What is the impact of steam on comedones during a facial treatment?

The correct choice highlights the role of steam in facial treatments, particularly with respect to comedones, which are clogged pores that can lead to blackheads and whiteheads. When steam is applied to the skin, it causes the pores to open up and the sebum within the comedones to soften. This softening effect makes it significantly easier to extract the comedones during facial treatments, as the pressure required to remove them is reduced.

Moreover, steam can also increase blood circulation and aid in the delivery of nutrients to the skin, thereby promoting overall skin health. However, when considering the specific impact on comedones, the primary benefit is the softening, which facilitates a more effective and less traumatic extraction process.

In contrast, steam does not harden comedones, enhance skin hydration directly, or promote acne growth; these points clarify why the other options do not accurately describe the effects of steam in this context.