Home Lifestyle Rio Facial Sauna & Steam Inhaler [ Review ]

Rio Facial Sauna & Steam Inhaler [ Review ]

by InvisiblyMe
A trio of photos of the facial sauna with a red box outline around them. Above is : "Rio Facial Sauna & Steam Inhaler Reviewed & Recommended".

The lovely people at Rio Beauty were kind enough to let me try out their facial sauna recently, so I’m thrilled to be able to get to review it here. If you have skin, breathing or sinus issues, or just want to pamper yourself a little on a budget, then this could be a great option worth considering.

What Is It?

This is a facial sauna to give you a spa treatment from the comfort of your own home. You can use the face mask attachment to get the steam to your pores, opening up the pores to cleanse your skin and remove impurities. If you want to direct the steam more towards your sinuses to help with sinusitis, congestion and any chest/breathing issues, the steam inhaler attachment can be used. There’s also an attachment for making use of essential oils, which can further help with decongesting and soothing.

The Rio Facial Sauna & Steam Inhaler (on Amazon UK).

Similar facial saunas are available on Amazon US.

Unboxing

Photograph of the unboxing of the product, showing the box and all the pieces wrapped in plastic.
Unboxing, with the base & attachments wrapped in plastic.

When this arrived, I was quite surprised at how compact the packaging was. It tells you the key details about the product on the box, and inside you’ll find everything you need to get all steamed up!

Each part is wrapped, and it’s packed nicely to prevent any damage during transit. So, what’s in the box?

  • The base unit and plug
  • Facial sauna attachment
  • Steam inhaler attachment
  • Essential oil attachments
  • Measuring cup
  • Instruction guide

It’s presented nicely so it’s the kind of self-care, health & beauty product that would made an equally good gift idea, too.

How To Use The Rio Facial Sauna

For first time use, wipe the water reservoir with a damp cloth. Put the base unit on a stable flat surface, and fill the water reservoir with water. You can use the measuring cup for this, and there’s a line that shows the max fill level in the reservoir, so don’t go over this.

Put in your desired attachments by simply placing them on the base; you’ll notice a notch where the sides will slot in. Plug it in at the mains and turn the dial for the steam to number 2 to heat it up. You’ll know it’s on as the red LED at the front will light up. It takes about 2-3 minutes for steam to be produced, at which point you can turn this down to position 1 to maintain the level of steam. You can turn it back to 2 if you want to intensify this.

Photograph of the sauna on my desk, plugged in with the main sauna attachment.
Plugged in & just turned on.

At the maximum level of water, you can anticipate around 20 minutes of steam. Rio don’t recommend using it for longer than this. Of course this can vary, but it’s a good guide for what to expect. If you’re using the main facial sauna, put your face on or near the rim of the attachment. Close your eyes and just relax. If it’s too hot, move your face away a little and lower the steam. You’ll notice some back vents on the sauna to help let out a little steam, so I would recommend giving yourself enough space to use this and nothing that’ll be affected by steam around or behind it.

If you’re using the steam inhaler, you just position your nose/mouth into the attachment and breathe normally.

You can use this steamer with just water, or you can add essential oils for aromatherapy purposes to give you that luxury at-home spa experience. To use with essential oils, you can do one of two things with the facial or steam attachments. Put some drops of your oil onto a cotton pad and put this on the vaporiser attachment, then fasten the cover into place. Alternatively, you can put the oil directly into the oil reservoir along with the water.

Once the water has evaporated, or you wish to finish your session, turn it off at the mains and remove the attachment. I’d suggest steadying the base unit with one hand while you do this. If there’s still water left, carefully tip this away. Wipe everything dry and you’re done.

