Steaming the skin

Steaming procedure:

Facial steaming is performed after cleaning and before facial massage and any other facial electrical treatment.

Before switching the facial steamer on, check that the tank is no more than 2/3 full (or does not exceed the safety line) and is no less than 1/3 full. Use only distilled water so as not to cause spitting or ‘fur’ to build up on the eating element.
Switch the machine to vapour only, to heat. This should be done towards the end of the cleanse as it takes a few mins to begin steaming.
Explain the treatment to the client, including sensation and machine noise. Check for claustrophobia
Cover the client’s eyes to protect against steam using cotton wool pads. Also cover any areas of mildly dilated capillaries using petroleum jelly and a cotton wool pad.
Position the clients head and tell then when steam is ready. Direct nozzle for correct vapour flow. Do not direct vapour straight into the nose or mouth or the client will feel stifled.
To end the treatment, turn the nozzle away from the client and turn the machine off
Blot the skin if necessary, then continue the facial with any extractions of comedones and milla.

Contraindications to steaming:

Epilepsy – mild controlled forms may have superficial treatments such as paraffin wax but not treatments that include electrical currents through the skins surface or any treatment that could bring in an attack

Diabetes – due to the poor healing ability of the skin and its unstable nature extreme vascular conditions – where the veins have ruptured and a widened varicose appearance is present, most forms of electrical treatments are also contraindicated

Skin infections – all fungal, viral and bacterial infections

Cuts and abrasions

Recent scar tissue

Over areas of warts or moles

Recent haemorrhage or swelling

Conditions that effect the nerves of the face – neuralgia

Highly strung or nervous clients

High blood pressure.

Safety precautions when using electrical equipment:

Safety and protection of the client is paramount. By observing a few simple guidelines, unnecessary accidents can be avoided. Always:

Place equipment in a safe working position on a sturdy trolley or base unit

Lead connections to the mains must be positioned so that they do not become over-stretched or disconnected from the sockets. Trailing leas should be avoided to prevent trip hazards.

Leads from electrical equipment should not be trailing over metal parts of the couch

Electrical equipment should be checked annually by a qualified electrician.

Contra actions to facials

Therapist to wear disposable gloves

Comedone extractor should be sterilized before use, use loop end and apply gentle pressure around comedone, wipe away with damp cotton wool

Finger extraction – wrap in tissue/damp cotton wool and apply gentle pressure with index fingers around comedone, wipe away with damp cotton wool