How to use a facial sauna steamer at home
Proven to be remarkably effective, facial steaming has been a beauty-routine staple throughout the ages. Whether you steam to cleanse your face or simply give it a delightful flush, facial steaming has many benefits. These include encouraging serum absorption, increasing blood circulation, and making you feel relaxed.
Steaming your face with essential oils and herbs can give luxurious results. Your skin will feel cleansed and renewed, replicating similar results to having an expensive facial. Using a portable facial steamer at home is an effective way to steam your face if you can’t make it to the spa.
Find out how to use a facial steamer at home below, as well as all the benefits it brings.
Step-by-step steaming guide: 5 steps for a facial at home
Now that you've learned that steam is great for your face, you’re probably wondering exactly how to use a facial steamer.
By following these steps, you’ll learn how to facial steam at home in next to no time!

Step 1: Cleanse your face and remove any makeup
Before using a facial steamer, ensure your face is clean and dry. This will allow you to experience the full benefits that facial steaming can offer.
Start by removing your makeup and washing your face. We recommend cleansing your face with a makeup-removing cleanser, such as the Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash.
Step 2: Pour distilled water into the steamer tank
Similar to a clothes iron, a facial steamer contains a water tank which boils water and produces steam. Simply pore water into the steamer’s water tank to begin.
For the best steaming results, use warm distilled water instead of tap water. This is because tap water can contain unwanted minerals, clogging both your pores and your steamer over time.
Step 3: Insert the water tank
Install the water tank onto your facial steamer. Next, set up the steamer by switching it on and letting it heat-up, as per its instructions. Some steamers even having cooling options, too.
Step 4: Steam your face
Evenly distribute hydrating steam across your entire face, taking a few minutes. Remember to always keep the steamer at a distance of 12 inches for optimum results.
Step 5: Reap the rewards!
After just a few minutes of steaming, your skin will feel soothed, relaxed, dewy, and ready to absorb skincare products effectively. And the best bit? Now you understand how to use a face steamer machine!
Use with compatible products
Using a facial steamer should be step two of your skincare routine, right after cleansing. But what should you do after steaming your face?
Pores are stimulated by moist, warm air, so steaming can prepare your skin for thorough cleansing. After you’ve finished with your home facial steamer, you’re ready for using products which benefit from open pores.
Why not try using chemical peels? These peels often contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids, which help exfoliate and regenerate skin cells.

Steaming gets your skin in the mood for absorbing nutrients too, so following-up with a face mask is a great idea. We suggest using the Dermalogica Multivit Power Recovery Masque Face Mask For Glowing Skin. This powerful mask is enriched with vitamins A, C and E, as well as linoleic acid, for moisturising your skin and enhancing its barrier.

To finish, apply a hydrating moisturiser as normal, such as Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser. Ta-dah!
How long should you use a facial steamer for?
Determining how long you should steam your face for is a matter of trial and error. Everyone has a different skin type, meaning some people can tolerate longer steams, whilst others can’t.
For the very first time you steam, keep your face at distance of 8-12 inches. Then watch your face in the mirror for 2 minutes, examining your skin. If your skin feels okay, steam for no longer than another 9-10 minutes. Stop immediately if your skin feels irritated at any point.
Your steamer should include instructions of how to use a face steamer machine, as well as suggested time parameters, so always ensure you check them first.

How often should you use a facial steamer?
Steaming is usually recommended once per week, depending on your skin’s condition and sensitivity. You should pay close attention to your skin to determine how often - and when - to take steam during a facial.
Most skin types can benefit from steaming; however, it should be avoided by those with very sensitive skin. Increased redness and sensitivity are both possible side-effects of steaming. On the flip-side, steaming is effective for loosening blocked pores and removing excess dirt in oily acne-prone skin.
The benefits of using a facial steamer
Facial steamers provide a large number of benefits. Luckily, we've compiled a comprehensive list of all the benefits of using a facial steamer.

1. Cleanses the skin
Steaming your face unclogs pores, leading to healthier - and more radiant - skin.

2. Tackles blackheads
Steam can help soften both white and blackheads which accumulate around your nose. After a facial steaming session, white and blackheads will be soft and easier to remove.

3. Removes dirt and dead skin
Steaming rejuvenates skin by removing dirt and dead skin cells, allowing it to return to its natural state.

4. Hydrates the skin
Facial steaming can be extremely hydrating as it locks moisture into your skin. After the steaming process is completed, apply moisturiser for an even longer-lasting effect.

5. Anti-ageing benefits
Using a facial steamer can effectively combat signs of ageing. Steaming moisturises your face, preventing fine lines and wrinkles from forming.

6. Provides relief from sinusitis
Sinusitis sufferers know how difficult it is to breathe when there’s a problem with their sinuses. By inhaling steam, inflammation is reduced - providing relief from sinusitis symptoms. For further relief, use essential oils for effectively decongesting sinuses.

7. Encourages relaxation
By using a facial steamer regularly, you’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated, providing your skin with that glowing, wellbeing feeling.
Written by Kinnari Ashar on 4th Jul 2022