Steam bath at home. Water bath at home. Indications for use

Today, beauty salons offer you many different facial treatments. Their cost and effectiveness are sometimes simply not comparable. And some of them are inferior even to such a simple procedure as a steam bath. It will probably always be in fashion, thanks, first of all, to its accessibility and simplicity. After all, you can always find a small saucepan with clean water. There are no difficulties in preparing such a bath, and its effectiveness still remains high. The main thing is to be able to handle hot steam correctly so as not to burn your face and carry out the procedure with benefits for the skin.

Steam baths for the face. What are the benefits and how to carry them out?

Hot steam has a very beneficial effect on the skin of the face, significantly cleansing it. It helps the skin pores open, gently removes various impurities from it, and cleanses the skin deeply enough. Steam makes blood circulation more intense, which means it refreshes the overall skin. It becomes more moist and tender. Since steam baths cleanse the skin, they prevent acne from developing, and in addition they will protect you from colds and stress.

How often should such procedures be performed?

The determining factor here is skin type. If it is dry or withering, then 3-4 times a week. And, if normal or oily, then once every 10-14 days will be enough.

The duration of the steam bath again depends on your skin. Oily skin needs to be “steamed” for 7-10 minutes (if the pores are heavily clogged and dirty - a maximum of 15 minutes!), normal skin - 5-7 minutes, and dry skin - no more than 3-5 minutes.

What water should I use?

Of course, tap water is not suitable for this procedure. There is too much chlorine in it. And such vapors will only harm the skin. So, use bottled water.

Very often, when reading any recipe for a cream, tender dough or cosmetic mask, we come across the expression “water bath”. It would seem that everyone knows from childhood what it is, but, nevertheless, the question of how to make a water bath correctly does not lose its relevance, especially for young housewives who are just beginning to comprehend the basics of culinary art.

So, let's try to understand the intricacies of this process. The first question is when and why a water bath is needed. It is worth paying attention to this method of heating and cooking in cases where:

• It is necessary to melt foods that are sensitive to high temperatures in such a way as to prevent them from burning and sticking to the walls of the cookware. Use a water bath to melt chocolate, butter or soap base for home soap making.
• It is necessary to heat any ingredients to a relatively low temperature (50-60°). This is often necessary when making masks for hair or face, which contain natural oils - when heated, they are better absorbed and have a much more noticeable effect.
• It is necessary to prepare decoctions or infusions of herbs without losing a large amount of useful ingredients that are destroyed when boiled.
• There is a need to heat products that are prone to changing structure under the influence of temperature - yolk, gelatin, etc.

In all of the above cases, as well as in a number of others, it is very important to know how to make a water bath. It also has its own subtleties and rules, knowledge of which will allow you to avoid common mistakes.

First of all, a water bath will turn out great if the dishes are chosen correctly, but these are not all the details that are worth paying attention to.

• The lower pan or bowl should have a thick bottom and, if possible, thick walls. In this case, the boiling will not be so violent and drops of water will not fall into the mass you are preparing.
• Be sure to cover the bottom of the lower dish with a clean linen or cotton towel - this will make the boiling even smoother, and this is the key to how to make a water bath.
• The upper dish should be of such a diameter that its bottom touches the water column, but the walls remain in the air. In this position, the effect will be maximum - the upper bowl will be treated with hot steam, and the water will practically not touch it. Select dishes in advance that match each other in diameter, and remember this “pair” - next time you will save time searching for suitable vessels.
• A water bath at home involves constantly stirring the mixture in the upper bowl. This helps to control all changes in consistency and not miss the moment when the bowl needs to be removed from the heat.
• You should lower the bowl into a large saucepan only after the water has boiled in it, otherwise the process of heating the mixture being prepared will be disrupted, and the result may not turn out at all as desired.
• When preparing decoctions of medicinal plants, you do not need to stir the mixture continuously, since burning will not happen. It is better to cover it with a lid to prevent essential oils, which are often the main active ingredients of traditional medicine, from evaporating.
• If the diameter of the upper pan practically coincides with the lower pan, you should worry in advance about how it can be removed after heating. It might be worth hanging it above the water using a thick thread or making improvised handles if there are none.

These are the basic rules on how to make a water bath without making mistakes. But even if you don’t succeed the first time, don’t worry. Two or three times - and you will develop the necessary skill that allows you to do everything easily and quickly.

How to make a water bath? All home cooking methods

Sometimes after reading a recipe in a cookbook, you get the impression that you have read some strange code for special agents. Blanch, simmer with a little butter, cook until it tastes like a “soft ball” - and these are not all the terms used by chefs. But perhaps the most popular among them is the “water bath”. Many people don’t know how to make it, and therefore refuse such recipes. And completely in vain. It’s easy to make, and dishes cooked in a water or steam bath are tasty and healthy.

