Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Understand why full, prolonged steaming is unsafe before advanced treatments.
• Explain the difference between spa facials and corrective treatments.
• Identify when a short burst of steam can be used safely.
• Recognise contraindications where steam must be avoided.

1. Why We Don’t Use Steam Like a Spa Facial

In traditional relaxation facials, steam is often left running for 15–20 minutes. This helps soften the skin, relax the client, and prepare for manual extractions.

However, when preparing for microneedling or chemical peels, this approach is unsafe because prolonged steam:

• Increases sensitivity – skin becomes more reactive to acids or needling.
• Dilates capillaries – can worsen redness, broken vessels, or rosacea.
• Causes swelling – skin absorbs excess water, making penetration less predictable.
• Compromises results – peels may absorb unevenly, and needling depth may be inconsistent.

👉 Key point: These are not spa facials. They are targeted, corrective treatments where precision and control are essential.

2. Safe Use of Steam in Professional Practice

In professional training and clinical practice, steam can still play a role — but only as a short preparation tool.

• Time: Maximum 2–3 minutes.
• Stage: Used only during cleansing.
• Purpose: To soften the skin and help loosen surface impurities.
• After: Steam is switched off immediately and the skin is dried completely before proceeding.

⚠️ If the skin is damp, hot, or flushed when you start a peel or needling, you risk complications. Always check that the skin feels normal and dry before moving forward.

3. Contraindications – When Not to Steam

Steam should not be used at all on clients with:

• Rosacea (heat worsens redness and flare-ups)
• Broken capillaries (dilates vessels further)
• Sensitive or reactive skin (increases risk of irritation)
• Inflamed acne (heat can worsen inflammation)

In these cases, cleanse the skin without steam.

4. Quick Do’s & Don’ts

✅ Do’s❌ Don’tsUse steam briefly (2–3 min) during cleansing only.Steam continuously for 15–20 min like a spa facial.Turn steam off immediately after cleansing.Keep steam running during treatment.Ensure skin is completely dry before acids/needling.Apply treatments on damp or overheated skin.Assess client suitability (contraindications).Assume all clients can tolerate steam.

5. Trainer’s Tip

💡 Always remember: Microneedling and chemical peels are corrective treatments. Steam is just a quick prep step, never part of the main procedure.