10 Best Facial Steamers 2024 in the US

Facial steamers use water vapor and oxygen ions to cleanse the pores in your face. The smaller the drops of steam, the more successful the steam will be in performing a deep pore cleaning. This way, the pores will release excess oil, as well as grime that might obstruct the pores. This can help prevent and reduce acne. Steaming will also increase blood circulation in the skin. This can help soften and moisturize the skin, as well as exfoliate—removing layers of dead skin cells. Having a facial steamer of your own can save you the time and money of having a facial treatment at a spa. Here is a guide to some of the best facial steamers on the market.

• Regular: This is the normal steam function. The Lure Steam Facial Hydration System produces a steam that is not too hot that you'll scald yourself. It does have a steam release, which you can adjust to control the strength of the steam. At the same time, it still is more effective than taking a hot shower, in that it is more successful in opening your pores. It also has a mask to concentrate the steam only on your face.

• Two-stage: Some, like the Conair True Glow steamer has a two-step system: it first produces a warm steam to open pores, cleanse the skin, and enhance skin tone and elasticity. You can then switch it over to produce a cool mist to close pores and hydrate the skin. It's literally like a sauna for your face.

• With Ozone: Some of the steamers have a ultraviolet lamp that converts the oxygen in the air to ozone. Ozone in the steamer helps moisten your skin, as well as loosen the dirt that is clogged in the pores with the skin's own sebum. Ozone also acts as a disinfectant and sterilizer.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Treatment for sinuses: Some recommend using the facial steamer for cold symptoms. There are facial steamers that allow adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil, and using the steamer as a humidifier. This also relieves cold symptoms.

• Concentrated steam: The mask that most facial steamers have is designed to concentrate the steam, for greater efficacy. Some suggest draping a towel over your head, to concentrate the steam particles even more.

• Instead of a professional facial: In a professional facial, they apply a moisturizer to the skin, and then steam the face. The pores open, and the moisturizer sinks into the skin. One customer tried applying a Vitamin C serum, and using the facial steamer—she said that the results were comparable, for a fraction of the cost.

• When to use the steamer: Do not use the facial steamer with makeup on your face! The makeup will seep into the pores, and possibly clog them. It is best to use the steamer after a shower, or before washing your face.

• Not all steamers can accept oil: Some facial steamers will clog if you add essential oil to the water. Check to see whether your device can accept oil.

• Time for steam treatment: Beauty spa therapists suggest the following amount of time for using the facial steamer:

  • Normal skin: 6-8 minutes.

  • Oily skin: 8-12 minutes.

  • Dry skin: 5-7 minutes.

  • Sensitive skin: 3-5 minutes.

• Auto shut off: Many facial steamers have an auto shutoff feature when the water level gets too low. The Icarus “Jocasta” steamer has this feature.

• Finer steam particles: The Secura Nano Ionic Facial Steamer produces “nano-scale” steam particles—this way, the moisture is more easily absorbed through the skin.

• Comes with magnification lamp: There are steamers that come with a lamp and lens that magnifies 5x. This is to see if there are any “blackheads”--clogged pores that didn't open as a result of the steam treatment.

• Zapper: Some steamers come with a sparker electrode that “zaps” acne pimples and sterilizes them.

Conair—was founded in 1959 as a small hair appliance and hair care company, but now they are a leader in manufacturing personal care and beauty products, as well as kitchen tools and cookware. Their headquarters is in East Windsor, New Jersey.

Secura—is a manufacturer of small appliances for the kitchen, as well as for health, beauty and fitness. Their products include coffee grinders and coffee machines, kettles, induction cookers, food steamers, face steamers, grills, fryers, and kitchen accessories.

Lure—are makers of a large number of beauty and personal care products. They make a face steamer, as well as hair care products, massage oils, wigs, pedicure products, and more.

Icarus Beauty—are makers of professional salon and spa equipment: styling chairs, styling stations, barber chairs, manicure tables, and shampoo backwash units. Their "Jocasta" professional salon spa facial steamer has a number of special features not found in typical models.