Sometimes, it really is the most simple acts of self-care that can feel the most luxurious. Something as simple as wrapping your face in a hot towel—maybe with a few drops of essential oil if you’re feeling fancy—can just be so soothing. But are there actual benefits of steaming your face beyond a self-care moment? According to dermatologists, there sure are—quite a few, in fact. But to experience the benefits, it’s important to know how exactly to do it safely at home. And before you spend money on a facial steamer, it’s helpful to know what to look for so that you’re buying one that’s actually worth the money. Ready to, er, face the facts? Consider this everything you need to know, starting with the ways facial steaming can benefit the skin.
What are the benefits of facial steaming?
1. It’s low-risk
Trying new beauty treatments can be nerve-wracking, especially something that involves your face. Fortunately, Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale-New Haven Hospital, says this is one that’s pretty low-risk. Still, she does say there are a few to be aware of. The biggie: Getting burned. “Secondly, [it could] trigger heat-sensitive skin issues like melasma or rosacea,” she says, adding that it’s best for people with rosacea or who are prone to redness to skip facial steaming. To avoid these risks, Dr. Mraz Robinson says to always keep between 8 to 10 inches of space between your face and the facial steamer (if using) and keep it to under 10 minutes at a time and a max of one to two times per week. Keep those guidelines in mind and you’ll be ready to experience all the other benefits on this list.
2. Facial steaming is hydrating
According to Deirdre Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, medical, and laser dermatology, the main benefit to facial steaming is that it’s hydrating. It makes sense; steam is water, after all. “Steaming adds moisture to the skin, which is why facials can make you look so good,” she says. “It gives you a nice rosy glow.” Dr. Hooper does say that this benefit, however, is pretty short-lived—and it’s super important to moisturize your face after.
3. It loosens debris in pores
Dr. Mraz Robinson says that another benefit of facial steaming is that it loosens debris in pores. The steam opens up the pores, which then loosens any dirt or debris that’s building up, making them easier to remove. This is why it can be beneficial to rinse your face off after you’re done steaming so that junk will go right down the drain.
4. It brings pimples to a head
Similar to how face steaming can help unclog pores, Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell University Weill Medical College, says it can also help bring pimples to the surface. “The heat increases circulation, which can help pimples or cysts come to a head,” she says. Basically, facial steaming is great for keeping anything unwanted from hiding below the surface of the skin.
5. Facial steaming primes the face for extractions
“Steaming primes the skin for extractions, so comedones [small bumps on the skin] will be much easier to extract,” Dr. King says. Since the steam also helps bring pimples to the surface, it can help make them easier to extract too.
6. It helps with facial blood flow
All the experts say that the heat from the steam helps with circulation, increasing blood flow to the face. The end result is a nice, rosy glow—similar to after jogging up a flight of stairs or post-yoga class. As Dr. Hooper mentioned before, it’s a short-lived benefit, but the circulation is also what helps bring pimples and debris to the skin’s surface so it’s still a good benefit, even if it isn’t long-lasting.
7. Facial steaming can make skincare ingredients more effective
Since face steaming opens pores up, Dr. Mraz Robinson says it can help make some skincare products more effective. “[It] primes the skin for optimal product penetration of serums when applied afterward,” she says. “By hydrating the skin, it also helps increase penetration of active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C applied topically immediately after steaming,” Dr. King adds.
8. It can make moisturizing skin care products even more moisturizing
Similar to how face steaming can open up pores making serums more effective, the experts say that it can work in your favor when it comes to moisturizer, too. In fact, the experts emphasize that it’s important to apply moisture after facial steam; otherwise, you’ll completely miss out on the moisturizing benefit of this beauty treatment.
9. Facial steaming feels really good
The last benefit of facial steaming may be obvious, but that doesn’t make it any less important; it can feel really soothing and calming. If you struggle with finding ways to relax, a weekly facial steam can help promote self-care.
What to keep in mind when looking for a facial steamer and how to do it at home
Excited to get steaming? First, the experts say that while facial steaming benefits most skin types, if you have rosacea or are prone to redness, it’s best for you to skip it. “The heat dilates blood vessels, which will add to redness,” Dr. King explains. “Also, if you have eczema or very dry skin, steaming can cause irritation, so proceed with caution,” she adds. Not you? Consider whether you want to invest in a facial steamer or not. While Dr. Hooper says they aren’t necessary (she says you can get the same benefits by steaming up your shower), if it helps enhance your self-care habit, go for it. When looking for a facial steamer that’s actually worth the money, Dr. King says it can be helpful to find one that has a safety feature that prevents the steam from getting too hot. She also says that some dermatologists recommend using distilled water because tap water can have heavy metals in it, but there’s no real data to prove distilled water works better. Dr. Mraz Robinson says it is also helpful to think about how much space you have to devote to a facial steamer before purchasing one; they come in a variety of sizes. Some are also cordless, which can be helpful depending on where you plan on using your facial steamer and how close you’ll be to an outlet. Dr. King has a few favorites she recommends to clients which include Skin Gym Voda Facial Steamer, the Conair True Glow Moisturizing Mist Facial Sauna System, Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer Ionic Facial Steamer, Panasonic Spa Quality Facial Steamer, and Lonove Nano Ionic Face Steamer for Home. Go for any one of those and you’ll have one that is dermatologist-approved! Before you start steaming, Dr. Mraz Robinson says your face should be completely clean and dry. After doing your facial steam, be sure to moisturize. Then, clean your steamer before putting it away. With its many benefits, it’s clear why face steaming is almost always part of a facial treatment (unless your face is prone to redness, of course). Now you know how to give yourself a spa-level face steam at home. Beauty perks without a price tag? That’s definitely a win-win. Next up, learn the essential skincare steps to follow morning and night.
Sources
Deirdre Hooper, MD, board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, medical, and laser dermatologyDeanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology; assistant clinical professor of dermatologist at Yale New Haven HospitalHadley King, MD, board-certified dermatologist; clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell University Weill Medical College
