Relaxing during a facial steam treatment at a beauty spa
Image: Shutterstock/Feomarty Olga

The Essential Guide To Facial Steamers

There’s nothing quite like steam to open up your pores and give your complexion some quick revitalization. Since heat and moisture promote the pores to open, that means your skincare products will penetrate deeper and your pores will release the dead skin cells, bacteria and dirt that are lurking in your skin. You only need to wash your face after or during a steaming hot shower to understand the benefits of steam. Your skin feels cleaner, and you may become less prone to blemishes.

You can enjoy the benefits of steam the good ol’ fashioned way by boiling some distilled water, sitting with your face above the water at a table and keeping a towel over your head. Make sure the towel drapes over the pot or bowl so that it traps the steam. Keep your face over the water for at least five minutes. You can also add essential oils to the water after it stops boiling for aromatherapy benefits.

Otherwise, home facial steamers take that hot shower feel and ramp it up by blasting your face with much-needed steam therapy. There are several popular types listed below.

Secura Nano Ionic NanoCare Facial Steamer

This portable little steamer blasts your face with steam from a distance. It makes a “nano scale” hot steam that is designed to soak into your pores more easily. Its sleek, unassuming design means you can place it just about anywhere in the bathroom within easy reach. It has a list price of about $100, though it can be on sale for as little as $35.

Panasonic EH-SA32-P Pink Nano-e NanoCare Facial Steamer

This model has the same design as the Secura device. It’s just a different brand name. It creates the name “nano scale” mist. It evaporates the water instantly, so no waiting for the steam. This device runs at about $140.

Panasonic EH-SA31VP Facial Ionic Steamer

This home steamer is prided on its salon technology. The steam is supposed to be 4,000 times more refined than ordinary steam. It goes for about $180.

Revlon Facial Sauna

Here’s a device that is on the bulkier side, and it requires the user to put their face into a mask-like portion that directs the steam to the face. It comes with a smaller attachment to target the nasal region for a mini-facial. This device comes with a lower price, at just $25.

Conair Facial Sauna with Timer

This device looks about the same as the Revlon machine, but it’s a bit smaller with a price of around $20. It also has a full facial attachment and smaller attachment to target the nasal area. This product even comes with a facial brush.

So, you might be wondering, if I do get a facial steamer, what is all involved in the process?

Tips For Using A Facial Steamer

Luckily, giving yourself a facial with steam is an easy, relaxing process. Just follow the steps below:

  • Pull your hair away from your face with a headband.
  • Wash your face with a mild cleanser.
  • Blast your face with the steam for about 5-10 minutes.
  • Wash your face again to clear out the now open pores.
  • Optional: add a facial treatment of your choice like witch hazel or a commercial toner to further cleanse your pores.

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