There's no denying that we could all use a spa day right now. Like, at any given moment on any given day, that's a great time for some pampering self care. But most of us don't have the money to drop on expensive skin care and premium facial treatments on a regular basis.
There's good news, though, because you can bring the spa to the comfort of your own home with one nifty little device: the facial steamer. Introducing steam to your skincare routine isn't a revolutionary idea — think saunas, hot towels, and even the cringe-worthy Rachael Ray "pasta facial" method of enjoying that hit of steam that comes when draining the "mac" for your mac and cheese. That said, a face steamer can be an absolute game changer when it comes to skin care.
What is a facial steamer?
A facial steamer is a relatively small device that turns water into a warm steam that is then misted onto your face to help cleanse and hydrate your skin. It offers a great way to enjoy some of the greatest benefits of facial treatment at your favorite spa right at home. Some facial steamers may even have an adjustable arm that will allow you to lie down on your back while steaming, which can create a truly spa-like experience. But overall, the best facial steamers — when used properly — can leave your skin feeling softer and looking fresh and dewy.
How do facial steamers work?
Facial steamers, as their name implies, create gentle steam to help open and unclog your pores, and allow the steam to absorb into the skin to help hydrate it. Facial steam can also make it easier to slough off dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, and can help remove makeup more easily. The heat from the steam can also boost your entire skincare regimen by helping the skin more readily absorb your skin care products after you complete your at-home facial sauna. Facial steam can also be beneficial to prep the skin before shaving to prevent ingrown hairs.
Who can benefit from a facial steamer?
Just about anyone can benefit from a face steamer, but especially those with clogged pores. This is because the hot steam acts to open up the pores and help clear them of oil and debris.
Some facial steamers will claim that they can shrink your pores, but that's not really possible since your pore size is based on genetics. However, using facial steam to clear your pores of blackheads can make them less noticeable.
Do facial steamers work on dry skin?
Those with dry skin may also find a major benefit from facial steamers since they are designed to let more moisture into the skin and soften the skin enough to slough off dry, dead skin cells. As the steam opens the pores, the skin can more readily accept hydration from the warm mist as well as from serums and moisturizers applied after facial steaming. Altogether, this can make a face steamer particularly beneficial for skin that's feeling a little rough or dehydrated.
Do facial steamers work on oily skin?
Facial steamers are also a great choice for those with oily skin as the warm steam opens clogged pores and allows them to release buildup that can make skin feel greasy. Facial steaming is ultimately a very cleansing experience, especially when used in conjunction with the rest of your skincare regimen.
Do facial steamers work on sensitive skin?
Those with sensitive skin, however, should take caution when using a facial steamer as the heat may cause a reaction on your skin. Take the process slowly (i.e., don't get too close to the steam too fast) and opt for a face steamer that has adjustable heat settings for better control.
How do you use a face steamer?
Facial steamers are generally easy to use, and the setup process will seem pretty familiar to anyone who has used a humidifier or essential oil diffuser. Like those devices, most facial steamers work by filling the water tank — usually with distilled water to help prevent buildup, but it's not always required. Once the water tank is filled, a simple button, switch, or dial on the front of the facial steamer will allow you to turn it on.
While waiting for the hot water to turn into steam (it just takes a minute or two), thoroughly cleanse and dry your face. Then, position your face in front of the device where the steam is being released, and allow the steam to do its job for about 10 minutes or less.
It is important, however, to not get too close to the steam as you could potentially burn your skin. Be sure to slowly and gradually get closer to the steam to test the distance (and angle, if adjustable) that is most comfortable for you. Some facial steamers may even have adjustable temperature settings, and if so, you'll probably want to steer clear of the highest temperature setting; it's just not necessary — or worth the risk — to get the steam that hot.
After steaming, be sure to apply your favorite serum or facial moisturizer to take advantage of your open pores and lock in all that hydration.
Can you use essential oil with a facial steamer?
Keep in mind that you should only use essential oils (and high-quality ones, at that) with your facial steamer if the product explicitly says that you can. Many facial steamers are not designed to be used with essential oil, though some do allow for it. But even then, you'll want to be very careful to use essential oils as instructed, and only a tiny bit at a time. These aromatherapeutic oils can add to the at-home spa experience, but they can also cause allergic reactions — or other adverse reactions on sensitive skin — and irritation to the respiratory system.
How often should you use a face steamer?
You can repeat the facial steaming process up to twice per week, but any more than that would probably be overkill.
Now that you know why facial steamers can be so beneficial for your skincare routine, we’ve curated some of the top options for every budget. One of the best facial steamers out there is the UK-favorite Sarah Chapman Pro Hydro-Mist Steamer(opens in a new tab) — which would be a nice splurge — but it can be tough to get your hands on stateside. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up plenty of easily accessible options here that are designed to amplify your facial steaming game just as well.
