There are many impressive benefits of steaming your face. I’m going to talk all about them and much more.
Obviously, the discussion will include facial steamers, as well, but that’s not the only way that you can enjoy the many benefits of steaming your face.
There’s also the traditional method: head hanging over a bowl of water, towel thrown over the head to capture the mist.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Contents
My Picks for Facial Steamers
1. Best: OKACHI GLIYA NanoSteamer
The OKACHI GLIYA is just such an amazing facial steamer. Even though it’s not the cheapest, I still consider it the best. It’s actually a nano steamer, which is supposed to be 10X more effective in penetrating skin than normal face steamers. It also states that it will help with dull skin, dry skin, irritated skin, and blackheads. It’s really nice.
2. Cheapest: KingdomCares Hot Mist Facial Steamer
If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, check out the KingdomCares Hot Mist Facial Steamer. It’s great and the overall quality is impressive, there’s really nothing to complain about and that’s why it’s my second recommendation for facial steamers.
What is Facial Steaming
This one is easy, actually.
It’s self-explanatory. Steaming is the process of using hot mist to open up the pores.
By placing the face in the proximity of steam or mist, the pores open up.
Whether the mist is provided by a bowl of boiling water or, more easily and efficiently, by a facial steamer.
The Benefits of Steaming Your Face
And here we are.
Once you’ve read about all the benefits of steaming your face, you’re going to ask yourself why haven’t you done it sooner.
Beyond the many benefits, it’s just a nice relaxation method, a small way of creating a small at-home spa experience.
Benefit 1: It opens up pores
That’s the main benefit of steaming your face.
It’s the number one reason why people do it.
Those suffering from large pores will definitely see the difference. It will make them appear smaller.
Facial steamers use nan-ionic steam (that’s why they’re called nano-steamers), which penetrates the skin 10 times more effectively.
Benefit 2: You will be able to achieve a better exfoliation
Or I should say a more thorough exfoliation.
The skin is all soft and the dead skin cells will be easily removed during a gentle exfoliation.
You can also use a clay mask for exactly that purpose.
I recommend the Aztec Indian clay, which also has healing properties.
It’s an amazing product and you should definitely try it.
Benefit 3: Lotions/creams are better absorbed
Which in turn makes them so much more effective.
That’s why facial steaming is good for all skin types, including dry skin.
Because, when the pores are open, a moisturizing mask will do wonders on your dry skin.
Benefit 4: Blackheads extractions and pimple popping without scarring the skin
This one is also correlated with the opened pores.
But the whole process can be even more effective if you’re using a clay mask immediately after steaming your face.
Benefit 5: It improves blood circulation
It happens because during steaming blood vessels are dilated, which in turn improves blood circulation.
Some nanosteamers manufacturers have described their products as even helping with making the skin look younger.
The skin glows and looks healthy but even so, at some point, we’re all still going to end up using anti-aging treatments.
Benefit 6: It helps with sinus congestion
That happens because the steam loosens up the mucus so it will be easier to drain it from your nose.
The same thing happens when you take a hot shower or drink a hot cup of tea.
How to Steam Your Face at Home
There are two main methods that I recommend:
- using a facial steamer – it’s easy, efficient, and the units can be really affordable
- or using a bowl of boiling water, to which you can add any herbs or essential oils that you want – it’s the method used by our mothers and grandmothers
There’s also the method of using hot towels but I recommend that more before shaving for men to soften the hairs than for really being a precursory to a perfect skin routine.
1. At-Home Facial Steamers
Before actually talking about the actually steps that are involved when using an at-home facial steamer, it’s pretty obvious that first you need to pick the perfect unit for you.
I’ve spent quite some time coming up with the best facial steamer reviews and you can read them here.
They’ll guide you right to the best facial steamer for your needs.
Step 1: Place the unit on a flat surface near a power outlet.
Step 2: Fill up the water tank and start the unit.
Step 3: Exfoliate/cleanse your face before steaming – you need to start the process with a clean face.
Step 4: Place your face at least 7-8 inches (20cm) from the steamer to prevent any harm to your skin since the mist has a constant temperature of 104° F (40° C) – read the user manual for the exact distance.