It is used in cases where delicate cooking and heating of the dish to no more than 100 degrees is required. The easiest way to make a water bath is to pour water into one pan and place a second, smaller one in it. This is exactly where the products that need to be cooked are placed. Typically this method is used for melting butters and chocolate, as well as for making warm custards and sponge dough. Homemade cottage cheese is also made in a similar steam bath.

Another option for making a water bath is an improvised double boiler. To do this, you need to stretch gauze over a pan of water at a height of 3-4 centimeters from the last one. This way you can cook steamed dishes - vegetables, fish and even meat. In fact, electric steamers operate on this principle, which today can be bought at any hardware store. Before their appearance, special pans with a double bottom were used. This method of cooking is considered the most dietary and healthy.

Many, however, believe that the steam menu is only suitable for children or those on a strict diet. In fact, you can cook many original and delicious dishes with steam. These can be a variety of soufflés, omelettes and even cupcakes. Cooking in a water bath saturates them with additional moisture and makes them juicy, preserving all the benefits of the products. So the steam menu can be quite varied and not only dietary.

But this does not exhaust all the cases when you need to know how to make a water bath. To make cheesecake, cake or soufflé in the oven, this cooking method is often used. This is because for delicate baked goods, you need to moderate the high temperature of the oven and prevent the top from cracking. To do this, you need to pour water into a deep baking pan so that it reaches the middle of the baking pan. If using a springform pan, it should be wrapped in foil to prevent moisture from entering. It is advisable to wrap in several layers and overlap and, of course, do not rush.

Knowing how to make a water bath at home, you can diversify your menu not only with dietary dishes. Thanks to it, preparing many cakes, soufflés and cheesecakes will become a very common task. This means that you can organize small holidays for your family every day. And steamed cutlets, fish and vegetables often look much more attractive than fried or stewed ones. And most importantly, they combine delicate taste and benefits, as they are prepared without adding oil.

What kind of steam bath can be made at home - implementation options

Usually the word “bathhouse” evokes in people a visual image of a room where visitors first warm up under the influence of water steam, cool down by washing in pools or showers, and then spend leisure hours in cozy relaxation rooms. The article will discuss such a procedure as a steam bath for the face, and the features of its use.

Applicability of steam baths in various fields

It is worth considering a procedure such as a steam bath, comparing it with a regular sauna, which is popular among a large number of people. A steam (water) bath is distinguished by the fact that the mixture poured into a certain container is evenly heated over the fire, but does not burn and does not lose its beneficial qualities.

At the same time, the sauna operates on a similar principle: with each new stage of the procedures, the visitor warms up at a higher steam temperature, which has a beneficial effect on the general condition of his body.

Some people associate the concept of “steam bath” with the method of steaming food, but in fact, the same procedure for heating various elements is also used in the industrial sphere.

The “steam bath” method is used in the following industries:

• food;
• petrochemical;
• gas;
• pharmaceutical;
• veterinary

In each individual case, the procedure differs only in that containers of different sizes are used. Industrial areas most often require the use of specialized laboratory devices that are manufactured in factories.

A high-quality laboratory device is the key to a successful experiment

It is possible to maintain a certain temperature regime of the liquid only with the help of a special water bath, manufactured with precise adherence to technology. According to the rules, such containers must comply with GOST standards, as well as the liquid examined with their help.

At industrial enterprises, samples of a certain mixture are taken, which can only be tested using a laboratory water bath. The device allows you to determine a number of mixture parameters and compare them with generally accepted standards.

Quite often, to conduct a certain study (when testing a substance for compliance with GOSTs), it is impossible to replace a laboratory water bath.

This installation copes with the following tasks:

• thermostatic heating;
• distillation;
• evaporation;
• drying;
• enrichment of substances.

With its help, more specific problems are also solved, such as, for example, the extraction of fat from dairy products. According to the standard, the temperature in the water bath tank is maintained between 65 and 75 degrees Celsius. Typically, it is under such temperature conditions that food industry products are checked for compliance with GOSTs.

Essentially, a steam bath is like a kettle in which the water temperature does not exceed 100 degrees Celsius, but if necessary (for research purposes), it is increased by adding ordinary kitchen salt. Carrying out a huge number of laboratory experiments without this equipment is simply impossible. As mentioned above, an industrial steam bath will help in solving a variety of problems.

This equipment may differ in capacity or operating principle. There can be installations controlled by one operator or several. The functionality of these steam baths also varies greatly. For example, a laboratory installation for studying the composition of polyethylene is controlled by six operators.

Some containers operate on the principle of a chemical centrifuge, where a large number of flasks and other glassware can be placed in special compartments.

Effective and cheap cosmetic procedure

Definitely, a steam bath for the face at home is the simplest cosmetic product that allows you to tone and improve the skin of your face so that you look beautiful not only in photos, but also when meeting in person with friends, relatives and acquaintances.

