Is it possible to remove pimples with steam and steam baths?

Question: “Is it possible to remove pimples with steam and steam baths?”

Hi Mads

I am often told that it is good to take a steam bath every day, and that it should make all the blackheads disappear. I have a lot of small blackheads on my nose, and i was wondering if it would help if I took a steam bath every night, and then washed my face afterwards. Should I do it or leave it be?

Greetings, Julie

Answer to: “Is it possible to remove pimples with steam and steam baths?”

Hello Julie

Great question! And yes, there are indeed many who recommend steam baths, and trips to the sauna as a treatment for pimples and acne. Other people recommend that you put your face over boiling water and let the steam help remove acne from the face.

Rumor has it – you even mention – that it should be FANTASTIC with steam and steam baths to remove blackheads and large pores on the nose.

I do not know where the rumor started – or where the myth, it is a myth – comes from. But it is a myth. And one of the erroneous myths. It will in no way help to take a steam bath. Steam can not remove pimples. Nor can steam remove blackheads and steam do not make skin pores smaller.

I would therefore strongly advise against the use of steam for the treatment of pimples!

In fact, hot – and cold – fumes are violently irritating to the skin and this irritation can cause even more pimples. Contrary to popular belief, the steam “treatment” can result in more pimples.

In the sense that fumes – hot and cold – causes irritation in the skin, creates dehydration and thus makes the skin’s sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. Because the skin is trying to protect itself. Pimples consists of sebum and dead skin cells, so there is a pretty big risk that you 5-7 days after exposing your skin to steam, sauna or similar “treatments” will get new pimples.

So just to clarify one last time – steam is NOT a good treatment when trying to cure pimples!