Benefits of Facial Saunas

Facial saunas & steam inhalers can be part of a skincare routine or for clearing sinuses & helping with congestion. Healthy skin & a healthy lifestyle make us feel better inside and out. Here are a few key benefits of facial saunas themselves:

  • Steaming will help to increase perspiration and soften the skin’s surface, which in turn has the benefit of cleansing your face carrying away impurities bacteria and dead skin cells. 
  • The skin you see on the surface is made up of older, dead skin cells. As you age, it takes longer for cells to regenerate and for older cells to be shed. If you’re after anti-ageing benefits, a facial sauna is very helpful. Steaming softens the skin and helps remove dead skin cells along with bacteria, which results in the skin looker more youthful, healthier and fresher. 
  • Blocked sebum in teeny tiny hair follicles can glob your skin, leading to blackheads and whiteheads and noticeable pores. Steam will soften the impurities and help remove any sebum build up. 
  • When the temp rises as you steam your face, the blood vessels dilate and more blood flows. This increased circulation means a boost of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues for healthier skin

All Steamed Up : My Experience

Photograph of me holding the facial sauna.

I was surprised at first just how compact the box was & it was lighter than I’d expected. I used to own a facial sauna when I was in my early teens and I loved it, but it was far heavier & bulkier than this, despite having far less functionality. This one is more streamlined yet sturdy, and I don’t get the feeling of it being plastic-fantastic; it’s something I anticipate lasting for many years with regular use as it’s well built.

It’s very quick from unboxing to having it set up & ready to go. At the moment, I’m keeping it on top of my wardrobe for ease of accessibility as I use it regularly, and it doesn’t take up too much space. Once you’ve filled the reservoir with water, it’s a matter of minutes before there’s enough steam to be able to use it, and being able to adjust the steam is a useful feature that not all saunas have. Likewise, the steam inhaler & oil diffuser components are not often found with basic facial saunas, so these are fantastic to have and make the unit far more multi-functional and versatile.

Using the different attachments is very straightforward, and it’s good to note that the base doesn’t got hot with use. Just make sure you don’t go and put your finger in the metal reservoir when you’re finished and unplugging the unit; sounds like a stupid thing to do, but I managed to do it!

I wanted to try this for two reasons: helping my skin, and helping my breathing/sinus issues.

This is brilliant in both respects. The steam lasts long enough at a constant rate to open up your pores and leave your skin looking and feeling cleaner and refreshed. I then used a cleanser, toner and moisturiser. The steam, with and without the specific inhaler attachment, is good for opening up your airways, which is why my GP had previously recommended it for chest infections as well as other breathing issues and sinus problems. Last but not least, it’s a lovely treat as part of your self-care routine and adding some essential oils give it that feel of a luxury at home spa.

Men or women, teens or those with over 60s bus passes, I think this is versatile for anyone, whether it’s for health, beauty or relaxation purposes.

Pros

  • Very easy to set up & get started
  • Robust device that should last well
  • Handy steam adjuster
  • Brilliant attachments for more versatile use
  • Quick to wipe clean
  • Generates steam within 2-3 minutes
  • Comes with a 2 year guarantee
  • Works effectively for comfortable, consistent steam

Cons

  • Hard to find any negatives. There’s only one that I’ve found, and that is that it’s not perfectly lined up, so having the dial facing directly towards you leaves the mask slightly off-centre. Very, very minor point.

Find it :

I think it’s a reasonably priced device and good value for money, making it a worthwhile investment for a sauna/steamer that’s versatile, well built and works very effectively. Of course, things work differently for everyone and people will have different opinions, but I’ve been thrilled with my use of this so I would happily recommend it from my own experience.

You can find the Rio Facial Sauna & Steam Inhaler on Amazon UK .

For those in the States, similar facial saunas are available on Amazon US.

Rio Beauty on Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Website

Caz  ♥

This is a collaborative post; I received the product in return for my honest opinion, which I’ve given here.

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44 comments

wendi July 31, 2019 - 4:36 pm

I have actually used this and yes, it is a wonderful product!
So cool that I got to see your lovely self! Thanks for helping others!

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 2:59 pm

I love that it can help with different things & it’s great you’ve found it to be good, too! ????
xx

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Michelle July 31, 2019 - 4:55 pm

Great review!! I would love to have on of these. I think both my daughter and I would use it a lot. Especially with essential oils when our allergies are all crazy.

