times. This is a traditional method to clear blocked noses. It should relieve congestion, and you will feel very relaxed afterward.
3. Steam helps to alleviate pregnancy acne
Many pregnant women suffer from pregnancy acne. Even women who did not suffer from pimples previously may get them when they are pregnant. The main cause of the outbreak is the stimulation of the sebaceous gland by pregnancy hormones. Sebum, natural oil that lubricates your skin and hair, is produced by sebaceous glands3.
A build-up of sebum beneath your skin’s surface can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Thus, it can lead to acne and blackheads. Steam opens pores, allowing dead skin cells, bacteria, and other impurities to escape, which can clog pores and cause acne. Facial steaming also helps remove trapped sebum. As a result, pregnancy acne is reduced.
4. Contributes to pregnancy glow
As mentioned above, steam helps open pores and loosen dirt for a deeper clean. When blood flows properly, collagen and elastin are produced, giving skin a plump, bouncy look. Steam and sweat dilate blood vessels and improve circulation. Your skin will be nourished and oxygenated as a result. The result is a natural, healthy pregnancy glow. Along with steaming we recommend a few natural home remedies for a glowing skin during pregnancy.
How Long Should You Steam Your Face?
Follow the directions on the product when using a facial steamer when pregnant. Usually, instructions state how much time to steam. Steam can generally be applied with hot towels or bowls for about minutes at a time. Pay attention to the reaction of your skin, though.
Precaution and Tips
The following precautions and tips are to be followed when taking facial steam while pregnant
- Close your eyes and keep your face 6 to 10 inches away while steaming. Feel out your skin and steam only as long as you are comfortable
- As soon as you are finished steaming, rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry. Avoid rubbing your face with a towel as it can cause skin irritation
- Steaming should be followed by moisturizing cream or serum. After steam, your moisturizer or serum will become more effective, so choose one that nourishes
Possible Side Effects And Risks
Here are some possible risks and side effects of taking facial steam during pregnancy:
- Serious burns can result from steam, so it’s important not to get too close to the source of the steam
- When steaming your face with a damp towel, make sure the towel is warm, not hot
- Despite steam hydrating the skin, people with extremely dry or eczematous skin should only steam for a short period of time in order to prevent irritation
Conclusion
Steaming your face weekly during pregnancy can help you relax while promoting healthy skin. Including it in your skincare regimen can be extremely helpful. If you suffer from persistent skin problems or an inflammatory skin condition, consult your doctor before taking facial steam during pregnancy.
FAQs
It is not advisable to apply steam every single day to your face. Even though there are a number of benefits of steaming the face, steaming every day can prove a bit harsh as the pores won’t have a chance to close.
To achieve the best results, steam for no longer than 10 minutes once per week.
Once you’ve steamed your face, rub an ice cube over your face and neck. After that, use a toner to balance your skin’s pH level and seal up all of your pores.
Last but not least, moisturize to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.
When added to hot water, essential oils such as rosemary, tea tree, and ylang-ylang give wonderful results.
In addition to delivering essential nutrients to the skin and keeping it healthy and glowing, they also have soothing scents that will leave you feeling relaxed.
However, pregnant women should seek the advice of a doctor before using essential oils.