Facial Steamer

Facial steamers are devices that have become very popular in aesthetic treatments in recent years. They produce hot steam that is applied directly to the skin to deeply cleanse pores, hydrate, and brighten the complexion.

In this article, we will review everything you need to know about facial steamers: how they work, what they are used for, what benefits they offer, types of steamers available, tips for their use and care, and even answer the most common questions about them.

How Does a Facial Steamer Work?

Facial steamers are devices that generate hot water vapor to apply to the skin. They have a water tank that is heated to boiling point, producing steam that comes out through a nozzle.

The temperature of the steam usually ranges between 50 and 70°C, which is ideal for opening pores without irritating or burning the skin. The hot steam allows for a deep cleaning of dirt and impurities lodged in the pores.

At the same time, hydration with steam adds water to the deeper layers of the skin, increasing hydration levels and softness. The heat of the steam increases blood flow, improving the appearance of the skin and giving it a luminous effect.

Benefits of Facial Steamers

The main benefits of facial steamers are:

• Deep cleansing of pores: the hot steam opens the pores and allows for the removal of accumulated dirt, impurities, and blackheads.
• Intense hydration: the application of steam adds water to the deeper layers of the skin, improving hydration levels.
• Smoothes wrinkles: the hydration and heat of the steam have a smoothing effect that softens wrinkles and expression lines.
• Reduces inflammation: the heat of the steam has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing redness and irritation.
• Brightens the complexion: increases blood circulation and oxygenation of the skin, giving it more luminosity.
• Prepares the skin for other treatments: opens the pores to facilitate the penetration of creams, serums, and masks.
• Relaxes facial muscles: the heat has a relaxing effect that loosens facial muscles.

Types of Facial Steamers

There are different types of facial steamers:

Home-use Steamers

These are compact and portable devices, ideal for frequent use at home. They usually operate connected to electrical power. Some models include accessories like brushes to perform exfoliations while applying steam.

Professional Steamers

These are larger and more powerful equipment, designed for use in aesthetic centers. They allow precise regulation of temperature and steam flow. They include additional accessories and functions for different types of treatments.

Ozone Steamers

They generate steam enriched with ozone, a powerful disinfectant and clarifying agent. They have an antiseptic action on the skin and reinforce the benefits of normal steam.

LED Light Steamers

They incorporate LED lamps that emit different wavelengths of light while applying steam. The LED light provides soothing, anti-inflammatory, or antimicrobial properties depending on the color used.

Ultrasonic Steamers

They combine the application of hot steam with ultrasonics, which have an exfoliating effect. Ultrasonics help to remove dead cells from the skin's surface layer.

Ionic Steamers

They release negative ions during treatment to purify the skin and neutralize free radicals that cause skin aging. They have antioxidant properties.

Aromatherapy Steamers

They allow adding essential oils to the steam to combine the benefits of phytotherapy with the treatment. The oils provide calming, revitalizing, or purifying properties.

How to Use a Facial Steamer

To get the best results with a facial steamer, follow these tips:

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser before the session to remove surface impurities.
• Shave the area at least two hours before the treatment to avoid irritation.

-Examine the steamer to ensure it has clean water and is at the right temperature.

• Apply the steam about 20 cm away from the skin, moving it slowly over the entire face. Avoid direct application over eyes and lips.
• During the session, open your mouth to allow the steam to penetrate inside and decongest the nasal sinuses.
• Perform steam sessions of 10 to 15 minutes two or three times a week to see results.
• After the session, you can apply a mask or moisturizer to enhance the effects.
• Clean the steamer after each use according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Safety Tips for Using Facial Steamers

Although steamers are safe, you should take certain precautions to avoid unwanted effects:

• Do not use steamers if you have irritated skin, burns, or open wounds on your face.
• Be careful when applying steam near the eyes and lips, as these are delicate areas.
• Do not apply steam at very high temperatures to avoid irritating or burning the skin. The ideal temperature is between 50-70°C.
• Do not add aromatic substances or essential oils if you have sensitive skin, as they may cause allergic reactions.
• Consult a dermatologist before using steamers if you have rosacea or other skin conditions. Heat could exacerbate them.
• Do not use steamers on skin with active acne, pimples, warts, or molluscum contagiosum, as they could worsen.
• It's normal to have red skin after the steam, but if irritation or blisters persist, you should stop using it and consult a doctor.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Facial Steamers

How often can a facial steamer be used?

It is recommended to use the facial steamer 2 to 3 times a week. It is not necessary to use it daily, as it could dry out and irritate the skin.

How long does a facial steamer session last?

Each session should last between 10 and 15 minutes. It is not advised to exceed 15 minutes to avoid overheating the skin.

Can facial steamers be used during pregnancy?

Yes, facial steamers are safe during pregnancy as the steam does not reach very high temperatures. However, it's always best to consult with your doctor first as a precaution.

Do facial steamers help eliminate acne?

The deep pore cleansing provided by the steam can help to decongest the skin and prevent outbreaks. However, it does not directly treat the causes of acne.

Is it good to use facial steamers if I have rosacea?

It is not recommended if you have active rosacea, as the heat could exacerbate the inflammation. Consult with a dermatologist beforehand.

Can facial steamers be used on oily skin?

Yes, in fact, facial steamers are ideal for oily skin as they deeply cleanse pores clogged by excess sebum.

Is it normal to have red skin after using a facial steamer?

Yes, it is normal to have temporary redness after a steam session due to the dilation of blood vessels from the heat. It should disappear within a few hours.

Does a facial steamer session hurt?

It does not hurt, but it can be uncomfortable if the steam is at a very high temperature. Ensure that the device maintains an appropriate temperature (50-70°C) during the treatment.

How often should a facial steamer be disinfected?

Ideally, the facial steamer should be disinfected after each use, following the manufacturer's instructions. This prevents the accumulation of bacteria.

Can I use creams or facial masks after the steamer?

Yes, in fact, it is advisable to apply moisturizing, soothing, or anti-aging products after a steam session to enhance the benefits on the skin.

Advantages of Using Facial Steamers

In summary, facial steamers offer multiple advantages:

• They deeply clean dirt and impurities from the pores.
• They intensely hydrate the skin and reinforce the hydrolipidic barrier.
• They soften wrinkles and expression lines, leaving the skin smoother.
• They reduce dermal redness and inflammation.
• They improve blood circulation, adding luminosity to the face.
• They prepare the skin to increase the absorption of other cosmetics.
• They have a relaxing effect on facial muscles.
• They are safe for all skin types if used correctly.
• There are models suitable for both home and professional use.

As you can see, investing in a facial steamer is an excellent idea for achieving radiant and healthy skin. Take advantage of them as part of your facial care routine and enjoy all their benefits.