The essence of its work is quite simple:

• when steaming, the pores of the skin open, which allows the fat cells accumulated in them to be destroyed;
• water vapor saturates the epithelial tissue with moisture, giving it tone;
• The elasticity of the skin increases, but at the same time it becomes softer;
• Warm water vapor also causes a rush of blood into the epidermis, which is expressed by blush.

It is important not only to understand how to make a steam bath yourself, but also to take into account a number of nuances when carrying out the procedure.

We are talking about the following features of taking a steam bath:

• when steaming, facial skin can be treated with various cleansing solutions, creams and gels;
• steaming is an excellent preventive measure in the treatment of acne;
• practically no restrictions on use, with the exception of increased sensitivity of the skin and some diseases;
• Maximum effectiveness when treating oily, dry or combination skin types.

Experts always remind that dry or combination skin should be treated with fatty creams before taking bath procedures, so as not to cause the effect of early aging of the skin. Also, the effectiveness of the procedures increases when various herbs are added to the water, which have a beneficial effect on the skin.

If we are talking about how to make a steam bath at home, then you should first familiarize yourself with the effects that certain herbs and substances used have.

The modern market of cosmetic products offers customers a wide selection of steam baths manufactured in industrial conditions. For example, inhalers used either to treat respiratory diseases or to cleanse the skin of the face.

The frequency of procedures depends on the individual characteristics of the patient’s skin. The period between two procedures can range from 3-4 to 7 days.

Creating a steam bath at home

Every woman knows that a water bath for the face is very useful, but she does not always have the opportunity to use this procedure for a fee. In this regard, there is a need to carry out the procedure at home using improvised means.

The main container for the procedure can be a small enamel saucepan (from 2 liters). You need to pour a liter of water into it and add a little baking soda. Then the water is brought to a boil, and the pan is placed on a convenient surface, where it will be easy for a person to expose his face to the water vapor.

The resulting solution must be allowed to cool slightly so that the temperature of the steam is high, but does not burn the face. Then you should sit by the pan so that the steam envelops your face. For maximum effectiveness of the procedure, a piece of cloth is placed over the head, which will prevent the liquid from cooling quickly.

The entire procedure should take approximately 10 minutes. If you feel any negative manifestations, you should immediately stop taking the procedures. If the beneficial effect on the body needs to be enhanced or a specific effect needs to be created, then various plants can be added to the water: chamomile, linden, parsley, etc.

Herbs are selected taking into account the characteristics of the skin:

• oily skin loves rosemary, oak bark, sage, birch and willow leaves;
• on dry soil the most beneficial effect will be provided by: mint, birch buds, yarrow, linden flowers;
• You can moisturize the skin with dried wormwood and horsetail;
• The functioning of the nervous system can be normalized with lemon oil or hop cones.

A steam bath is not suitable for use by people who have:

• high blood pressure;
• metabolic dysfunction;
• high sensitivity of the skin;
• individual intolerance (allergy) to any of the listed herbs.

Bottom line

The article describes in detail the procedure for taking a steam bath, its features, as well as the main advantages and disadvantages. If you follow the instructions, the procedure will be effective, and the result will be healthy facial skin that looks beautiful not only in edited photos, but also in real life. Of course, you can entrust your face to the workers of a beauty salon, but at home you won’t have to pay practically anything.

When and where to use a water bath

Device for the procedure

At first glance, it seems that there is nothing in common between a bathhouse in the generally accepted meaning of the word and the concept of “steam bath”. But it’s worth thinking about what happens to a person in a sauna and what effect is achieved. In a water bath, any mixture is slowly heated, while the gentle action of the flame does not allow the product to burn. Likewise, a person in a sauna takes on more and more air temperature with each new entry into the steam room. However, its condition is such that it does not harm the body.

Common people most often associate the concept of “steam bath” with cooking. But this is not entirely true, because this heating principle is also used in production. Moreover, the scope of application of a steam bath is quite wide. These are the following industries:

• Food
• Petrochemical
• Gas
• Medical
• Veterinary

It is clear that devices of different sizes are used to achieve different goals. It’s one thing to prepare cream for culinary masterpieces in the kitchen, and another thing to isolate the substance under production conditions. In the latter case, special laboratory devices are required; they must be made in factories.

Laboratory devices - the basis of experiments

After inhalation, the cold will go away

To maintain a certain liquid temperature according to GOST, you need a laboratory water bath. Thanks to it, it is possible to carry out thermostatic heating, distillation, evaporation, drying or enrichment of substances. Almost any product with a liquid composition must comply with GOST. This can be achieved by sampling. These samples are then subjected to special laboratory manipulations, the results of which show how well the tested substance complies with the approved standard.

When carrying out this kind of procedure, nothing can replace a steam bath. To isolate fat from milk and its products, the laboratory must have a set of necessary equipment. The water bath maintains a temperature of 65-75 degrees, creating conditions for testing. In this way, the conformity of products with state standards for the food industry is confirmed.

