Cleansing your facial skin is an important part of self-care. To properly carry out cosmetic procedures at home, you need to choose a gentle product that will not harm, but at the same time intensively cleanses. Actually, these are hydrogenating gels for facial cleansing.
Among the large number of options presented on the cosmetics market, you need to find the right one, only in this case a visible result is guaranteed.
Why enlarge pores?
Trying to get rid of blackheads by squeezing them out without first expanding the pores, you are unlikely to achieve the desired result. In addition, if the pores are not enlarged, you will have to put in more effort, and this will entail a number of negative consequences - you will damage the skin, leave scars on it, and they will either take a long time to heal or will not heal at all. Therefore, in order not to injure the skin and carry out a deeper cleansing of the face, be sure to expand the pores, and only after that begin the cleansing procedure.
Proper pore expansion
Before you begin to enlarge your pores, you must wash off all makeup from your face, because cosmetics will only get in the way. You should also wash your hands with soap and those devices that you plan to use when cleansing your skin. Next, disinfect the same tools (for example, with perfume or alcohol).
Even oily skin cannot be kept over steam for a long time, not to mention sensitive skin. Normally, 15 minutes are enough to steam your face (sensitive skin will need less time). If you ignore this advice, do not be surprised when you discover a deterioration in her condition. And if you use professional cosmetics for cleansing, never use them without reading the instructions.
What are the contraindications?
Methods for expanding skin pores involve performing special thermal and skin-warming procedures, which have their own number of contraindications such as:
- infectious and inflammatory processes on the surface of the epidermis;
- fragile vessels and capillaries, as well as those located close to the surface of the skin;
- abscess formations and compactions;
- fungal infections;
- papillomas, large moles and other neoplasms;
- hypertension and heart disease;
- asthma and lung diseases.
Kinds
There are two types of cleansers that it is better to become more familiar with in advance. The first one is warming up. The drug has several useful qualities:
- eliminates toxins;
- removes dirt;
- eliminates clogged pores;
- improves blood circulation.
Another type of product is for cold steaming. This drug is recommended for use by women whose skin is replete with pigment spots, acne, and enlarged pores. When the tone of the dermis decreases, it is also better to use cold procedures.
Thermogels
Gels and masks with a warming effect are applied to steam the face at home. They are also used in beauty salons. Similar products are present in the lines of many brands: Garnier, Mixit, Mary Cay, Nivea and others, including professional facial cosmetics.
Thermal masks also effectively open pores, like hot steam in a bathhouse.
This is a convenient product that quickly and effortlessly opens up pores. It is applied in a thin layer to the face, excluding the area around the eyes. Each manufacturer indicates how long the composition needs to be left on the face in the instructions.
Why is cold steaming necessary?
Cold steaming is a preparatory procedure that is actively used before mechanical, ultrasonic and vacuum facial cleansing. Its main difference is the complete absence of a thermal effect - no water vapor is used during the procedure. The active components of cold steaming products soften the stratum corneum of the epidermis and prevent skin irritation. Also, cold steaming can be carried out before a session of microcurrent therapy, ultrasonic massage and lifting, and disincrustation.
Cold steaming
Modern cosmetology offers preparations that achieve thermal effects without steam.
The method is called cold hydrogenation and involves creating a greenhouse effect on the skin without heating. For this purpose, products containing an enveloping nylon film are applied. The cells swell, soften and are removed.
Advantages of the method:
- no risk of burns;
- the composition includes stimulants that increase blood circulation;
- vitamin complexes help improve skin health;
- the products not only soften, but also disinfect the epidermis;
- Thermal cosmetics are suitable for dry and sensitive skin types, as they warm up without dehydration.
Before use, cleanse the skin. Next, you need to follow the instructions indicated on the package.
Often the technology consists of the following stages:
- The gel is applied to the face in a thick layer.
- A film with cutouts for the eyes and mouth is placed on top.
- Hold for 10-15 minutes and remove - perform light circular movements, during which the product rolls into lumps.
- Residues are removed with a dry cloth.
The principle of operation of steaming gels
It's no secret that deep cleansing of the dermis is one of the requirements that allows you to get rid of sebaceous plugs and unpleasant scatterings of blackheads. Until recently, baths or steam procedures were used for this, which took a lot of time.
Cosmetologists recommend using a facial steaming gel before cleaning with more aggressive preparations. The active components will remove particles of dead dermis, cleanse pores, and prepare the skin for deep effects.
The drug most often consists only of natural ingredients, which allows you not to worry about side effects.
Plant components have a wide range of effects:
- weaken the connection of dermal cells, promoting the expansion of pores;
- relax;
- relieve inflammatory processes;
- soothe, relieve irritation;
- disinfected.
Do you know? It is recommended to use a steaming agent before any aggressive cleansing - the procedure will take place without complications or unpleasant discomfort. Herbal ingredients will ensure that the skin is prepared for deep cleaning and does not react with undesirable effects.
Precautionary measures
To ensure that steaming brings only benefits, the following precautions should be observed:
- The mask should only be applied to the face and neck. The areas around the lips and eyelids should not be touched.
