Overview
Finding an easy way to fight skin aging would be great, right? Think no more and head to the spa. A facial sauna delivers steam, perhaps an essential oil or two and relaxation -- some of the best anti-aging tools you'll find. Follow the guidelines of a facial sauna to a T to reduce your risk of injury or irritation.
Aging Skin Causes
Even if you're not what you'd consider old, your skin might be aging prematurely. Overexposure to sun and smoking tobacco products are two causes of skin aging, but that's not all. Every day, your body is exposed to toxins through the foods you eat and chemicals that are in the air around you. These toxins create a type of damage in your body called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a type of extrinsic aging from which your skin suffers because of environmental factors, explains the American Academy of Dermatology. Extrinsic skin aging can manifest itself through wrinkling and age spots, among other things. Detoxing your skin through a facial sauna might be able to help your skin look younger and feel softer.
Detoxification
Detoxification of your skin through a facial sauna means that your body gets rid of toxins through your pores. The steam that's created during a standard sauna or a specialized facial sauna opens your pores, allowing dirt, oils, particles of dead skin and other not-so-wonderful stuff like traces of minerals and metals, to slough off of your skin. The result of a steam-induced detox is a rosy complexion and clear pores. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser after a facial sauna to reap the benefits of the deep opening of the pores.
DIY at Home
A luxurious spa treatment or even a fancy facial sauna machine can be costly. Not everyone can afford such forms of pampering, but you can recreate the experience at home on the cheap. Fill a large mixing bowl with boiling water, pop in a few drops of a yummy smelling essential oil -- lavender is calming, while peppermint can give you energy and pep -- and grab a bath towel. Voila -- your personal facial sauna is ready. Drape the towel over your head and put your face close to the bowl to really soak in the steam, but be careful not to burn yourself.
Considerations
Although the heat of a facial sauna system can help your skin rid itself of icky toxins, the high temperatures can also lead to dehydration. Combat this potential problem by drinking water before, during and after your facial sauna session. Indulge in short spa treatments to ensure you're not drying out -- try 10 minutes at a time and go from there. Don't forget to run your facial sauna ideas by your doctor if you have any preexisting medical conditions that would be affected by exposure to heat, such as pregnancy, rosacea or other chronic illness.
