Do You Actually Need A Facial Steamer? Benefits, Risks & How To Use It

Now, do you need a facial steamer? No, not really. But they can be a worthy investment for some—and when used correctly (correctly being the operative word here), they can provide a host of benefits. Allow the experts to explain.

"Facial steaming is the process of applying hot water vapor to your face for a short period," explains board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, M.D., founder of Eternal Dermatology. You can do this a few ways—facial steaming devices, saunas, steamy showers, et al.—but the point is to apply some degree of heat to your skin in order to reap the benefits.

If you've ever received a professional facial, you may have noticed your esthetician using a steamer post-cleanse to open up the pores and make it easier for them to perform extractions—but facial steaming has benefits beyond popping blackheads (which you should never, ever do at home, anyway). Take a peek below:

First and foremost, the warmth from the steam opens up the pores and loosens trapped dirt, bacteria, and sebum. (Again, that's why many facialists steam pre-extractions.) But dissolving all the gunk within your pores before, say, an exfoliating mask or scrub may help the product work even better.

"Facial steaming may provide a hydrating effect with water vapor, which may keep your skin moisturized, plumper, and supple," says Rodney. See, as the heat opens up your pores, those water vapor molecules can shimmy their way through the dermis and plump your skin with hydration.

"Facial steaming also dilates your skin blood vessels, which promotes healthy circulation to the skin," says board-certified dermatologist Kim Nichols, M.D., founder of NicholsMD of Greenwich, and stimulating blood flow often leads to a more radiant complexion. Not to mention, that extra hydration can also lead to a brighter glow: "When your skin lacks water, it appears dull with an uneven skin tone," Nichols reminds us.

Some people use facial steaming to improve the potency of their subsequent skin care products, says Rodney. "It loosens the dirt and opens your pores, so serums, toners, and eye creams work better," she notes.

"Utilizing a facial steamer softens the skin and dead cells on the epidermis," Nichols says, and breaking up dead skin cells can also help subsequent skin care products work better. After all, that pillowy hyaluronic acid serum can't do its job effectively with a wall of excess dead skin in the way.

You could even add a few drops of your favorite skin-safe essential oil to really encourage a spa-grade experience. Although, if you're sensitive to essential oils, you might want to stick with plain water.

Yes, facial steamers have their fair share of benefits, but they're not for everyone nor are they without their drawbacks.

As a recap, avoid facial steamers if you experience the following:

If your skin can tolerate it, you can increase the cadence up to two times a week, but Rodney says you definitely shouldn't steam more than that. "People of color should aim for once weekly, if at all," she adds. "Skin of color can become hyperpigmented much more quickly from excess steaming." 

Ready to steam? Carefully (!) try one of the methods below:

Facial steaming can hydrate, brighten, and soften the skin but only if you do it correctly. Make sure to follow the expert tips above and steer clear if you have conditions like rosacea, eczema, melasma, or inflamed acne. But when used with caution and care, facial steamers can be a solid investment for a DIY facial. Of course, steaming is just the first step: Find our full at-home facial tutorial here.