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 3:29 pm

It’s one I’d certainly recommend for being effective and well made, and it’s great for having different purposes (sinuses, skin, essential oils). Have you ever used one before? If you do invest in one to share with your daughter, I hope it helps! ????

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Sandee July 31, 2019 - 5:01 pm

Excellent review. I’ve not done this in years. I’m way overdue.

Have a fabulous day, Caz. ♥

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 3:36 pm

I’m glad you liked the review, thank you! I think this is a good excuse to give yourself a little pampering with a facial sauna soon, Sandee!xx

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Despite Pain July 31, 2019 - 6:22 pm

I haven’t used this particular make, but I did have a facial sauna about thirty years ago. (I feel so old saying that!) It’s great for the skin, but absolutely brilliant if you have sinus problems. Great review as always, Caz.

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 3:47 pm

That makes two of us having them in our earlier years; it was like a trip down memory lane using one again. Absolutely fab for skin, breathing & sinus issues! Thanks for the comment, Liz – have a lovely weekend xx

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Kymber Hawke July 31, 2019 - 6:50 pm

I wonder how long I’d have this before my daughter “borrows” it? hahaha Great review, Caz! xo

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 4:11 pm

I’d give it a week ????Glad you liked the review, thanks lovely! Have a great weekend xx

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Darnell July 31, 2019 - 7:02 pm

I actually get facials every couple of months. A family member got me to go once. I agreed to be nice, but once I got there, I loved it. Now to have treatment at home as well as the convenience of a steamer sounds like a good deal. I’ll have to take a look into this.
Thanks Caz.

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 4:20 pm

I’m glad that family member convinced you to give facials a go; sometimes we’re convinced we won’t like something, but in reality we never really know until we try. A steamer at home is worth considering as it could be a nice addition to your routine for maintenance in between having them done professionally. Thanks for the comment, Darnell. Enjoy your next facial, and have a lovely weekend! ???? x

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Robyn Coupe July 31, 2019 - 7:25 pm

What a great product! I have issues with my sinuses as well – and of course, as a forty something, I would love anything to help my skin. I will have to check it out!

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 4:26 pm

Sorry you have sinus issues, too. Do you currently use anything? I’ve actually been using an Otrivine Sinusitis spray (though I don’t have sinusitis right now) and it’s been very helpful. It’s this one, in case it may help you at all – https://amzn.to/2ZrOPUf The sauna, with or without the steam inhaler, has also been brilliant for breathing & sinuses, so it’s definitely worth considering. As for skin, excellent! I use it before cleansing and moisturising, and it really does make my skin feel a heck of a lot cleaner and more refreshed. If you do check it out, I hope it can help! Thanks for the comment lovely – have a great weekend ????
xx

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Bree July 31, 2019 - 9:45 pm

I think I need one of these. I have been having trouble with my lungs nose sinus.. blood noses. coughing up blood. yes not a pretty sight. My doctor actually told me to put my head over a bowl with steaming hot water and essential oils…like we did in the old days lol…but getting one of these might be a better idea.

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 4:38 pm

Coughing up blood must be scary to see, is that because of the irritation? With sinuses I’ve also been using an Otrivine Sinusitis spray (though I don’t have sinusitis right now) and it’s been very helpful. I suggested it to Robyn on here, too. It’s this one, in case it’s of any help at all – https://amzn.to/2ZrOPUf
I was told first about the bowl of hot water but I found it to be useless, no where near enough steam. That’s when I knew the trusty facial sauna was the way forward, and it’s been brilliant. If you get no joy with the water bowl, I’d recommend one of these and if you want to make use of the essential oils you can either use the special attachment it comes with or put the drops straight into the water reservoir. I hope something helps provide you some relief, Bree. xx

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Michele Anderson July 31, 2019 - 11:30 pm

Great gift idea. Thank you 🙂

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 4:39 pm

It would make a good gifting idea, thanks for the comment, Michelle! Have a great weekend xx

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Alice V August 1, 2019 - 1:59 am

This is really cool. I like the idea of having something like this since I am at the age where I care more about my skin than I have ever before.