The water temperature in the steam bath should not exceed 100 degrees. If for research purposes it is necessary to raise it a little higher, ordinary table salt is added to the water. Without such laboratory equipment, it is impossible to conduct many experiments, especially if you subsequently have to undergo a test for compliance with GOST.

Advice from the master!

Water baths, constructed in special factories, serve various production purposes.

Such equipment can be very different both in volume and in operating principle. Laboratory-type water baths can be very different. One specialist or several can work with them. At the same time, the equipment of such equipment is different. For example, a laboratory bath in which the extractive substance contained in polyethylene is determined has six workstations. Some containers provide space for multiple flasks and other laboratory glassware. This makes the verification process much faster.

A steam bath is the toughest of all types of baths. It is characterized by increased demands on the state of the cardiovascular system. Very humid steam room air causes the formation of condensation in the lungs, making it difficult for the lungs to absorb oxygen. A decrease in the flow of oxygen puts a strain on the heart and brain, the organs most demanding of oxygen. In addition, a person is a “cold body” in relation to the natural moist air of a steam room. Moisture condenses on it abundantly. It blocks the evaporation of sweat, thereby eliminating the action of the most effective tool of the thermoregulation system. The fact is that the process of sweating itself takes very little energy. The main effect of heat transfer is in evaporation from the surface of the body. Thus, 1 liter of sweat released by the body takes away 2400 kJ of thermal energy. Of these, 97% of heat transfer occurs through evaporation, i.e. 2300 kJ.

In a steam bath, sweat flows off with moisture, practically without cooling the body. The body rows quickly and deeply. This is perhaps the only advantage of a steam bath. Deep heating burns fat, allowing you to lose weight; There is no point in using brooms in a steam bath. A protective shell does not form on the skin, there is no need to remove the sweat, it drains off on its own, diluted with water. And the third function of the broom - massage with such a pronounced load - is clearly contraindicated.

For a final explanation of the reasons for the polar differences between these baths, let us turn again to science. Steam that is formed during the boiling process is called saturated. According to its condition, it can be dry saturated and moist saturated. Dry saturated steam is steam that contains no liquid. If there are droplets of liquid in it, then it is moist saturated steam - a steam bath.

If you continue to heat dry saturated steam, you will get so-called superheated steam - a dry sauna. I warn against the objections of specialists that I deliberately, in order to better understand the processes among the broad masses of steamers, allow incorrect use of terms. What we steam with is not steam, but moist air. But I dare to assure you that, despite such a free use of concepts, our reasoning traces the essence of the ongoing processes.

It turns out that the amount of heat transferred to the body in a steam and dry bath differs by a factor of 100 in terms of the defining parameter! In reality, of course, the difference is not so huge, if only because in the bath there is not pure steam, but a mixture of air and steam, called moist air, and (t-1) for a dry bath is much higher than for a steam bath. But there is no doubt that when entering a steam bath, the body receives several times more heat per unit time than in other baths.

The temperature of the heated body (t body) in both the steam bath and the dry sauna is the same, say 40°C. That is, the amount of heat transferred to the body depends on the surrounding temperature (t° steam). In a dry sauna, the difference (t^-t) reaches 70 * C, but there the heat transfer coefficient a is only 20. This gives enough time to warm up, satisfy the desire to steam, and even think, get heat stroke or leave the sauna with a thirst for life. In a steam bath the picture is slightly different. The initial difference (t-t^) is only 8-9 *C. When the body warms up, it decreases to 4-5 X and remains constant. The amount of heat transferred to the body by this moment is halved and also stabilizes. Actually, thanks to this phenomenon, a person can enjoy the conditions of a steam bath. But if the temperature in the steam bath is higher than 45 ° C set by Jan Björnhack, then stabilization does not occur soon. With the coefficient a=2000 present there, people are unlikely to wait for this moment. At best, he will jump out of the steam room with bulging eyes, but the worst can happen.

A steam sauna has many similarities with a regular sauna, as it affects the body according to a similar principle and causes the process of sweating. The main difference is the air conditions, thanks to which the steam sauna not only relaxes, but also improves the health of the body. Besides steam sauna has the strongest cosmetic effect. The best effect on the body occurs at a temperature of 43-46°C, and the air humidity should be at least 100%, which is accompanied by thick steam. And to provide such fog, powerful steam generators are used. The room itself must be vapor-tight to prevent steam from escaping.

Steam sauna and principles of visiting it

When visiting a steam sauna, you must adhere to the same recommendations that apply to a regular sauna:

The best temperature for visiting a steam sauna is the range of 43-46°C. At these temperatures it is not only more pleasant to be indoors, but also more beneficial for the body. A state of discomfort will occur if the temperature in the sauna rises even 2-3°C. To prevent this, special control systems must be installed in the room that will control the level of temperature and steam.

