Facial Steamers - Reviews & Recommendations

Facial Steamers & Facial Saunas - Get healthy & glowing skin!

Facial steamers (sometimes called Facial Saunas) are used to gently unclog the pores and cleanse the skin using steam. A facial steamer is a great way to pamper yourself as your skin feels fresh and rejuvenated, and leaves you with a glowing complexion!

 

Facial steaming has been used for many years to treat the skin. Years ago people would simply steam their face above a bowl of hot water with a towel over the head. As more people became aware of the therapeutic benefits of facial steaming specific devices were developed for use in Spas, and then smaller portable devices for the home followed. Today there are many different facial steamers available with various features, but all at an affordable price.

 

Steaming can help keep the skin healthy by opening up the pores and removing oil and blackheads to help prevent skin irritation and acne. Opening the pores also allows for deep cleansing with beauty products to remove sebum and bacteria, and the action of steaming increases blood flow and circulation which can help tired skin look more youthful.

 

At the Spa professional steamers will have many functions and settings such as directing steam to the oiliest sections of the face, where the sebaceous glands are concentrated, or mixing ozone with the steam to futher revitalise the skin. Portable home steamers that can be used on a table top are now adopting these features to provide excellent skin care in the home.

 

Many steamers will come with a nasal attachment (called an Inhalator) so the steam can be inhaled to help ease the symtoms of sinitis, hay fever, coughs, colds and other allergy problems. By beathing steam with decongestants, essential oils, or herbs for a few minutes a day the throat and nasal passages can be soothed and cleared.

 

 

Facial Steamers - getting the best from your home steamer

Weekly facials are the best way to have great looking skin, but as visiting the Spa every week is not very practical (and possibly quite expensive) a portable home facial steamer or facial sauna is a great solution.

 

• 1. To help the steam unclog the pores cleanse your skin before you steam to remove any dirt or grease.
• 2. Follow the instructions to your facial steamer carefully. Don't add too much or too little water as this can affect the devices performance.
• 3. Have a large clean towel to hand, as well as any moisturiser, cleanser or face mask you might want to pamper yourself with.
• 4. Allow a few minutes for your steamer to warm up. When steam is produced test it with the back of your hand to ensure its not too hot
• 5. Add aromatherapy oils (or decongestants when using the Inhalator) to further sooth and pamper your skin & to clear your nasal passages
• 6. To allow the pores to open fully you should use your facial steamer for a minimum of 10 minutes.
• 7. When you have finished steaming carefully exfoliate the skin, wash with cold water and towel dry.
• 8. After a facial sauna is a great time to apply a face mask. Your skin may be more sensitive so choose a suitable product
• 9. Applying your moisturiser will help lock in moisture from the steam, and prevent bacteria from entering open pores
• 10. Repeat once a week for great looking, radiant skin. Experiment with essential oils in your steamer. Tea tree oil is very powerful on acne!

 

 

10 Top tips to look after your skin

Facial steaming should be part of a good skin care routine. Here are our 10 'top tips' to help improve how your skin looks.

 

• Wash twice a day with warm water and a gentle soap. Don't over wash or scrub as this can lead to irritation.
• We mentioned facial steaming can increase blood flow.. but so does exercise! Staying fit and healthy will help your skin to look its best
• If you are prone to scarring then don't pop your zits! Let them heal naturally - it will take longer but you won't get a scar.
• Remove makeup before you go to sleep. If you have old makeup then throw it away as it may contain bacteria that will irritate the skin.
• Try not to touch your face. Your hands collect bacteria that will be transferred to your skin. Always wash your hand when applying makeup.
• Good skin is a reflection of a good digestive system. If your skin is looking tired or irritated then looking at your diet can help.
• Drink more water! Water bathes skin cells and leaves them glowing. Drink 2 litres a day and use your facial steamer once a week
• Get into a skin care routine. Wash with cleanser & warm water, moisturise with a formula that's right for you, and wear sunscreen!
• Don't smoke! Whilst exercise and facial steaming improve circulation, smoking decreases it, leaving the skin gray and old looking.
• Beware of makeup counter girls - they're on commission. Keep your regime simple and don't add new products one at a time.

 

Buy facial steamers online - Our top recommendations are highlighted below.