Ask anyone who frequents a spa for facials and they’ll tell you the most satisfying part of the visit is the sense of ease you feel when the esthetician puts a
steamer to your face. You’ve heard the claims: facial steamers open your pores, allow products to penetrate deeper, and brighten the skin. But how effective are facial steamers in your skincare routine?
“One of the main benefits of using a facial steamer at home is that it increases blood circulation to the skin by raising the skin’s internal temperature,” Rouleau explains. When you increase the skin’s temperature, oxygen flows to the surface and “feeds the skin cells with new nutrients,” Rouleau adds. When doing your routine, Rouleu advises you should always cleanse, steam, apply serum, and then finish with a moisturizer.
Here's how it works: Steam increases the temperature of your skin, which in turn heats the debris in your pores. The dirt and oils clogging your pores are usually the consistency of hard butter, but with a little heat, they can be melted to soft butter. "It only stays soft as long as the skin is moist," adds Rouleau. Once your pores are open, it's easier to clean the skin and rid it of any congestion. If you're thinking of taking matters into your own hands, you should invest in a quality facial steamer. The beauty tool can bring the spa experience to your home bathroom.
Ahead, skin experts share their personal favorite facial steamers.
Nicole Simpson, the founder of Amethyst Skincare, says that this steamer is great because you don't have to bend your neck too far to feel its power. "The steamer ionizes the water molecules, which helps hydrate the skin a bit faster," she says. "Ionized water typically delivers the best results without the need for a timely process. I caution against over-steaming as it can dehydrate the skin, and that’s what you want to avoid."
The beauty of this facial steamer is its simplicity. "It’s a simple, one-piece design that is lightweight and compact," NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum says. "The micro-steam technology hydrates and purifies my skin effectively in just 9 minutes."
Dr. Marina Peredo suggests investing in Conair's steamer because it "comes with a gentle brush that you can use to exfoliate your skin before steaming for best results." But she warns that at-home users should be careful when extracting. "When extractions are done improperly, they can cause scarring and more harm than the blackhead itself. The skin is fragile, so extractions are best left to a professional," she explains.
Panasonic's popular steamer is usually sold out and for good reason. Los Angeles-based esthetician Tracy Hudson is a fan of the steamer for its long-lasting power and wallet-friendly price point.
All that traveling leaving your skin feeling parched? Throw this bite-sized facial mister in your bag to enhance your vacation skincare routine.
NYC's celebrity esthetician Vanessa Marc says you get your best results when you incorporate a mask. "I usually lay down for 10 mins under the steamer," she says. "Once my face is steamed, I would apply organic honey as a mask after, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help with acne, honey eliminates dead skins, and honey helps hydrates the skin."
"I personally recommend the Kingsteam facial steamer because it elevates the results of my products and keeps my skin hydrated in my dry apartment," NYC-based esthetician Essence Moore explains. Plus, it also comes with a hair steamer. But most importantly, "it’s affordable and has an ozone feature which is great for purifying the skin."
This isn't an Amazon best-seller for no reason. This steamer comes with tools to give you the best at-home facial (just be gentle), but also comes equipped with a towel warmer and doubles as a humidifier.