What’s The Deal With Home Face Steamers?

The rise of home facial steamers has crossed over from the spa world and has grown in popularity. And while they seem luxurious and feel nice, in my opinion, it's a bit unnecessary for home use.

Also, some of the claims that facial steamer brands make are entirely false. Like they "detoxify or deep clean the skin," let's remember, it's physiologically impossible to pull toxins from your skin, and this process is carried out via your liver and kidneys. Also, "it helps to open pores," which is also false since pores have no involuntary muscles and don't open and close.

Most people assume that using a steamer will hydrate their skin, which makes sense since it's high humidity. The reality is heat "melts" sebum/oil in the pores, stripping your skin of its natural oils. This can make your skin feel DRY and DEHYDRATED. Which, of course, is the exact opposite intention!

Many people aren't aware there are specific skin conditions that steam and heat are not recommended. Like, people that are sensitive, prone to redness, have broken blood vessels, or rosacea. Heat can further dilate blood vessels and redness. For people prone to hyperpigmentation like melasma, the heat inflames the skin waking up the melanocytes, which can cause more discoloration.

What about steamers during a facial?

During a facial, steamers are used for a short time, often only 5-10 mins. As I said above, softening and "melting" of sebum is a good thing in this case because extractions come out a lot easier; it's more comfortable/gentler on the skin and a better, more relaxing client experience. Plus, facials are entire treatments with multiple steps, and after the extraction process, we replenish the skin with moisture/hydration.

All of that being said, do I think home facial steamers are a good investment and provide benefits to the skin? Ehh, not really. Are they functionally beneficial and helpful during a facial? Yes.

As always, I provide the info; and you make the decision!