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 4:40 pm

It’s definitely a good addition to a skin care routine. It’s great on its own but I find it works really well before cleansing or any facial scrubs and other products to open the pores. Have a lovely weekend, Alice ???? xx

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Holly G. August 1, 2019 - 12:07 pm

Brilliant review Caz! I’d bet this steamer paired with lavender essential oil at nighttime would be heavenly for relaxation 🙂 I might consider getting one of these for my husband who suffers terribly from allergies. We could both probably use it after we come in from cutting grass. Maybe less tissue would be used! ????

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 5:31 pm

You’re right, a bit of lavender oil in it at night would be brilliant, great idea! Grass can be a significant trigger for a lot of people where sinuses and allergies are concerned. Do you use an air purifier at home? Those are also great for allergies. I reviewed one last year, in case it’s something you ever want to consider – https://invisiblyme.com/2018/06/17/levoit-air-purifier-lh132-review/ Hope you both have a lovely weekend – thanks for the comment, Holly!  ♥
xx

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Holly August 4, 2019 - 6:39 pm

I’ll be checking out your review link for the air purifier right now 🙂 We do use ours continuously. They are a Godsend in the home! When you go to clean the rods – ???? – oh my goodness!! I’ve been amazed a few times at all the extra crap it picked up from the air.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead my friend. Hoping you are well ♥

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InvisiblyMe August 5, 2019 - 3:34 pm

You’re absolutely right, purifiers can be so helpful! Thanks for the lovely comment on the review. It’s also a good reminder that I should probably refresh & repost the review, so I’ll add that to my to-do list! I hope you have a lovely week too, Holly ????
xx

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The Lonely Author August 1, 2019 - 1:04 pm

Caz, your timing is amazing. I am here with my daughter reading your review. You sold her.
Will be purchasing this. Thank you.

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 5:34 pm

Hahah, good timing – I hope she loves it! Thanks for reading, Drew – I hope you have a relaxing weekend ???? x

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Brigid Gallagher August 1, 2019 - 2:01 pm

Sounds like a great product Caz. I love doing inhalations with essential oils when I have a cold. Got one right now.

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InvisiblyMe August 2, 2019 - 5:35 pm

I’m sorry you’ve got a yucky cold at the moment. Essential oils & steam are great for colds & congestion. Fingers crossed your cold doesn’t last too long so you can feel a bit better soon. Rest up, Brigid xx

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da-AL August 3, 2019 - 6:04 am

how lovely to see you looking happy and gorgeous, Caz. what a great idea! I’ve never used one of these & never knew they were good for sinus probs

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InvisiblyMe August 3, 2019 - 10:59 am

Aw that’s very kind of you to say! I refused getting too close-up a shot & adjusted the lighting (I don’t bother with any make-up), which hides a multitude of sins ???? It was a doctor, and an asthma nurse, that suggested a facial sauna to me as I wouldn’t necessarily have thought about it either. It’s brilliant for congestion, so it’s more of a multi-functional product, which I like because then it’s better value for money. Thanks for the comment lovely – I hope you have a good weekend! xx

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Michelle August 3, 2019 - 12:32 pm

What a well written and thorough review, Caz! I’m kind of excited. I didn’t know these facial steamers were a thing, but they make so much sense! I’m thinking I need one. Seems like it would be so relaxing and really open the nasal passages, especially if I added a tiny bit of eucalyptus oil. My husband and I both have so many allergy problems and are always dealing with swollen nasal passages and congestion. And then winter comes and everything gets so dry here that my nasal tissues sometimes crack and bleed. Sometimes I sit in the bathroom with the shower on because my humidifier just doesn’t do enough. I’ll be back when I’m ready to put in my next Amazon order! Thanks so much for the great recommendation!

