I tried 6 of the best facial steamers to lock moisture into the skin – how did a £23 version compare to a £129 product?
ONE reason winter plays havoc with our skin is that cold air holds less moisture.
Throw in the biting wind and central heating and it is a recipe for a dry, lacklustre look.
A cheaper alternative to pricey lotions and spa treatments is facial steaming, which locks moisture back into the skin.
Victoria Beckham is a fan and said on Instagram that her £138 Sarah Chapman steamer was as good as any used for a professional facial.
But there are models for as little as £23.
Writer Lynsey Hope, 42, from West Malling, Kent, tried some bestsellers, rating them out of five.
Vanity Planet Aira Ionic
£60, beautybay.com
LYNSEY SAYS: You can use essential oils with this steamer to elevate your at-home spa experience.
Simply soak the foam diffuser pads inside the basket with your desired oil and place it on the nozzle, which is adjustable.
You do have to use distilled water, which you buy separately, and the water basket is hidden within the steamer, which took me a few minutes to work out.
The steamer took around two minutes to heat up, which was longer than most, and it spluttered a little as the water supply ran out.
But it’s compact and an elegant design.
Not bad for the price and it can also be used as a dehumidifier.
Rating: 3/5
HoMedics Nano
£59.99, boots.com
LYNSEY SAYS: A great option if you have problem areas on certain parts of your face, this product has an adjustable nozzle which was very effective for targeting them without having to steam your whole face.
For example, you could aim it at blackheads on the chin or nose.
The steam itself was very gentle and comfortable to experience.
It’s also suitable for sensitive skin and didn’t cause any irritation.
This steamer is small, so easy to tuck away in a cupboard.
In fact, it is almost identical to Victoria Beckham’s favourite, the Sarah Chapman steamer, but at a fraction of the price.
An essential for pampering yourself at home.
Rating: 5/5
Sarah Chapman
£138, johnlewis.com
LYNSEY SAYS: The price tag may seem indulgent but, if you regularly have facials, you’ll get your money back in just a few uses.
This is much smaller than I’d expected and has a handle, so is easy to store and carry.
It has ionic and ultrasound tech, time settings of five or ten minutes and was gentle and effective on my skin. My sinuses were clearer too.
You must use purified water to stop the nozzle blocking, which I had to buy online, but you simply fill it up like a steam iron.
The mist seemed gentle and I wasn’t sure it was having an impact, but it gathered pace and I felt it warming my pores.
As I cleansed my face later, I noticed a difference in my skin’s hydration. It felt soft, bouncy and plump.
Rating: 4/5
Steam Ahead Hydrating Facial Micro Steamer
£29, magnitone.co.uk
LYNSEY SAYS: This gadget uses state-of-the-art ionic technology to get your skin glowing.
It gives you a ten minute steam, employing de-ionised microsteam particles for a gentle, deep clean.
This means it uses purified water, free of ions such as copper or sodium, which could be harsh on the skin.
It left my skin feeling cleansed and hydrated – and, as a bonus, it helped me shake off a lingering cold by opening up my sinuses and loosening mucus.
You can use it with facial essential oils if you want a more spa-like experience.
Rating: 4/5
Stylpro Spa
£34.99, asos.com
LYNSEY SAYS: You do have to sit quite close to this steamer if you want to feel the effect on your face – but it was my favourite.
Given that it’s so affordable, I was surprised by how luxurious it is.
It’s a good height, so comfortable to sit with, and has a quick heat-up time and great steam distribution.
But it was very hot, so maybe not the best choice if your skin is sensitive.
This steamer has extra functions, too.
You can add drops of aromatherapy oil for a calming ambience, use it as a dehumidifier or get it to warm up face towels by putting them in the body of the steamer.
A dial on the front easily allows you to switch between the different options.
Rating: 5/5
Bauer Facial Spa Steamer and Inhaler
£23.87, amazon.co.uk
LYNSEY SAYS: This steamer heats up nice and quickly and gives a generous amount of steam.
Modestly priced, it does the job. My skin felt noticeably clearer after using it, and it can decongest a stuffy nose too.
But it’s not quite as pretty as other designs I tried, and it’s also far bulkier.
You do have to lean quite far forward to put your face in the bowl and it was a little uncomfortable compared to some others.
If you are buying this appliance for the nasal steamer, in particular, I found that the nasal mask didn’t really fit properly either.
Rating: 2/5
‘GREAT FOR HEALTH BUT BE SURE EQUIPMENT IS CLEAN’
DR Toby Nelson is an NHS consultant dermatologistand founder of mapmymole.com. He says . . .
“Steam therapy has been around for thousands of years and has been found to be good for one’s health, whether that be using steam rooms, saunas or hot towels.
Studies have found people who use saunas regularly, such as in Finland, notice many benefits – and one of these is better skin.
Soaps and wipes are generally not recommended for cleansing skin because they are harsh and can strip away natural oils.
To cleanse in a natural, gentle way, steaming may be good.
It permeates the top layer of the skin, helps removes any dirt and dead skin and unblocks pores.
It also draws moisture into the skin, dilates blood vessels and might give you a fresher feeling and healthier glow.
Many moisturisers have mechanisms to help lock moisture into the skin so, if you steam before using products, you may also lock in more of the benefits.
But ensure your equipment is clean, and likewise the water you put in it.
Do be careful, as it is possible to aggravate an underlying skin disease and you don’t want to inhale bacteria.
There was a case where someone using a steamer gave themself a chest infection.”