A visit to the sauna begins with a shower, after which you can go directly to the steam room for 15-20 minutes. After this, it is best to cool the body using cooler water or air flow. Under no circumstances should you expose your body to shock. If your feet become cold while cooling your body, you should take a hot bath for your feet. In total, no more than 2-3 sessions are allowed during a visit to the sauna.

When the room has not only a steam sauna, but also a regular sauna, you can combine visiting them one by one, and after each of them you need to wait a while so that the body cools down well. It is strictly forbidden to re-enter the steam room if the body has not cooled down or is even hotter, as well as moving from one sauna to another, since the circulatory system will be overly stressed.

How does a steam sauna work?

While in a steam sauna, the body receives a lot of useful benefits:

Oxygen supply to cells and tissues is increased,

There are significantly more white blood cells

The process of blood supply to the body, as well as filling it with nutrients, occurs much faster,

During one visit to the sauna, the body loses 400-600 calories,

The tumor death factor becomes up to 500 times more frequent,

Together with sweat, remnants of medications taken, pesticides, and other toxins are removed from the body,

The immune system is strengthened, and artificial conditions are created in the body and viruses and bacteria are destroyed,

The muscle tissue relaxes and tension and pain go away.

Steam sauna as medicine

The effect of a steam sauna cannot be underestimated. The high steam content, as well as the moist heat of the sauna, have a healing effect on the body. It is recommended to attend procedures to maintain general condition, as well as to improve its functioning in the following cases: bronchitis, bronchial asthma, hoarseness in the voice, cough, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, rheumatism, joint pain and limitation of their movement. The positive effects of a steam sauna were studied by specialists from the Munich and Moscow University of Balneology and Climatology.

In addition to the healing effect on the body, the steam sauna is perfect as a maintenance procedure, and is recommended for use by those people who have sleep disorders, as well as problems with the skin (dryness, sagging, sensitivity) and muscles. While in the sauna, the functioning of blood vessels improves and the skin undergoes intense cleansing. Moist air helps open pores, dirt and dead cells are removed, and as a result, the condition of the skin improves, it becomes not just clean, but soft and smooth.

Not many people know how important it is to cleanse pores of impurities that have accumulated over months, or even years. It turns out, as studies have shown, the amount of toxins in the skin is several times greater than in urine. That's why some people call the skin the third kidney. The use of the therapy described above can be regarded as a very effective method of treatment and cleansing. Steam sauna therapy is accessible to everyone and can easily be included as maintenance therapy.

Steam aroma sauna

An aromatic steam sauna can be used to provide the best relaxing and healing effect. To do this, evaporation vessels filled with essential oils are placed in the room. They mix with the steam and literally envelop. For a steam room with a small area (up to 15 m²), it is enough to use a vessel with 10 drops of essential oil. Sound therapy can be used along with this.

Such procedures will bring benefits, first of all, to those who suffer from constant fatigue and nervousness. An aromatic sauna perfectly strengthens the immune system, relieves pain in joints and muscles, and has a positive psychotherapeutic effect. The duration of the steam sauna is at least 20 minutes. The main contraindication to a steam sauna is asthma.

Steam sauna for face

This type of sauna is an excellent skin care product. With its help, you can carry out pleasant, and at the same time, very useful procedures for facial skin: cleansing, opening pores, removing impurities and dead epidermis. As a result, at the end of the procedures, the skin becomes young, beautiful, smooth, and acquires lost tone. The sauna uses soft steam, which can be supplemented with infusions of medicinal herbs. Facial steam saunas can be portable and equipped with a main body, a measuring cup, and facial attachments. There are contraindications to using a portable facial sauna. Those who have very sensitive skin should avoid such procedures.

Steam sauna
Steam sauna A steam sauna has many similarities with a regular sauna, as it affects the body according to a similar principle and causes the process of sweating. The main difference is the air conditions,

Steam bath

In a steam bath, sweat flows off with moisture, practically without cooling the body. The body rows quickly and deeply. This is perhaps the only advantage of a steam bath. Deep heating burns fat, allowing you to lose weight. Using brooms in a steam bath does not make sense. A protective shell does not form on the skin, there is no need to remove the sweat, it drains off on its own, diluted with water. And the third function of a broom - massage with such a pronounced load is clearly contraindicated.

For a final explanation of the reasons for the polar differences between these baths, let us turn again to science. Steam that is formed during the boiling process is called saturated. According to its condition, it can be dry saturated and moist saturated. Dry saturated steam is steam that contains no liquid. If there are droplets of liquid in it, then it is moist saturated steam - a steam bath.

If you continue to heat dry saturated steam, you will get so-called superheated steam - a dry sauna. I warn against the objections of specialists that I deliberately, in order to better understand the processes among the broad masses of steamers, allow incorrect use of terms. What we steam with is not steam, but moist air. But I dare to assure you that, despite such a free use of concepts, our reasoning traces the essence of the ongoing processes.

