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Question about steam machine timing on sensitive skin
I had a client come in yesterday with rosacea, and she mentioned her last facial at another place left her bright red for two days. She said the esthetician used the steam machine for a full 10 minutes straight. I was shocked. On reactive skin like that, I never go over 3 minutes, and I keep the unit at least 12 inches from the face. I explained to her that prolonged heat can really flare up conditions like hers, and we did a much shorter, gentler steam during her treatment with me. Her skin was calm and happy after. It made me wonder, is this a common training gap? How long do you all steam for clients with sensitivity or diagnosed rosacea?
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anthonyp917mo ago
Absolutely, that's a huge training gap! I read an article by a dermatologist who said steam can be a major trigger for rosacea because it dilates blood vessels. Ten minutes is way too long for any sensitive skin type. My rule is to watch the client's skin in real time, not the clock. If I see even a hint of pink, I turn the steam off immediately. It's about adapting to what you see, not following a set routine.
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rosed326mo ago
Hold up, is steam really that big of a deal for everyone? I get being careful with rosacea, but turning it off at the first hint of pink seems a bit extreme. Most people's skin flushes a little from warmth, that's just normal. Maybe the ten minute rule is old school, but acting like steam is some kind of skin poison feels like an overreaction.
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