What is the difference between a facial steamer and a humidifier? Can they replace each other?

Humidifiers and facial steamers are two different skin care devices for hydrating and moisturizing, and their functions are different. So, specifically, what is the difference between a facial steamer and a humidifier?

What is the difference between a facial steamer and a humidifier?

The principles, effects, and targets of facial steamers and humidifiers are different. A facial steamer evaporates the water in the container through high-temperature heating, while a humidifier atomizes water through high-frequency vibration. A facial steamer directly acts on the skin to hydrate it, while a humidifier acts on the external environment to reduce moisture loss from the skin by increasing air humidity.

The specific difference between a facial steamer and a humidifier

1. Principle

The facial steamer opens the pores and allows the skin to absorb more moisture, so it evaporates the water in the container through the principle of high temperature heating. But most humidifiers use high-frequency vibrations to atomize water, which can increase the humidity of the outside air.

2. Effect

Using a facial steamer can hydrate the skin, replenish moisture to the skin, increase the humidity on the skin surface, and improve dry skin. The main function of a humidifier is to moisturize the air by increasing the humidity in the air and reducing the amount of water lost by the skin in a dry air environment.

3. Object

The direct target of the facial steamer is the skin, which is very delicate and easily damaged. Therefore, when developing the facial steamer, various situations during use are taken into consideration to take safety measures. However, the humidifier's direct target is the external environment, and its purpose is to improve the air humidity in the small environment. Safety issues that directly affect the skin are not taken into consideration during research and development.

4. Temperature

In order to allow the skin to better absorb moisture and to better clean the skin, the steam emitted by the facial steamer is hot. But the humidifier only needs to consider increasing the humidity of the air, so the sprayed water vapor is at room temperature and will not be heated.

Can a facial steamer be used as a humidifier?

A facial steamer can be used as a humidifier, but the effect is not as good as a humidifier. The principles of a facial steamer and a humidifier are different. A humidifier atomizes water through high-frequency vibrations, but a facial steamer uses the principle of heating to evaporate water to produce steam. Moreover, the water capacity of a facial steamer is relatively small. Not only is the amount of steam not as much as a humidifier, but the duration of steam is also relatively short. Therefore, although a facial steamer can be used as a humidifier, it is not recommended to do so.

Can a humidifier be used as a facial steamer?

Although a facial steamer can be used as a humidifier, a humidifier cannot be used as a facial steamer. Because the water evaporated from the facial steamer turns into water ions, which are very small and can be easily absorbed by the skin. In addition, the water vapor sprayed from the facial steamer is hot, which makes absorption easier. However, the moisture in the atomized area by the humidifier through high-frequency vibration makes water molecules more difficult to be absorbed by the skin. However, there is also a type of steam humidifier among humidifiers, which also converts water into water vapor through high temperature. However, since the problem of whether the skin will be burned was not considered when the humidifier was developed, and it has not undergone temperature treatment, it is best not to use the humidifier as a facial steamer.