It turns out that the amount of heat transferred to the body in a steam and dry bath differs by a factor of 100 in terms of the defining parameter! In reality, of course, the difference is not so huge, if only because in the bath there is not pure steam, but a mixture of air and steam, called moist air, and (t-1) for a dry bath is much higher than for a steam bath. But there is no doubt that when entering a steam bath, the body receives several times more heat per unit time than in other baths.

The temperature of the heated body (t body) in both the steam bath and the dry sauna is the same, say 40°C. That is, the amount of heat transferred to the body depends on the surrounding temperature (t° steam). In a dry sauna, the difference (t^-t) reaches 70 * C, but there the heat transfer coefficient a is only 20. This gives enough time to warm up, satisfy the desire to steam, and even think, get heat stroke or leave the sauna with a thirst for life. In a steam bath the picture is slightly different. The initial difference (t-t^) is only 8-9 *C. When the body warms up, it decreases to 4-5 X and remains constant. The amount of heat transferred to the body by this moment is halved and also stabilizes. Actually, thanks to this phenomenon, a person can enjoy the conditions of a steam bath. But if the temperature in the steam bath is higher than 45 ° C set by Jan Björnhack, then stabilization does not occur soon. With the coefficient a=2000 present there, people are unlikely to wait for this moment. At best, he will jump out of the steam room with bulging eyes, but the worst can happen.

Steam bath
Steam bath

Makeup artist Maria Usacheva

Steam bath– one of the most ancient and effective methods of deep skin cleansing. The moist steam softens the top layer of skin and makes it easier to remove, leaving skin smooth and fresh. The heat increases blood circulation and activates the pores and glands, which draw dirt and toxins to the surface of the skin.

Steam baths get rid of acne and congestion, rejuvenate the skin, smooth out wrinkles, and the face becomes fresher and smoother. Steam baths for dry or aging skin are done once every two weeks, as frequent steam baths dry out the skin. For oily, normal or combination skin – once a week.

A steam bath can be done in two ways. I find it most convenient using a Chamomile inhaler.

To prepare a steam bath in this way, boil a glass of clean water, add a tablespoon to the water a mixture of herbs suitable for your skin type, this will be discussed below. Cover and let sit for two minutes. Pour the resulting decoction into a special container of the inhaler, add 3-5 drops of essential oil. Then you do everything as with regular inhalation - assemble the inhaler, plug it in and place your face in a special cup, as in the picture.

If you do not have such an inhaler, you can use a regular pan.

For a liter of boiling water, add 4 tablespoons of a mixture of herbs suitable for your skin type. Cover the pan, turn off the stove and leave for two minutes. Remove the lid, add 10 drops of essential oil. Keep your face 30-45 cm from the surface of the water, cover your head and pan with a thick blanket to create a steam bath. 5-10 minutes will be enough.

In no case don't press anything on your face after the procedure! Mechanical cleaning is carried out by cosmetologists; it is not recommended to do this at home. Instead, you can use a gelatin mask to remove blackheads (an article about this coming soon).

After the steam bath(masks) wipe your face with an ice cube to close the pores, blot with a paper napkin and lubricate with cosmetic oil. You can also use a rich cream, but I prefer oil, as the combination of steam bath and oil rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin.

Components of a steam bath for different skin types.

For any skin type should be added to a steam bath Bay leaf And licorice. Bay leaf improves blood circulation, licorice removes toxins. Other herbs soften the skin and have a healing effect. Essential oils add aroma and relax.

For normal skin: thyme, chamomile, fennel, essential oils of lavender, geranium or bergamot.

For dry skin: marshmallow, chamomile, orange zest, neroli or chamomile essential oils.

For fat skin: lemon balm, fennel, essential oils of juniper and lemon.

For fading skin: cinnamon, cloves, eucalyptus, nettle, rosemary essential oil.

For problematic skin: burdock root, yarrow, black currant leaf, essential oils of lemon, bergamot, cedar.

If you have very dry, sensitive or redness-prone skin leather with prominent veins, you are better off using a gentler cleaning option.

Makeup artist Maria Usacheva
Steam baths get rid of acne and congestion, rejuvenate the skin, smooth out wrinkles, and the face becomes fresher and smoother.

• What is the difference between dry steam and wet steam?
• All about the sauna: how to steam properly
• Hair care in winter and spring - 7 most important tips

At low humidity and high temperature, the warming process occurs faster. It is better to repeat the steaming procedure two or three times, the duration should be from five to twenty minutes, after which it is better to take a cold shower.

When using dry steam in a steam room, the effect of a sauna will be achieved. Since the humidity is low, the body is able to withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees. It is dry steam that is much easier to tolerate by the body.

It is recognized that dry steam saunas will help in the treatment of skin and musculoskeletal diseases. Another plus is the fight against excess weight.

In saunas with dry air, sweating occurs much more strongly, the skin is worked out much more strongly, and the removal of toxins is accelerated.

However, it is necessary to remember that people who have any problems with the respiratory system should not visit the so-called “dry steam rooms”, as they can harm the body.

