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What Is a Facial Steamer?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

A facial steamer is a product that utilizes warm steam and often essential oils to aid in cleansing the skin. It can also be beneficial in naturally treating sinus congestion. While this product is often used at home, it is a popular item in salons and spas that provide facials. A variety of facial steamers are sold by mass retailers, drug stores, and over the internet. They can be used at home, providing a spa-like experience without the price.

The primary use of a facial steamer is to open the pores and stimulate skin cells, which helps to improve circulation. Opening the pores can help to loosen dirt and bacteria, making standard cleansers more effective. These benefits can help to improve the skin’s texture and clarity, and regular use can help to clear up acne and blackheads. The regular use of a facial steamer is often touted as a natural way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and to rejuvenate a dull complexion.

A facial steamer may help treat acne.
A facial steamer may help treat acne.

Many facial steamers also use aromatherapy to make the experience more relaxing. Portable facial steamers often include a compartment in the machine to add essential oils with scents. Depending on the type of oil, this can be used either for relaxation or to aid in treating sinus congestion. Using a facial steamer with peppermint or eucalyptus oil can help to relieve build-up in the nasal passages, which often occurs due to colds or allergies; this treatment can be used without medication or in conjunction with it.

Facial steamers often come with a compartment for essential oils.
Facial steamers often come with a compartment for essential oils.

The facial steamer is relatively simple to use. Water is added to a compartment in the machine, which is then heated to create steam. A resting place for the face is typically at the top of the unit, and a person can relax while the warm vapors from the facial steamer open up the pores. Oftentimes, a facial steamer will come with different aromatherapy oils, cleansers, and other skin products to provide an all-in-one facial experience.

Some spas offer steam treatments as part of a facial in order to open pores and improve blood circulation.
Some spas offer steam treatments as part of a facial in order to open pores and improve blood circulation.

These machines are also a staple at high-end salons and spas. The machine works very similarly to the portable facial steamer, although it is typically commercial quality. The facial steamer is often used prior to a spa facial to help prep the skin for cleansing, exfoliating, or specialty facial masks. It may also be used to increase the effectiveness of different spa masks when used while the cream is on the skin, which can help the moisturizers and nutrients to better penetrate the pores.

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    • A facial steamer may help treat acne.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      A facial steamer may help treat acne.
    • Facial steamers often come with a compartment for essential oils.
      By: Lucie Říhová
      Facial steamers often come with a compartment for essential oils.
    • Some spas offer steam treatments as part of a facial in order to open pores and improve blood circulation.
      By: gofasadi
      Some spas offer steam treatments as part of a facial in order to open pores and improve blood circulation.
    • Adding eucalyptus oil to a facial steamer can help relieve build-up in nasal passages.
      By: PhotoSG
      Adding eucalyptus oil to a facial steamer can help relieve build-up in nasal passages.
    • The face should be cleansed well before a steam facial.
      By: ipag
      The face should be cleansed well before a steam facial.