The best facial steamer for glowing skin

All those serums and sheet masks aren’t going to do much good if your skin is covered in dirt and dead skin cells—which is exactly what the best facial steamer can take care of. A good one can remove congestion, open up pores, and make your skin more receptive to products. Without this kind of regular deep cleansing, you risk more breakouts, blackheads, and overall inflammation.

To save you the trouble of wading through all the options out there, we rounded up the best facial steamers on the market so you can enjoy clearer, brighter skin ASAP.

My top picks

Adding a new tool to your skincare routine can be tricky, but I promise you won’t regret adding a facial steamer to the mix. The devices on this list will leave your skin feeling softer, smoother, and less congested.

1. BEST OVERALL: Panasonic Nano Ionic Facial Steamer

Ultra-hydrating nano iconic steam and automatic cycles make this steamer an easy top choice.

Product Specs 

• Water Capacity: It’s not totally clear, but some users claim this device will hold 6 ounces of water.
• Steam Time: This device will steam your face for six minutes.
• Dimensions: This device is 4.2 inches by 4.2 inches by 8.7 inches.

Technically, you don’t need a fancy device to reap the benefits of steaming your face. A towel and a bowl of hot water will do the trick. But the nano-sized particles of this Panasonic steamer are “thousands” of times smaller than any steam you can create over the stove. What does that mean for you? More hydration, better circulation, and fewer clogged pores.

The best part is that it’s super easy to use. Just add distilled water to the tank, press the button and enjoy a six-minute steam session. When you’re done, the unit automatically shuts off. While this machine may seem simple, users love how it makes their skin feel “more hydrated, firming and soft than before.”

2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer

Affordable skincare tools that actually work are hard to come by, but this facial steamer is an exception.

Product Specs 

• Water Capacity: This device holds up to 200 ml of water.
• Steam Time: This device runs up to 30 minutes of steam time.
• Dimensions: This device is 9.84 inches by 5.91 inches by 1.97 inches.

We’re all guilty of overspending on beauty products. And let’s face it—most of them don’t live up to the hype. Thankfully, you don’t have to break the bank to get salon-quality skin at home. This Pure Daily Care steamer is proof.

Don’t let the price tag fool you—this little device packs a punch. It uses nano-ionic technology to deeply cleanse pores and help your skin better absorb skincare products. The best part? It also comes with a five-piece blemish and blackhead extractor kit so you can give yourself a complete facial at home. Reviewers love how refreshing their skill feels after but complain that the towel chamber feature—which supposedly warms up a small towel—leaves a lot to be desired.

3. BEST SALON QUALITY: Villsure Hot/Cool Face Steamer with Extendable Arm

You can skip that expensive monthly facial and get salon-quality skin at home with this Villsure steamer.

Product Specs 

• Water Capacity: This device holds 280 ml of water. 
• Steam Time: This device steams for about 5 to 8 minutes. 
• Dimensions: This device is 7.8 inches by 6 inches by 6 inches.

Most facial steamers are standstill devices that require you to position yourself just so as to get the full benefit. But with the Villsure steamer, you can get comfy first and then adjust its extendable arm to find the perfect angle. No more cranking your neck or awkwardly bending over your countertop! 

Beyond its unique design, this steamer also comes with other features you’d only ever find in an esthetician’s office, such as hot and cool steam options, an aromatherapy chamber, and a 360-degree rotatable nozzle so you can target specific areas on your face. 

Learning how to effectively use all these features will require a little bit of a learning curve, but it’s worth it for how amazing your skin will look and feel.

4. BEST DESIGN: Facial Steamer SPA+ by Microderm GLO

If you want a steamer that will work wonders on your skin and look good on your countertop, look no further than this portable device.

Product Specs 

• Water Capacity: This device holds up to 75 ml of water.
• Steam Time: This device can steam for up to 15 minutes.
• Dimensions: This device is 9.37 inches by 6.34 inches by 5.63 inches.

Low on bathroom cabinet space? This facial steam from Microderm Glo is for you. The sleek, handheld device is less than a foot tall and can be stored just about anywhere—and because it’s so stylish, you won’t even mind leaving it out in the open.

But this steamer offers more than its looks. It releases 1.8 million negatively charged ionic particles every minute to give you 320% deeper hydration than traditional steam. Not to mention, it’s one of the most user-friendly machines on the market, with a one-touch sensor, an easy water refill tank, and an adjustable steam nozzle. While reviewers rave about its compact size and steaming power, they do wish there was a way to turn down the temperature as the water can get “really hot.”

5. BEST SYSTEM: True Glow by Conair Gentle Mist Facial Steamer

Go beyond simple steam and give your skin the full spa treatment with this advanced facial system from Conair.

Product Specs 

• Water Capacity: It’s unclear how much water this device holds, but it’s likely around 50ml.
• Steam Time: This device steams for up to 10 minutes.
• Dimensions: This device is 7.38 inches by 7.75 inches by 9.25 inches.

This facial steamer from Conair is much more than just a steaming device—it’s an all-in-one skincare system. The machine comes complete with a rotating cleansing brush and a concentrator attachment for targeted steaming.

The battery-operated steamer itself works to loosen dirt and oil from pores so that the cleansing brush can more effectively do its job. The brush has two different attachments: a soft sponge for delicate skin and a bristled brush for deeper exfoliation. Once you’re done cleansing, you can also use the included concentrator to clear out your sinuses with a stream of steam. Reviewers loved how many tools you get for the value, but some wished the steam was a little hotter and thicker. However, those who use the nasal concentrator for allergies think the temperature is just right.

