Be it the facial steamer used by Victoria Beckham or a hair oil Scarlett Johansson can’t live without, ‘Celebrity Approved’ details the most beloved celebrity beauty products and how they use them.
Victoria Beckham is a woman who needs no introduction, so I’ll spare you the spiel of Spice Girl glamour and her eponymous fashion line. And luckily for us, the star is pretty open when it comes to sharing her beauty routine. Taking to Instagram stories a while back, VB let us in on one of her must-have products: the Sarah Chapman Pro Hydro-Mist Steamer.
Already a known fan of the brand, it wasn’t a huge surprise; indeed, in the past she has shared that she loves the Skinesis 3D Moisture Infusion Mask, £46, and Liquid Facial D-Stress Mist, £46, products from the range.
So, what is a facial steamer and what does it do?
Well, just like the process of wrapping your face in a hot towel to open up pores or leaning over a bowl of hot water to ease congestion, a facial steamer gently emits steam to open up pores for deeper cleansing, as well as boosting circulation and aiding in hydration levels. Usually reserved for in-spa use, along with by dermatologists and facialists, they started making their way into our homes back in 2019, with the Sarah Chapman facial steamer being one of the first and best facial steamer devices in the UK.
One thing’s for sure: looking at VB’s gorgeous glowing skin, we’re definitely taking all the tips we can get from this famous face.
How do you use a facial steamer at home?
It’s pretty straightforward to use the steamer, as we’ve seen both VB and influencer Monikh demonstrate online.
- Simply fill up the water tank with distilled or filtered water at the back.
- Angle the nozzle towards your face from around 20cm away, and relax for five to ten minutes while the tiny droplets open up your pores.
- Be sure to cleanse first so no dirt works its way deeper into the skin, and ensure the facial steamer is on a flat, stable surface to prevent any hot spillages of water.
- You can gently cleanse after too, for a really deep clean.
Usually, at-home products have less power than those used in a professional setting, but VB has previously said that this wasn’t the case with the Sarah Chapman steamer.
“The steam comes out super strong,” she said. “For me, this is as good as any steamer that I’ve used when I’ve been for a professional facial. I think this is great… I’m really, really excited about this.”
Victoria Beckham, Evening Standard
Are face steamers safe to use?
On the whole, they’re generally pretty safe to use, but there are records of people getting burnt by their facial steamers. It may sound obvious, but the steamers work with actual steam, so they definitely have to be used with care. However, if you follow the instructions and proceed with caution, you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Sarah Chapman recommends sitting about 20cm away from the steamer for five minutes, or ten if you’re after a more intense session, and to keep your eyes closed to avoid irritation.
That said, a facial steamer may not be for everyone. For those with acne, rosacea, melasma, eczema or hyperpigmentation, prolonged heat exposure can exacerbate these skin conditions, so be sure to take your skin type into account when considering a purchase. It’s also a no-go for those with false eyelashes or LVL (lash lifts), too.
How often should you use a facial steamer?
Steaming your skin too much can cause it to dry out, so two (max three) times a week for no longer than ten minutes each is ideal. Sarah Chapman recommends applying a moisturiser or hydrating serum after each use to replenish the moisture levels in the skin, and thanks to pores being opened it will also be absorbed deeper into the epidermis (the outer layer of skin we can actually see).
Which are the best affordable facial steamers to buy?
Whilst Sarah Chapman’s steamer is the gold standard for celebrities and influencers alike, at £138, it’s not suitable for all budgets, so I’ve also rounded up some more cost-friendly dupes.
1. Revlon Ultimate Glow Facial Steamer
The most expensive of our affordable options but still under £80, this Revlon facial steamer is quite impressive. Reaching a max temperature of 45 degrees with either a 15 or 20 minute setting and three nozzle directions, it’s probably one of the easiest steamers to use.
2. Stylpro 4-in-1 Facial Steamer
Being a 4-in-1 product, this is a small-yet-mighty device. Not only does it act as a facial steamer, it also warms towels, humidifies rooms and diffuses aromatherapy oils, making it quite the at-home spa buy.
3. Umi Facial Steamer
Similar to the Sarah Chapman facial steamer, this Umi version also uses nano ionic steam particles for a deep clean with maximum hydration, and it’s also small enough for effortless transporting.
4. Rio Facial Sauna and Steamer
Complete with a full face mask and steam inhaler, this nifty device is great for those looking for a really targeted treatment, as well as anybody who struggles with sinus congestion issues. Perfect for hay fever season!
5. Magnitone SteamAhead Hydrating Facial Micro Steamer
Another option with both a full face mask and steam inhaler, the Magnitone has a slightly smaller water reserve than some of the other options meaning each treatment won’t last much longer than ten minutes, but it is great for travelling with.
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