- The applied composition should be warm, almost hot, but not scalding. Otherwise you will have to treat the burns.
- Before applying the steaming composition, the skin is cleansed and moisturized. And for better opening of the pores, it is advisable to massage with stroking movements of the fingers.
- The duration of the procedure should not exceed 20 minutes.
- After steaming, remove the composition from the face with warm water. Then the skin is treated with nourishing cream.
- Masks to open pores can be done 1-2 times every 2 weeks.
- You cannot use several steaming agents at the same time. Otherwise, pigment formations and burns cannot be avoided.
Before the steaming procedure, you should do a test for an allergic reaction: spread a little product on the inside of the elbow. After 15 minutes, check for skin irritation.
How to use
There will be no particular difficulties with the use of the products - the use of a steaming product is no different from other skin care procedures. Manipulations are carried out according to the following scheme:
- Clean your face thoroughly, use natural-based lotion or milk; it is better not to use aggressive products so as not to irritate the skin.
- Apply a thick layer of gel, distribute evenly over the skin, use a wide brush to facilitate the process.
- Cover your face with polyethylene film, be sure to make holes for the eyes and nose.
- Leave for a quarter of an hour, remove the film.
- Perform a light massage; during the process, the drug will begin to roll into small lumps, which can only be removed with a damp cloth.
- If, after steaming, deeper cleaning is carried out, remove blackheads and comedones with a spoon of uno or a special lotion.
- Treat problem areas with a special antiseptic powder.
Be sure to complete the procedure with a soothing mask. There are a number of special products that relieve inflammation and protect cleansed skin from infection.
Some cosmetology companies offer kits that immediately contain a steaming gel, a mask to relieve irritation, and special protective agents. This is quite convenient - you don’t have to experiment.
Package
Packaging of facial cleansing gel - 200 ml tube. Soft plastic allows you to squeeze out all the product without leaving any residue. The flip top lid opens easily. Tamper control is provided by a transparent film. Additionally, the product is packaged in a cardboard case made in the signature ARAVIA Professional design.
Outer packaging provides additional safety for the product during transportation
Despite the impressive volume, the tube is comfortable to hold in your hand
The presence of the film confirms that the product has not been opened
Flip top cover
Rating of the best funds
Numerous reviews from both ordinary customers and cosmetologists indicate that the following products are the most effective:
- “Cetaphil” is a truly deep cleansing product for the epidermis. When applied correctly, it not only promotes effective opening of pores, but also has an antibacterial effect. Lightens comedones and prevents their reappearance. Can be used not only as a steaming product, but also as a regular daily cleansing gel.
- Another effective steaming product is the steaming gel for problem, oily or combination skin from Alpika. It is the best product that prepares the skin for mechanical cleaning.
- The fairly well-known brand Eveline has released a steaming mask with a gel texture. The advantage of this remedy is its double effect. It simultaneously softens the epidermis, opens its pores and immediately acts on it as a nourishing and moisturizing agent. The gel texture easily and quickly penetrates deep into the epidermis.
- EcoLab brand has also launched an excellent and highly effective “Deep Cleansing” , which has proven itself to be an excellent steaming agent. Ideal for even the most sensitive and problematic skin. It has no contraindications for use.
- Series of products “Clean Line. Ideal Skin” contains a mattifying gel for washing. It also proved to be excellent not only as a cleansing gel, but also as a product steamer. After its use, the epidermis softens very well, and the pores open wide, which significantly increases the effectiveness of further effects on the skin.
- And the domestic brand “Granny Agafya’s Recipes” could not stand aside, and therefore provided customers with a deep cleansing facial gel. Thanks to the presence of a huge number of natural extracts, this product can compete with many well-known brands in terms of opening pores and softening the epidermis. Gently and gently affects the skin without causing any unpleasant sensations.
In principle, any gel intended for deep cleansing of the epidermis can be used as a steaming agent. But it was the above products that showed the greatest effectiveness.
Heat compresses
Heat compresses are more gentle on the skin, but no less effective in terms of their principle of action and results. They are done both at home and in beauty salons.
The idea is to apply a cotton napkin or towel soaked in:
- ordinary water;
- herbal decoctions;
- water with added oils.
The water for the thermocompress procedure is taken moderately warm. If you put a cloth in boiling water or too hot water and immediately apply it to your face, you will get a burn.
Salons often use special warming wipes. They are a kind of non-woven masks with a composition applied to them that warms the skin.
What is more effective – gels or steam baths?
A question that often worries women is what is better to use to cleanse the skin, steam baths or softening gel? Cosmetologists recommend not to complicate your life - using special products will allow you to easily get rid of the problem.
The peculiarity of steam baths is that if used incorrectly, it is easy to burn the skin, especially for those with overly sensitive dermis. If you use cold liquid, the pores will not open, so cleaning later will not be very effective. The main thing in steam procedures is to correctly guess the water temperature, which not everyone can do.
Another disadvantage of steam procedures is that if herbal infusions are used, it will take time to prepare them. The use of gels will significantly reduce procedures, because all that is required is to apply the drug and wait a few minutes.