Wet steam

In steam rooms heated with stones, high humidity is achieved by constantly splashing water onto the stones. It costs no more than 20 minutes to warm up in such a bath.

Unlike dry steam, wet steam just helps to make breathing easier, like inhalation. It has been proven that moist air in a bathhouse helps get rid of a large number of diseases, such as cough.

It is the Russian bath with wet steam that allows you to choose a comfortable temperature and degree of air humidity.

A wet steam bath makes sweating a little more difficult, but it warms the body from the inside much more than a dry bath, which helps improve metabolism.

You need to steam properly

It is important to know that you should not drink alcohol either in a bathhouse or in a sauna with dry and humid air. Quite often, a trip to a bathhouse or sauna with friends simply turns into a huge feast. Such celebrations are strictly prohibited, as they greatly increase the load on the heart, and the consequences can be disastrous. It’s better to drink tea or just limit yourself to hot water.

By watering the stones with ordinary water, you can achieve the desired temperature and humidity. The prepared boiling water should be distributed evenly over the stones, which will facilitate a faster transformation of water into vapor. Otherwise, the water will simply cool and flow over the stones. You can also use special essential oils.

What is the difference between dry and wet baths?

The tradition of visiting the bathhouse has very deep roots. In the modern world, despite all the benefits of civilization, it has not lost its relevance. After all, many people perceive the bathhouse as a place where they can not only wash themselves thoroughly, but also heal the body and soul.

Over the course of many centuries, in different parts of the globe, the characteristics of steam rooms have been formed that are optimally suitable for people of a certain region. Currently, the Russian bath and Finnish sauna are the most popular.

The Finnish sauna is a typical representative of a dry air bath. Its peculiarity is that the air humidity in it does not exceed 20%, and the temperature can reach up to 100 degrees.

The Russian bathhouse is famous for its wet steam. The temperature in it does not exceed 70 degrees, and the humidity is 60-100%. For a Russian bath, the optimal temperature is 60 degrees and humidity is 60%, i.e. The ratio 60x60 must be observed. There is an opinion that these indicators have the most beneficial effect on the Russian body.

Which sauna is healthier?

For a long time in Rus', various ailments were expelled in the bathhouse. To this day, the bathhouse is famous for its healing properties, because... it is a kind of extreme for the body - first it gets very hot, and at the same time all metabolic processes are accelerated, then it cools down sharply. These temporary extreme conditions are very useful, because during such stress the body wakes up, its internal forces are activated, hardening occurs, and the immune system is strengthened.

When visiting a wet steam bath, it is good to use brooms. There are active points on the human body, and patting the steamed body with a broom has a gentle effect on them, which, in turn, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the internal organs.

In the steam room, a person begins to breathe more often and deeper. Inhaling steam well moisturizes the mucous membrane, ventilation of the lungs occurs, which is a good prevention of colds.

Without a doubt, a wet bath is very useful, but due to the high humidity, not every person can tolerate it. This bathhouse is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory diseases. To avoid overheating, you should wear a special cap or tie a towel around your head.

In a dry bath, moisture easily evaporates from the skin, so there is no risk of overheating. The heat in such a bathhouse is easier to bear than in a humid one.
A dry air bath is perfect for people who are constantly cold, as well as those who are recovering from an illness. But you cannot stay in a dry bath for more than 15 minutes, because... it dries out the mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract.

Remember that benefits come from what a person enjoys. If this is your first time in a bathhouse, do not mock your body - everything needs to be done gradually. Adjust the time you spend in the steam room based on how you feel. And you don’t have to jump into the ice hole the first time, you can just douse yourself with cool water. The main thing is that you feel comfortable in the bathhouse, and that you want to come there again.

Tip 1: What is the difference between dry steam and wet steam?
👍, Baths and saunas are quite relevant, and a huge number of people like to bask in them and improve their health at the same time.

BENEFITS OF BATH

According to many doctors, once a week is an excellent means of replenishing the loss of a person’s physical and spiritual strength, which he so needs. The temperature in the steam room is usually maintained at 90°. At such a high temperature, the body is freed from harmful metabolic products, the body’s activity increases, and it is mobilized to fight the microbes around us.
This ancient and wonderful procedure cannot be described in a few words. For many centuries, the bathhouse was considered by most peoples to be one of the best health remedies. It has an excellent effect on the nervous system, muscles, blood circulation, skin, etc. Thanks to the bath, not only dead skin particles are removed, but also the action of the sweat and sebaceous glands is enhanced, the skin becomes elastic and elastic. Increased sweating helps remove waste products from the body, the accumulation of which is very harmful to health. The bath increases metabolism, reduces pain in rheumatic diseases, and cures colds. It also has a good effect on the cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure.

TYPES OF BATHS

There are several types of baths. Depending on the methods of obtaining steam, the steam room had Roman, Arab, Turkish baths, a Finnish sauna, a Russian steam room, etc.

