My aunt told me to skip the steam for sensitive skin and she was totally right

She's been an esthetician for like 30 years. I had a new client with rosacea come in, skin was super reactive. My aunt said, 'Skip the steam, just use a warm, damp towel for a minute.' I was nervous, felt like I was cutting a step. But I did it. The client's face didn't flare up at all during the cleanse. She actually said it was the most comfortable facial she's ever had. Now I keep a stack of clean hand towels just for that. Has anyone else found ways to tweak the standard facial steps for sensitive types? Looking for more ideas.

3 comments

3 Comments

maryshah3mo ago

Okay but is steam really that big of a deal? It's just warm air. I feel like people get way too careful about every little step. If someone's skin is that sensitive, maybe they just shouldn't get a facial at all. It seems like overthinking it to me. Your aunt's towel trick probably just worked because it was a gentle day, not some huge discovery.

fisher.casey3mo ago

My aunt's salon in Tampa sees about 200 clients a month. Steam is a huge deal because it opens pores before extractions. If you skip it or do it wrong, you can actually cause broken capillaries. That's permanent damage, not just sensitive skin. Her towel method controls the heat perfectly to avoid that. Calling it overthinking ignores basic skin science.

robinson.holly2mo ago

Overthinking" is how pros avoid hurting people.