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InvisiblyMe August 3, 2019 - 4:31 pm

So you’d never come across these types of facial saunas before? I’m glad I could introduce you to something new! Eucalyptus is a great idea, and someone else on here mentioned lavender to use before bed. I’m sorry you (and hubby) have issues with allergies, congestion & sinus issues, none of it is pleasant to deal with any time of the year. Steam from the shower is good, I find a shower good but it’s not enough, and just a bowl of hot water I’ve found to be utterly useless. This is where a facial sauna comes in handy, and I like that it has a few uses in one to make it feel more versatile and better value for money. If you do try one out in future I hope it can be helpful for you, and it can make you feel like you’re doing something nice for yourself, too, so it gets a tick on the self-care list. Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Michelle, it’s much appreciated! I hope you have a restful weekend, and hopefully some relief from the allergies & congestion! xx

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Terri, Reclaiming HOPE August 5, 2019 - 2:15 pm

This is a great review Caz! I have something similar that I use for my sinuses, and that warm steam really does help. It was wonderful to see your beautiful photo and see that you’re looking well. I’ve gotten behind – AGAIN (this time for because of good things) – and I’ve missed you! Hope you’re doing well sweet friend!

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InvisiblyMe August 5, 2019 - 3:31 pm

Aw I’m really glad you liked the review, and it’s great you have something similar to help with your sinuses. Don’t worry about being behind in the blogging word – that’s me, perpetually, as I just can’t ever seem to keep up! How are things going..? I hope everything is okay… Lots of love to you, Terri. I hope this week is a good one for you! xx

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Jenny August 5, 2019 - 7:48 pm

Brilliant review Caz!! I am tending towards the facial treatments today (masks etc) for pampering as they take less effort than trying to use body lotion all over like I used to! I could see myself using the soothing effect as well with essential oils. A very thorough review that definitely makes me want to buy! xx

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InvisiblyMe August 6, 2019 - 3:16 pm

Facial treatments are something I used to do a lot when I was a teen but then went for years without really bothering much. I’m getting back into it now too and it’s something more manageable when it comes to a beauty regime and self-care, and I’ve seen benefits in my skin as well which is a bonus. You’re right about essential oils in this for soothing. I find the same kind of relaxing effect even without them, and that’s probably because with your head in the sauna there’s literally nothing you can do but sit and relax for 10-20 minutes! Thanks for the comment lovely, I hope you’re having a good week so far ???? xx

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Christy B August 6, 2019 - 10:19 pm

I love the idea that it could help me feel pampered without having to go to a spa! I’m all for at-home treatments 🙂

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InvisiblyMe August 7, 2019 - 5:37 pm

Absolutely, it’s so much more comfortable & convenient to be able to do it at home whenever you want, and far cheaper, too! xx

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Alyssa August 8, 2019 - 2:14 am

Thank you so much for this amazing post! I am definitely going to have to give this product a try. Being pampered in the comfort of my own home and not having to go somewhere to spend a lot of money would be wonderful! You always share so many great ideas and I love how brilliant you are! I am so glad to have you as a friend and truly value you!

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InvisiblyMe August 8, 2019 - 10:16 am

Definitely a plus to get to pamper & practice self care at home, saving money and being far more convenient. Thank you so much for the lovely comment, Alys, you’re a gem and you’re always incredibly kind in taking the time to write even though you’re having a tough time of things yourself. I hope you manage some rest this weekend, hugs to you dear friend  ♥
xx

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smilecalm August 10, 2019 - 4:28 pm

this review is very helpful
should i ever need
those steaming benefits 🙂

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InvisiblyMe August 10, 2019 - 5:09 pm

I’m glad you liked it & found it helpful, thanks! Hope you have a restful weekend ????
xx

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Ar August 21, 2019 - 11:15 am

Great review Caz! I’ve always wanted one of these but never quite got around to doing any real research on them so this is really helpful! x

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InvisiblyMe August 23, 2019 - 4:05 pm

I like that I’m almost reliving my young teenage years when I use it, it’s fun! Hope you love it too if you do decide to give one a try ???? xx

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