FINNISH BATH

Finnish sauna - in Finland this is also a place of relaxation. Its characteristic features are high (up to 100°) temperature and low humidity (10-15%). It is often called a dry steam bath. Due to the low humidity, the sauna is easily tolerated. However, using the sauna should follow a number of rules.
First, wash yourself, dry yourself thoroughly and warm your feet in a basin of hot water.
When you enter the steam room, you should not immediately go upstairs, sit below for a while. The most useful temperature is 80-90°. The first stay in the steam room is about 10 minutes. When you come out of it, it is useful to douse yourself with cold water or swim in the pool. The total time spent in the steam room should not exceed 30 minutes.
After the entire procedure, I recommend taking a shower and resting well for 20-30 minutes. When you first enter the steam room, I do not advise you to make sudden movements, it is better to lie down. In between visits to the steam room, you can drink tea, fruit or mineral water. Usually a sauna has a good effect on everyone, but just in case, I recommend consulting a doctor.

RUSSIAN BATH

In a Russian bath, the source of heat and steam is the stove; there is also a steam room, where people steam with birch, oak or maple brooms.
Before you go to steam, rinse yourself in the shower with warm water. When you enter the steam room, you must first warm up, sit, or better yet, lie down. After warming up, you should not suddenly get to your feet. After warming up, rest in the locker room for 10-20 minutes.
Bathers enter the steam bath gradually, slowly climbing the steps higher and higher. With each step the temperature increases. The pores expand and profuse sweating begins. Drops of sweat cover the entire body. You can increase sweating by hitting the body with a birch broom. After a steam bath, a person feels light and cheerful.
The benefits of a steam bath are so noticeable that after the first visit everyone becomes an ardent supporter of it.
Steam baths have a hygienic and therapeutic effect, but do not contribute to weight loss, as some believe. Thanks to systematic visits to the steam bath, you can really keep your weight at the same level and even lose several kilograms over time. But this only happens when you do not consume more calories than are required for normal existence. Caused by the release of moisture, the loss of several grams of weight, which is proudly reported by more than one overweight woman, is restored after a glass of lemonade, tea or coffee.

BATH FOR HEALTH

Why is a steam bath so good for your health? As a result of its influence, our body reacts less to weather changes and is better able to resist pathogenic microbes. Skin blood circulation increases. Fat and sweat that clog the pores are softened and released from the skin, and its breathing improves. The cleansed body regains lost elasticity, as a result of which the vital activity of the body increases. That is why young and old, men and women, regardless of occupation, healthy and sick, value steam baths much more than other types of bathing.

HOW TO USE THE BATH

How to use a steam bath? Before the bath, you should wash thoroughly with a washcloth and soap in the shower. People enter the steam room after the skin has been wiped dry and the feet have been warmed (they need to be kept in warm water for some time). By soaking your feet in warm water, you prepare your body for exposure to high temperatures. It's worth taking a towel with you so you have something to lie on.
Climb up the steps within 5-10 minutes. Sweating will increase as you climb. After being at the very top for 3-5 minutes, gradually descend.
When you are at the top, lie there for a while, relaxing your muscles and breathing deeply. When breathing, inhale deeply, hold it a little, and then exhale slowly.
After sweating well, douse yourself with cold water. If conditions permit, it is useful to do a few gymnastic exercises in the fresh air. Repeat such visits to the steam room two or three times. But go in there every time, only after wiping yourself dry and warming up your feet properly.
If possible, it is good to do a general massage between the first and second entrance to the steam room. After the massage, sweating will become even more intense.
You cannot enter the steam room with a full stomach or on an empty stomach.
When you finally leave the steam room, rest for 10-15 minutes, wrapped in a bathrobe or blanket. You should get dressed when the body has completely cooled down and sweating has stopped. After a steam bath it is harmful to be in the sun.
It is not recommended to use a steam bath more than once a week.

BATH HELP IN TREATMENT

A steam bath can help:
with symptoms of fatigue and tiredness;
with the onset of colds;
for catarrh or pulmonary asthma;
with circulatory failure;
for diseases associated with metabolic disorders;
with poor functioning of the endocrine glands;
for various female diseases;
with lack of appetite and insomnia;
for migraines and heart neuroses;
for gum diseases;
in poor condition of the bone after a fracture;
for rheumatism, sciatica, radiculitis and various neuralgia;
for non-contagious skin diseases.

BATH CONTRAINDICATIONS

You cannot use a steam bath:
for acute infectious diseases;
with open and closed forms of tuberculosis;
for severe diseases of the cardiovascular system and heart failure;
for malignant and benign tumors, epilepsy, anemia and sexually transmitted diseases;
with high blood pressure and excessive thinness;
for contagious skin diseases.
Before using a steam bath, be sure to seek the advice of a doctor. A steam bath may have harmful effects if it is not indicated for you.