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Changed my mind about using steam for all extractions
For years I was taught to steam every client for at least 15 minutes before extractions. Last month, a client with rosacea came in and the steam made her flare up badly. I switched to using a warm, damp towel compress for her instead, and the results were much better. Her skin calmed down and the extractions were actually easier. Has anyone else found certain skin types do worse with traditional steaming?
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emery103d ago
Wait, hold on - did you say old steam machines can actually spread mineral dust or mold spores? That's honestly something I never even thought about, and I've been in this field for a long time. I always assumed the steam itself was clean as long as you wiped down the machine, but now I'm wondering how many flare-ups I could have avoided just by switching to towels earlier.
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harperp241mo ago
My old spa manager swore by steam for everyone. Honestly, I see way less redness now with warm towels on sensitive types. It just makes more sense for reactive skin.
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tessap731mo ago
Totally get the towel thing, it's way more controlled. Makes me wonder about the air quality in the treatment room itself though. Old steam machines can spread mineral dust or even mold spores from the water tank if they aren't cleaned like crazy. That's a hidden trigger for reactive skin that a warm towel would never have.
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