I have been convinced since the dawn of puberty that my days of having clear skin with non-visible pores were behind me.
At 22 years old, my acne has advanced to adult status. And until this past January, I fought hard against pesky pimples by using harsh chemical treatments that almost always left a scar, or by hiding them with full-coverage makeup.
It's safe to say that I was completely fed up.
Looking for new ways to prevent breakouts in 2017, I decided to splurge on a portable face steamer. I bought the YourEnvie facial steamer for $120.
This is now a staple in my updated face-washing routine. I'm positive that my skin wouldn't look as refined and feel nearly as awesome without the help of YourEnvie's magical machine.
This is how I use it
1. Remove the water tank, fill it up with distilled water, and pop it back in place.
I'm always very careful not to go past the fill-line when adding distilled water to the tank. A little goes a long way.
2. Plug in the steamer, position your face roughly eight to 10 inches away from nozzle, and wait.
Within seconds of flipping the power switch, the few ounces of required H2O are heated up and converted into a puff of warm, relaxing steam that lasts for just under 10 minutes per use.
It's super important to keep some distance from the orange opening. Burns, especially ones on your face, aren't pleasant.
This steamer has great reach, so when placed on a desk or another safe, flat surface users can position themselves comfortably and enjoy the experience.
4. With your eyes closed, slowly rotate your face clockwise and counterclockwise.
While the product's description on YourEnvie's website describes its nozzle as wide enough for full-steam coverage, I found that I had to put in some work to make sure all areas of my face were properly steamed.
I don't mind it too much, though; it's a nice way to rid my neck of any kinks.
5. Apply toner, serum, and moisturizer.
I prefer applying all of my skin care go-tos when my pores are fully open; I've found that products work best when they're absorbed deep into the skin.
Steaming has allowed me to not only clean deeper — on days I choose not to wear makeup, I steam before and after cleansing — but more effectively.
6. Unplug steamer and pour out any excess water.
Sometimes, condensation from the water tank gets trapped at the bottom of machine.
To remove, I tip the steamer over a trash can after turning it off and unplugging. You can also uncap the tank and shake it dry to prep for your next use.
Here are my results after four months
Despite spending extra time at my vanity in the morning and at night, I've found my impulsive purchase to be totally worth every dollar.
These days, my bedroom feels more like a spa, where I can give myself hydrating facials without making an appointment.
Here's what I look like immediately before steaming.
Before steaming, my skin feels a little tight and worn.
My pores are usually more visible after a long day of wearing makeup.
Here's a close-up of my pores and the dry flakes around my nose.
And here's what I look like after steaming.
I normally massage the sheen from my skin care routine into my face once the timer has expired, but for this photo I chose to bask in its glow.
Immediately after steaming, my skin feels super hydrated.
My skin finally feels smooth and supple rather than dry and flaky in certain areas.
If I've been wearing makeup, the steam helps me remove more of it, which is probably the primary culprit causing my acne flare-ups. The cotton balls I use to apply toner provide the proof!
My pores are also less noticeable. Before I started facial steaming, I always used a pore-filling primer on my cheeks and forehead before applying foundation. Now, primer is optional.
Above all, I've gained confidence. I feel comfortable to walk out of the house with little to no makeup on, and I know I'm beautiful regardless.
