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. 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. For instance, while steaming can effectively rehydrate the skin, it can also cause dehydration if you do it too often. “Just like over-exfoliating, over-steaming may trigger a process called transepidermal water loss,” says Nichols. “This is when water passes from the dermis through the epidermis and evaporates from the skin’s surface.” Over-steaming can also strip the skin of its natural oils, which can leave the skin so parched that it overproduces even more oil to compensate. And dilating blood vessels can promote circulation and lead to a brighter skin tone, but, again, you don’t want to overdo it. “Applying too much heat can damage the skin, possibly causing hyperpigmentation. You’ll lose the benefits if you’re not careful or it’s too hot,” Rodney warns. Frequently flushing your facial skin can even lead to broken capillaries or a ruddy complexion over time, Rachel Nazarian, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC, previously told mbg. Finally, steaming is not for everyone—some people just can’t tolerate the heat, even sparingly. “If you have conditions like eczema, rosacea, or melasma, it can exacerbate them, so steer clear of steaming,” Rodney notes, since that heat can trigger inflammation. (If you have sensitive skin in general, you might also want to avoid steamers.) “You should also steer clear of steaming as a solution if you have acne. The skin is already inflamed, and applying heat will make things worse,” she adds. Yes, steaming can prep the skin for extractions in a professional setting but only for comedones like blackheads or whiteheads. Estheticians will not touch inflamed mounds (and neither should you). 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.”
