If you’ve ever had a professional facial, you know the sensation of having your face enveloped in a cloud of steam—a soft, warm and relaxing experience for most. But that’s not the only intention—there are countless benefits to using a face steamer. And you don’t have to shell out for pricey in-spa facials to reap the rewards, according to Tammy Fender, aesthetician and founder of the eponymous skincare line and spas in Palm Beach, FL. “Incorporating face steaming into your routine can truly be a revitalizing experience that nourishes not just your skin, but your spirit as well.” Best of all, she adds, “steaming is one of the spa treatments that best translates to at-home use.” And at-home face steamers abound! Keep scrolling to discover which ones dermatologists recommend and all the reasons why you should try a face steamer!

What is a face steamer and why should you use one?

A face steamer is a device used in skincare routines to produce steam that helps open up pores and hydrate the skin, explains Hadley King, MD FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City. And face steaming offers a plethora of benefits, especially for those of us over 40. 

Face steamers brighten skin

“Firstly, it helps to open up the pores, allowing for a deeper cleanse and helping to remove impurities and dead skin cells,” explains Fender. “This can lead to a brighter complexion!” 

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Face steamers revitalize skin

Steaming increases blood circulation, promoting collagen production, which is vital for maintaining skin elasticity, says Fender. “The hydration from the steam can also help alleviate dryness and improve the overall texture of your skin. It’s a lovely way to prepare your skin for other treatments and skincare products, ensuring they can penetrate even deeper.” 

Face steamers cleanse skin

“The warm steam can also soften up keratinaceous debris—the accumulation of dead skin cells that contain keratin, a protein found in the skin—and sebum (oil),” Dr. King explains. This can also help prime the skin for extractions, so comedones will be much easier to extract.”  And the heat increases circulation and can help pimples or cysts come to a head,” she adds. Additionally, some models even include aromatherapy features, allowing you to add essential oils to boost benefits. 

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Are there any downsides to using face steamers?

“The heat and steam could trigger facial flushing in those prone to redness,” explains Dr. King. “For those with rosacea, it may be best to skip steaming since the heat dilates blood vessels, which adds to the redness.”

Varuni Palacios, esthetician and founder of Studio Varuni in Los Angeles adds, “Our skin is hydrolipidic, and so it loves a moist environment. However, too much steam can dry out the skin and lead to a broken skin barrier, acne and dermatitis.” 

Both skin pros warn that anyone with skin sensitivity, a broken barrier, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis or inflammation should avoid steaming their skin.

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How often should you use a face steamer?

Most experts agree that once per week, for five to ten minutes should suffice. “More than that can dry out the skin,” explains Dr. King. Then after you’re done, adds Palacios. “I always say, what you open, you must close—and so, immediately following steam of any kind, follow up with very hydrating serums and moisturizers.”

One caveat: “Steam can cause serious burns, so it’s very important to keep your face a safe distance away from the source of the steam—about 6 to 10 inches away,” cautions Dr. King. “You don’t want to risk getting too close and getting burned.”

The best face steamers recommended by pros to try

Best face steamers under $50

Conair True Glow Moisturizing Mist Facial Sauna System

Dr. King is a fan of Conair True Glow Moisturizing Mist Facial Sauna System steamer since not only will it steam your face, “but it also includes an exfoliating brush and a nasal cone for targeting comedones on the nose, and it’s budget friendly.”

Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer Ionic Facial Steamer

Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer Ionic Facial Steamer is a best-seller on Amazon, Dr. King recommends this steamer since it also Includes a blackhead extractor set. And it’s going viral as a way to refresh the curls or waves in your hair. This TikTok from @locks.by.libbybrenner shows how!

@locks.by.libbybrenner

This is potentially a game changer for curl refreshing! Let’s try a face steamer to refresh my waves. #curlrefresh #curlyhairtok #wavyhairtips #ohiocurlyhair #ohiocurlexpert

♬ original sound – Libby Brenner

Best face steamers under $100

Vanity Planet Aira Ionic Facial Steamer

“In the clinic I use the Katana steamer,” says Palacios. “It’s professional grade with an aromatherapy component.” But at home she opts for Vanity Planet Aira Ionic Facial Steamer. “It’s a great price point, easy to use and well made,” she says. Plus, it’s travel-friendly and can be used with your own essential oils.

Non Gender Specific The Phytonutrient Infusion Steam Kit

Non Gender Specific The Phytonutrient Infusion Steam Kit is a nutrient-infused steaming system that combines the benefits of a steam facial and a skincare treatment in just one step. Simply add the enclosed drops into the water chamber and it will release over 50 nutrients (including licorice extract, green algae, nettle, dandelion and more) along with the steam. The result: nourished, hydrated and glowing skin in minutes!

Best splurge face steamers (over $100)

PMD Beauty SilkStream Pro

Small, yet mighty, Palacios is also a fan of PMD Beauty SilkStream Pro that also allows you to add in essential oils to boost benefits. One reviewer hack? Use it to prep your hair for conditioner too! “I have very curly or coily hair type…it’s harder for my hair to obtain hydration and moisture unless the hair follicles are open and able to receive water or hydration. The steamer opens up my hair follicle..this is really great for deep conditioning my hair because the product is not just sitting on top of my hair, it is actually entering the hair follicle…hydrating my hair and making it more beautiful!” 

Dr. Dennis Gross Skicare Pro Facial Steamer

Another favorite of Palacios, Dr. Dennis Gross Skicare Pro Facial Steamer uses micro-steam technology to hydrate and detoxify skin for a healthy, radiant look. And Sephora reviewers swear it’s worth the price, some explaining that it runs for three to five minutes longer than less expensive options.

Bonus: A cooling steam humidifier

Canopy

Have dry, sensitive skin or an inflammatory condition that precludes you from using from steamers? Palacios advises to instead place a cool humidifier, like Canopy, in your office while working or in your bedroom at night. “Cool humidity can work wonders for these conditions.”