My verdict

While all devices on this list are worth trying, the Panasonic Facial Steamer and the Villsure Face Steamer are the best of the best. They both use cutting-edge nano-ionic technology to deeply penetrate and hydrate the skin, and they have large water tanks for a long steaming time.

How I chose the best facial humidifier

Decoding which steamers deliver on the promises they make—and weeding out the ones that don’t—came down to a few key factors. By far the most important thing to consider was the quality of the steam. We looked for nano-ionic steamers that could break water molecules down into smaller particles so they could penetrate the skin more deeply. This kind of steam also has a higher concentration of negative ions, which are known to be beneficial for the skin.

Beyond that, price, ease-of-use and any additional features (like towel chambers, skin-care attachments or extraction tools) were also taken into account. And of course, we only considered facial steamers that had high ratings from reviewers who had actually tried them.

Who this face steam machine is for

As luxurious as bathing in a cloud of steam is, not everyone’s skin will benefit from direct exposure to super-hot water. People with rosacea, dry or sensitive skin might experience more inflammation of their conditions and symptoms if they use a facial steamer. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, however, a facial steamer can help unclog your pores and release any nasty impurities causing breakouts.

What to know before you buy a skin steamer

Facial steamers are a game-changer for cleansing your skin and allowing any active ingredients in your products to penetrate more deeply. That’s why many professional facials include steaming as a crucial step. Choosing which steaming device to add to your beauty routine comes down to your skincare goals, budget, and personal preferences. So before you start shopping for your first (or next) facial steamer, here are a few features and factors to consider.

Water capacity

The steam from your facial steamer, unfortunately, doesn’t magically appear. Every device comes with a reservoir that you need to fill with distilled water before each use. At a minimum, you should look for a tank that can hold 90 ml to 100ml of water, which will give you enough steam for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Experts recommend limiting each steam sesh to 10 minutes or less to avoid over-drying your skin, so a larger tank might not be necessary unless you plan to share your steamer with others or use it multiple times per week.

Multiple temperature settings

Most people like their steam sessions hot, but there are plenty of soothing benefits to using cold water too. Sensitive skin types can find relief from inflammation and redness with a cool-mist facial steamer. If you’re dealing with sinus congestion, the steam from a cold-mist steamer can also help clear your sinuses.

When it comes to temperature settings, look for a device that offers both high and low heat options. That way, you can start with a lower temperature to see how your skin reacts before turning up the heat.

Nano-ionic technology

One of the newer technologies on the market, nano-ionic technology produces ultra-fine particles of water that penetrate deeply into your skin. This added hydration benefit can help improve the appearance of your skin, making it look softer and healthier. If you have particularly dry skin, look for a facial steamer that uses nano-ionic technology to help you achieve your best complexion.

Nano-ionic technology also increases the effectiveness of the steam by breaking down larger water molecules into smaller ones. That means that your skin will absorb more moisture, and you’ll get the most out of each steaming session.

Additional features

Many steamers on the market today come with more than just the device itself. Extraction tools, skin-care attachments, and towel chambers are just a few of the added features that can take your steaming experience to the next level.

While you’re browsing, consider which additional features would be most beneficial for you. Maybe you want an exfoliation brush to use during your steam session, or maybe you’re in the market for a steamer that comes with an aromatherapy diffuser so you can target other skincare issues. By figuring out your intention first, you can avoid grabbing a steamer loaded with bells and whistles you’ll never use.

The advantages of owning a face steamer

A healthy, glowing complexion is the result of hydration and keeping your skin free of impurities. A regular skin steaming routine can help you achieve both of those goals and then some. When you’re regularly exposing your skin to that kind of deep cleanse, you’re also regularly releasing trapped sebum, dirt, and bacteria—A.K.A., things that can lead to breakouts. The more you steam, the less you’ll have to worry about pimples cropping up. 

Steaming also promotes circulation and collagen, the protein that gives your skin its elasticity. Maintain circulation, and you’re giving your skin a much-needed energy boost that will show in its appearance. So if you’re looking for a way to naturally slow down the aging process, face steaming should definitely be on your radar.

And finally, if you suffer from allergies or sinus congestion, regular steaming can help alleviate some of your symptoms. The steam helps to thin mucus, making it easier for your body to get rid of it.

• It keeps your skin clean and clear by unclogging dirt and bacteria from your pores.
• It promotes circulation and collagen, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
• It soothes allergy symptoms and relieves sinus congestion.

Tips for using facial steamer

Unlike some of the new-fangled skincare tools on the market, facial steamers are pretty straightforward to use. Most come with just a simple on-and-off button, and the most complex setting you’ll find is just a temperature dial. But there are things you can do to get the most out of your steaming sessions and avoid any potential pitfalls. 

First and foremost, make sure your face is clean before you start steaming. There’s no point in adding more dirt and bacteria to your pores, so take the time to wash your face with a gentle cleanser. 

You can also customize your steaming experience to address specific skin conditions by using herbs, essential oils, and even teas. Lavender oil, for example, is ideal for those dealing with dry skin or eczema. And always follow up your steaming session with a moisturizer, active serum, or face oil to seal in all that hydration. 

• Remove any makeup and make sure your face is clean before you start steaming.
• Add essential oils, herbs, and teas to your reservoir to help with specific skin conditions.
• Apply a moisturizer, active serum, or face oil immediately after steaming.

FAQs

Adding a facial steamer to your beauty arsenal is a simple way to upgrade your skincare routine and take your complexion to the next level. But with all purchases that will impact our appearance, we’re bound to have some questions.  Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about facial steamers.

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