Step 5: Use a dry towel to blot your face during the steaming.
Step 6: On average, your session should last about 10 minutes but that depends from person to person. Some people like spending more time in the steam.
Step 7: Let the unit cool down for 10 minutes before storing.
Step 8: Exfoliate/cleanse again now that you’re done.
Step 9: Splash your face with cold water.
Step 10: Now it’s time to rip some of the rest of the benefits of steaming your face: use a moisturizing mask or a serum or your usual acne treatments, the opened pores will absorb the creams and lotions better, increasing their efficiency.
Top 2 Best Facial Steamers for Full Face Steaming Benefits
I’ve selected two polar opposites in terms of prices.
The first nanosteamer is more than twice more expensive than the second model. But what I appreciate about them is the quality of their steams is among the best.
They’re both good options, worth considering.
1. OKACHI GLIYA NanoSteamer
The Okachi Gliya is not exactly the cheapest facial steamer on the market but I would say that it’s one of the best. Still, if you don’t want to invest too much money in order to enjoy the benefits of steaming your face, check out the next steamer, that model is one of the cheapest.
Now, let’s see what this nanosteamer can do for your skin.
First of all, the quality of the steam that this nanosteamer produces is one of the best. That right there is a winning feature.
The steam will be out in 30 seconds from the moment you press the On button.
You need to keep an 8 inches distance from the steamer.
As the manufacturer tells us, a nano steamer is 10X more effective in penetrating skin than normal face steamers. The mist will be powerful and consistent and this facial steamer can operate for up to 15 minutes. That’s more than enough time for your own personal at-home mini-spa experience.
After all, the advised time for steaming is 10 minutes but it’s not a rule. You can adjust, depending on how your skin feels.
It comes with an 80ml BPA-free water tank and it automatically turns off when it runs out of water.
It promises to help with skin problems that most of us have encountered as some point in our lives, like blackheads, dry skin, irritated skin, and dull skin.
Also,
The design is quite pretty, it stands out among other facial steamers and that’s always good. It also includes a mirror on the lid.
Last but not least, you should only use purified/distilled water and no essential oils.
Even though the price is on the expensive side, the quality is quite good, it might be worth it if you don’t mind the price.
2. KingdomCares Hot Mist Facial Steamer
This is an extremely affordable facial steamer, one of the cheapest but it can still be compared in quality to products much more expensive. The design is not that different either.
Let’s see what you can get for such a low price.
The quality of the steam is really good and that’s the feature that matters the most. This is a small facial steamer with a powerful steam that will make you love it.
The water tank has quite the capacity, it includes a 90ml water tank.
You will get between 10 and 15 minutes of continuous steam. You don’t need more than that. Just remember to keep an 8 inches distance.
This model can also be used as a humidifier and for warming towels.
Just remember: only use distilled water, nothing else, no essential oils.
2. DIY Steaming over a Bowl of Hot Water
Step 1: Boil a pot of water.
Step 2: While the water boils, exfoliate/cleanse your skin.
Step 3: When it reaches the boiling point, pour it into a bowl.
Step 4: You can add herbs or essential oils, whatever oil you want.
Step 5: Put a towel over your head to better trap the steam. Don’t stand too closely to the bowl so that you don’t harm your skin.
Step 6: Exfoliate/cleanse your skin again. If you have sensitive skin, you should cleanse before and exfoliate after steaming. Use a gentle scrub and gentle circular motions. You should also use a clay mask.
Step 7: Rinse your face with cold water.
Step 8: Apply a moisturizing mask or your usual moisturizer/serum and your acne treatment.
Essential Oils: Can You Use Anything?
Basically, yes.
There are a lot of essential oils, every one having its purpose.
You just need to find the one or the ones that match your needs.
Like:
- tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties
- eucalyptus for those with breathing problems
- lavender for insomnia sufferers
- peppermint for headaches
- chamomile for soothing irritated skin
How Often to Steam Your Face
You shouldn’t exfoliate daily.
Just like most masks aren’t used daily.
It’s the same with steaming.
You should steam your face once a week. It’s enough to rip all those awesome benefits of steaming your face.
