The Best Face Steamers for Home Use

Do you feel like your face needs some extra pampering now and then? Have you heard of face steamers but you’re not sure what to do? Let’s tackle two birds with one stone and show you the facts behind the best face steamers while also talking about some of the best products that fit this category.

Top 8 Best Face Steamers

I chose these based on ease of use, price, and quality.

How Do You Use a Face Steamer?

The proper way to use a face steamer depends on the exact brand in question. However, most steamers are used similarly, so here are some ground rules that will give you an idea of how to operate such as a device. 

• Clean Your Face

It’s important to clean your face before using a face steamer to get the best results. This implies removing your makeup or cleaning your face even if you don’t have any makeup on. 

You want to avoid using wipes and just opt for cleaners instead because they are more efficient. If you’re not wearing any makeup, you can wipe your face using micellar water and then rinse it. 

You might be interested: The Best Face Cleanser for Your Skin Type

• Add Distilled Water

When it comes to your skincare routine, steaming should be done after cleansing. It’s best to add distilled water to your face steamer and not just tap water from your faucet when filling the basin.

Two reasons why you should add distilled water: first, it is healthier. If you use tap water in this manner, the minerals in it will be streamed into your face, which can be irritating. As you continue to use tap water, these minerals can also blog the steamer.

• Usage Time

There’ll be some trial and error on your part to figure out how to steam your face properly. Since we all have different skin, some people can handle more steam than others, depending on their skin type.

As a result, the first time you steam, make sure you are 8 to 12 inches away from the steam. Let yourself to rest for two minutes before checking your skin in the mirror. After checking that everything is acceptable, steam for up to 9 minutes, pausing if it begins to bother your visage.

Is Steaming Your Face Good for Your Skin?

You must learn how to safely use a facial steamer if you want to truly enjoy all of its benefits. Follow all product handbook instructions and, as with any machine that generates heat, use it cautiously, ensuring the safety of children and pets. 

Keeping the face steamer clean is essential to preventing mildew or other contamination, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions and clean it frequently.

Apply a skin moisturizer after using the facial steamer but go with one that doesn’t have a fragrance. Moisturizing creams containing fragrances might irritate or worsen skin diseases like eczema because they penetrate deeper than other products.

Use a fragrance-free SPF after moisturizing to shield your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. It doesn’t matter whether you’re cooped up in your house all day.)

Because most topical skin treatments are designed to be applied to dry skin, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid using them after you’ve steamed.

When it comes to steaming time, less is more. Avoid steam burns by steaming for only 10 to 15 minutes and keeping a few feet away from the steamer.

You might want to check this out: Best Face Moisturizer

Pros and Cons of Using a Face Steamer

• Helps Get Rid of Blackheads

Steaming is a foolproof method of prepping pores for blackhead extraction. Steam can help smooth the skin while also loosening oil and accumulation in the pores. To make the plugs easier to remove, steam your skin before the process.

However, just because facial steamers offer this advantage, doesn’t mean you should just remove blackheads left and right. Invest in a stainless steel tool for blackhead removal or, even better, go see a skincare expert.

• Prepares Skin for Product Application

The use of steam can improve the effectiveness of your skincare products. The use of steaming before applying your creams, moisturizers, and serums can aid in better absorption of the ingredients. Skin becomes more porous and receptive to receive topical treatments as a result of the heat and wetness.

• Provides Additional Skin Hydration 

While creams, toners, and serums are good for hydrating the skin, you still need that basic ingredient: water. Face steaming can help with that, as it feeds water into your skin cells. Make sure to use a serum and a moisturizer afterward, to give your skin all the water it needs. 

• Helps Release Sebum

Acne products are often intended to absorb excess sebum and destroy acne-causing germs on the skin. Steam can aid in the efficacy of acne treatments and the reduction of pimples

After cleansing, apply steam to the face to help release sebum that has accumulated in the pores. Utilize your acne products in conjunction with this regimen for the best results. The use of steam also helps to remove acne-causing germs that can cause outbreaks.

• Keeps Your Skin Plump

When blood circulates properly, collagen and elastin are produced, giving the skin a plump, youthful appearance. This natural process is aided by the increased blood flow caused by the steaming procedure. Since steaming helps promote circulation, it also helps your skin look firm and young for longer. 

• May Increase Inflammation

Even though the increased blood flow makes your skin glow more, it may also have the unexpected consequence of raising inflammation. The effect of this is that long-term exposure to heat can aggravate some skin diseases such as acne and rosacea, as well as melasma, redness, and hyperpigmentation. It is for this reason that getting to know your skin is so vital.

• Can Aggravate Sensitive Skin

If you have issues like eczema or rosacea, or you know that you have sensitive skin, exposure to heat and steam can accuse face flushing. People prone to skin redness should avoid facial steamers. 

Tips for Cleaning and Caring for Your Face Steamer

Maintenance is a great part of ensuring a long lifespan for your face steamer. This means that you have to regularly take apart the parts and clean them, especially if you want to enjoy a hygienic pampering session for your facial skin. 

Careful with Essential Oils

Essential oils and herbs should never be added straight to the water. Doing so can have an immediate effect on the facial steamer’s lifespan and general performance. If essential oils are placed in an enclosed container of boiling water, they can cause water to spit out, clog the steamer, or even break the container due to the pressure. 

Some steamers have a mouth that is fitted with a wick-type mechanism. It’s possible to add a few drops of pure essential oil here. In some cases, a separate container is added.

Do not put essential oils directly into the tank, even though they smell good, because these compounds can cause the tank to stop working properly.

Use Distilled Water

Instead of using tap water, used distilled water to fill the reservoir of your face steamer. Tap water is usually rich in heavy minerals that can affect the steam and damage the parts of the steamer. Distilled water is less likely to cause bacteria build-up and your steamer is less prone to clogging. 

Watch Out for Mildew and Mold

Avoid leaving water in the steamer after using it. Emptying the tank after you’re finished is always recommended. There is a rubber seal which you always want to check to see if there is any mold or mildew. 

If you notice any damage or the seal can’t be cleaned, you should contact the manufacturer for a replacement. Cleaning is performed using a mixture of water and white vinegar.

Bottom Line

Using a facial steamer once per week can be beneficial, especially for those with dry skin. Steam helps open up the pores and makes your skin more likely to absorb all the good ingredients that are part of your skincare routine.

Photo credit: nelen/Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions