The best facial steamers for your at-home skin care routine, according to experts
Adding a facial steamer to your skin care regimen can boost the efficacy of your other products, experts told us.
Six minutes is all you need to reap the benefits of this facial steamer, according to Panasonic. In that time, it helps open up pores and gently removes impurities for a healthier, more hydrated complexion, the brand says. I’m a fan of its compact design — which makes for easy storage — as well as how easy it is to use: All you have to do is fill up the water reservoir to "half" for a three-minute cycle or to "full" for the full six minutes. Evans agreed that this steamer is quick, efficient and easy to transport.
This is the most luxurious facial steamer on our list, but Evans said it's well worth the money if you're looking to really clarify the skin. It uses a wide nozzle to cover more surface area and employs micro-steam technology, which the brand says can soothe the skin in nine minutes. According to the brand, the steam strength is strong (similar to what you'd see at a professional facial), while the device itself has a lightweight yet sturdy design.
This 3-step set from Conair has everything you need for a full spa day at home: a nasal cone, a facial cleansing brush, an exfoliating brush and a moisturizer sponge. According to the brand, the steamer delivers a warm, steady flow of steam mist that opens up the pores and increases blood flow for a healthy-looking glow and hydrated skin. The brand says to use the nasal cone if you're looking for a more concentrated flow of steam as well as the exfoliating brush (combined with an exfoliating cream) for a deeper clean.
In addition to evoking a spa-like sensation in your own bathroom, there are a number of skin care benefits to using a facial steamer. Similar to how the steam in your shower is made, Evans said that facial steamers use a combination of water and heat to create steam that helps soften the outer layer of the skin (aka the stratum corneum). When this happens, there are a slew of skin care benefits:
When you use a facial steamer, make sure your face is clean and makeup-free beforehand, as steaming your face with makeup on can clog your pores. Also, Evans said you should avoid getting your face too close to the steamer, as it can burn the skin — she advised standing 12 to 24 inches away depending on the strength of the steam.
Evans recommended steaming your face for 10 minutes, which is enough time to reap the hydrating benefits without over-drying your skin. Rayhan said that you can use your facial steamer every day if you want — just make sure you're not standing too close to it. When you’re done, Rayhan recommended applying your moisturizers and serums to help retain the hydrating benefits of the steamer. If you're steaming during the day, make sure you follow up with sunscreen as well.
Experts told us you should avoid using a facial steamer if you have a skin condition like rosacea or severe eczema, as these devices increase blood flow to the face and can exacerbate these inflammatory conditions.
Select writer Michelle Rostamian has more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. Rostamian has tested dozens of skin care devices over the years, including facial steamers. For this story, Rostamian spoke to two board-certified dermatologists. Based on their guidance and recommendations, Rostamian reviewed the features of several facial steamers from brands like Panasonic, Conair, Dr. Dennis Gross and more.
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