The best facial steamers have long been disregarded as something solely reserved for dermatologists – but they’re going mainstream and we’re not mad about it.
Steaming has been used in professional facials for decades. They work by ridding your complexion of dirt, oil and makeup build-up, which is often the root cause of breakouts and blackheads. Professional facial steamers are also great for opening your pores, which allows for a deeper cleanse and even allows your skincare products to be absorbed better, resulting in youthful, glowing and healthy looking skin.
Best facial steamers at a glance
- Best multi-tasking facial steamer: StylPro Facial Steamer, WAS £34.99 NOW £27.99, LookFantastic
- Best facial steamer for all skin types: HoMedics Nano Facial Steamer, £79.99, Boots
- Best facial steamer with nano-ionic technology: Panasonic EH-XS01 Facial Steamer, WAS £129.99 NOW £105, CurrentBody
- Best facial steamer with micro-steam: MAGNITONE SteamAhead Hydrating Facial Micro Steamer, WAS £30 NOW £24, Boots
So why are we only hearing about at-home facial steamers now? Well, face steamers have historically been pretty expensive – reserved for only the fanciest of salons and spas. But thanks to some of our favourite beauty retailers, you can now snap up affordable at-home facial steamers and reap the benefits from the comfort of your sofa. Tempted? You betcha.
Keep scrolling for FAQs on everything you need to know about facial steaming, plus the best facial steamers worth investing in to achieve clearer-looking skin.
Do facial steamers really work? | How long can I steam my face for? | Are facial steamers safe to use? | Why not use a bowl of boiling water and a towel?
Do facial steamers really work? And what are the benefits of facial steaming?
Steaming your face helps to soften all the oil and dirt that’s been sitting inside your pores, making it much easier to extract any blackheads and unclog your pores. Steam will allow your pores to open up, which loosens the build-up of dirt.
Hotter skin will also become more receptive to the skincare products you apply on top, so your skincare routine will be levelled-up. Your facial serum, moisturiser and eye cream will be more effective, because products work more effectively on a clean surface, and the active ingredients within them can be penetrated deeper into the skin.
And that’s not all: warm steam helps to dilate blood vessels and increase circulation which helps skin appear plumper.
Oh, and the benefits of facial steaming aren’t just skin deep. Steaming is good for your mental health and physical health, too, allowing you to switch off after a long day (grab yourself an essential oil diffuser while you’re at it) and banish sinus congestion.
How long can I steam my face for?
Hitting the sweet spot is key when it comes to facial steaming. Sure, you can’t argue with the wealth of benefits – but steam your face for too long, and things won’t be so rosey. Steaming your face for too long will cause skin to dry out… which is exactly what we’re trying to avoid.