Experts Agree: This Underrated Skincare Tool Is Worth Every Dollar If You Have Acne-Prone Skin
It feels like a spa experience.
Sabrina Talbert
I've heard a lot of mixed reviews on things like beauty devices. Some swear by them, but others say they aren't exactly worth the money. Whether it's Wholesale Replica Bag home microneedling gadget or LED mask, it can feel like a jungle out there when you're deciding what to invest in. This brings me to Wholesale Replica Bag device in question: the facial steamer. Facial steamers use heated (sometimes ionized) water to unclog pores when you use the device directly on your face.
Derms have mixed opinions on them, but most say they can be beneficial in some ways for those who have oily or acne-prone skin. "While facial steamers are thought to soften clogged pores, making them easier to extract and therefore reducing breakouts, they are not a necessity and shouldn't replace other known acne-fighting ingredients and treatments," says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD. "That said, if it is working for you, you can continue to use it, but it's best to do so in conjunction with other acne-fighting treatments."
If you do want to invest in a device, you're in luck. I've rounded up derm recommendations below along with other budget-friendly options.
The Best Facial Steamers, at a Glance
- Best Overall: Conair True Glow Facial Sauna System
- Best Multipurpose: Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer Ionic Facial Steamer
- Best Splurge: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer
- Best for Skin Prep: Vanity Planet Aira Ionic Facial Steamer
- Best Budget: EzBasics Facial Steamer
The Best Facial Steamers of 2025
Best Overall: Conair True Glow Facial Sauna System
"Not only does this include a facial steamer, but it also has a separate attachment that is a nasal cone especially good to steam blackheads on the nose as well as an exfoliating brush," says Garshick. The exfoliating brush comes with two attachments, and the device has seven timer settings with an auto-shutoff feature. All you need are two double-A batteries to start it up.
Pro: Beginner-friendly, shuts off automatically in 30 minutes
Con: Some users wish it produced more steam
Features: Nasal concentrator and rotating facial cleansing brush
Wireless: Yes
Customer review: "The steamer works great. Generates the perfect amount of steam. Easy to clean. We use it both for facial and sinus steaming. Great size, unobtrusive. The microdermabrasion brush was a nice bonus."
Best Multipurpose: Pure Daily Care NanoSteamer Ionic Facial Steamer
"This facial steamer uses nanoionic steam, which helps to penetrate the skin deeply and effectively," says Garshick "In addition, this device comes with a blackhead-extraction kit and can also serve as a humidifier and towel warmer." Users love that this is a multipurpose device. They also appreciate how quiet it is, making it perfect for a true spa-like experience.
Pro: Heats up quickly
Con: Doesn't produce cold steam
Features: 5-piece stainless steel blackhead and blemish extractor kit
Wireless: No
Customer review: "I was hesitant but so glad I bought this. I've been trying to be very mindful of my skin as I approach 50. I've noticed large pores and some blackheads on the sides of my nose. This facial steamer puts out quite a punch! The skin care tools provided with it are helpful for extractions too."
Best Splurge: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Pro Facial Steamer
"Seemingly as close as you can get to a professional steamer from the comfort of your home, this uses micro-steam technology to help improve the overall complexion," says Garshick. "It really helps to reduce the appearance of clogged pores and is meant to be used one to two times per week." While this device isn't as easy on the wallet, users swear that it's worth every dollar, which is no surprise given how popular the brand's other skincare devices are.
Pro: Treats aging, dry skin
Con: Expensive, delicate
Features: Wide nozzle
Wireless: Yes
Customer review: "I love this steamer. It is a little pricey, but I think it is worth it based on the quality. I have been using it for a few months now, and it is a great addition to my skincare regimen."
Best for Skin Prep: Vanity Planet Aira Ionic Facial Steamer
Vanity Planet's ionic facial steamer comes with an adjustable nozzle and even a couple of baskets to place essential oils in if you're into aromatherapy. The design of this steamer is super sleek and includes advanced ionic technology for steam that penetrates the skin even deeper.
Pro: Can be used for aromatherapy
Con: Needs frequent refills
Features: Adjustable nozzle, water tank with essential oil baskets
Wireless: No
Customer review: "Best thing I've bought for myself in a while. What a treat! My skin feels amazing, and it's so soothing and relaxing to use."
Best Budget: EzBasics Facial Steamer
Like the option above, this simple yet effective steamer generates ionic steam. The steam is combined with ionic water particles, making it much more effective at penetrating the skin as opposed to basic hot-water steamers. While this one can't double as an oil diffuser, it still has many of the same perks as other steamers, such as an adjustable nozzle and a steel skin kit.
Pro: Heats up fast
Con: Not suitable for essential oils
Features: Five-piece skin kit, adjustable nozzle
Wireless: No
Customer review: "It's small and unique yet the steam was powerful. But just a few seconds of to warm up...WOW!"
What to Look for in a Facial Steamer
Size and design: Design plays a huge role in whether or not a certain tool is right for you. Many steamers have adjustable nozzles, which can be helpful in terms of how comfortable you physically feel during a steaming session. You'll also want to consider the size. If you want to bring it with you while you travel, you'll need a smaller device. If you only plan to use it once a month or on special occasions, maybe you're willing to opt for something a bit bigger, especially if a bigger size is the trade-off for a more affordable price.
Hot and cold settings: Many facial steamers only offer heat settings, but if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, cool steam might actually be a better fit for managing inflammation. This will also give you the benefit of hot and cold therapy if that's something you prefer.
Do facial steamers work?
While there's a decent amount of discourse about these devices, Garshick's previous note should be kept in mind. There's a chance it may be beneficial for some, but it's not guaranteed. Take a look at any review section for these products, and you're sure to see rave reviews from people who saw positive results after a few uses.
However, some users actually see their skin getting worse or don't see any results at all. "[Facial steamers] are not necessarily going to make red, inflamed, or cystic breakouts better," says Garshick. "Further, certain skin types, such as those that are prone to rosacea or eczema, may actually experience a worsening in those conditions after exposure to steam." If you're unsure if a facial steamer is right for you, it's always best to consult your dermatologist first.
What to Do After Steaming Your Face
So you're planning to use your steamer for the first time and not sure what to do after. For starters, you'll need a hydrating moisturizer on deck, according to Snehal Amin, MD, FAAD, cofounder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology. "Steaming, like a hot towel or just hot water, can help the skin absorb medications and products better," he says. "It also increases blood flow, which is bringing more nutrients to the superficial skin. The moisture effect evaporates quickly, though, so it's important to apply a good, simple moisturizer afterward."
How We Chose
As with all of our buying guides atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To find the best facial steamers for this roundup, we leaned heavily on expert insight and our knowledge as beauty experts. We also considered several factors, including special features and wireless options. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of needs and preferences, so we made sure to list out all the helpful details. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list.
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This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
- Sabrina TalbertAssistant Beauty Editor,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing
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