Steaming gels are a quick and effective way to remove skin imperfections. The main thing is not to abuse the products and strictly follow the manufacturers’ recommendations. Only the correct use of medications, careful care of the dermis, and following the advice of cosmetologists will allow you to forget about blackheads, pigment spots, uneven shades, and rashes for a long time.
The effect of cold skin steaming
The main advantage of gels for cold steaming the skin is a complex positive effect. They not only open pores, but also nourish and moisturize the skin. As a result, any subsequent procedures, including facial cleansing, are much better tolerated. The calming effect helps relieve irritation that often accompanies mechanical cleaning. Most modern drugs contain bacteriostatic components. They prevent the proliferation of pathogenic microflora and minimize the risk of subsequent microbial inflammation.
Features of cold steaming of facial skin
The main disadvantage of traditional steaming is dehydration of the facial skin. In this area it is especially tender and thin. With regular steaming, a vascular pattern may appear on the face. Also, after such a procedure, the skin becomes hypersensitive and cleaning can injure it.
Cold facial steaming is a modern alternative to outdated water steam. The procedure has a moisturizing, soothing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect. Gels perfectly soften the skin, eliminate irritation and promote accelerated cell regeneration.
Features of cold steaming of body skin
It is almost impossible to steam the body using traditional methods. Agree, going to an appointment with a cosmetologist straight from the bathhouse is nonsense. In such a situation, cold steaming products will become a real salvation - they are easy to apply, they are effective and are used very sparingly.
Sources
- https://kladovaia-krasoti.ru/rasshirit-pory-na-lice/
- https://faceandcare.ru/zachem-nuzhen-rasparivayushhij-gel-dlya-chistki-litsa/
- https://www.pleyana.com/articles/11/holodnoe-rasparivanie-v-kosmetologii/
- https://krasotka.club/krasota/lico/protsedury/chistka-licza/kak-rasparit-lico.html
- https://FashionApp.ru/lico/rasparivayushhij-gel-dlya-chistki.html
- https://wlooks.ru/gel/dlya-lica/rasparivayushchij-gel/
The effectiveness of steaming masks
The main myth about steaming procedures concerns their ability to open pores. Numerous studies by dermatologists prove that changes in the temperature of epidermal tissues cannot affect the size of pores. Their diameter depends only on the genetically determined characteristics of each person’s skin. For example, people with low skin elasticity and acne often experience increased pore size. Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely narrow them down using modern cosmetology methods. However, you can clean out the pores and make them visually less noticeable. Steaming really does an excellent job with these tasks.
The following effects of steaming face masks have been proven:
- Skin cleansing.
Sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands, accumulates in a person's pores. In addition to sebum, the contents of the pores include dust microparticles and the remains of keratinized epidermal cells. Steaming masks help soften the contents of pores, which makes it easier to remove sebum and helps cleanse the skin. That is why steaming is an important stage of cosmetic cleansing.
- Improving the effectiveness of cosmetic creams, serums and masks
. The main effect of steaming masks is to increase skin temperature. Hyperthermia causes a significant increase in blood circulation in the tissues. Thanks to increased blood circulation, the components of any cosmetic compositions more easily penetrate the skin barrier, having a more pronounced effect on the deeper layers of the epidermis. This steaming effect was scientifically confirmed in a joint study by scientists from the University of Mississippi and Aurobindo Pharma USA. Researchers were able to find that increasing skin temperature by 10 °C increases surface absorption by 3 times. This means that the cream or serum applied to the skin after the steaming procedure will be 3 times more active.
- Moisturizing and nourishing tissues
. Another positive effect of heating and increased blood circulation is the active saturation of tissues with nutrients and oxygen molecules. This helps improve the condition of facial skin, relieve swelling and inflammation. Also, increased microcirculation activates the fight against infectious pathogens.
It is important to understand that all of these effects are achieved due to the destruction of the protective barrier of the skin. In order not to subject the tissues to excessive stress and not to deprive the skin of its natural protection, you should limit yourself to a maximum of two steaming sessions per week. People suffering from rosacea, eczema, acne and acne should avoid the procedure. You should also postpone steaming until wounds, scratches and inflammations have completely healed.
Preparing the skin for the procedure
Any cosmetologist will confirm that while the mask is in effect, the skin should be pristinely clean. Otherwise, the active components of the composition will “drag” into the pores all the bacteria that are on the surface.
The preparatory stage includes make-up removal (removing decorative cosmetics with special means) and washing with gel or foam. For better results, you can deep clean the skin using peeling or beldi (mild soap with a scrubbing effect). Beldi are better suited because they do not contain abrasive particles that irritate the skin.
After washing and deep cleansing, pat your face dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Before applying the mask, the skin should be slightly damp, but not wet, otherwise the composition will flow.
After cleansing, it is useful to do a light facial massage. Many women ignore this stage, which is completely in vain. A light massage helps open the pores and accelerate the penetration of the active components of the mask under the basal layer of the dermis. Rub the skin along the massage lines, gently pat them with your fingertips. You can use a roller massager. The main thing is not to overdo it with pressing.
