Sanford Facial Sauna and Steamer with Facial and Nose/Mouth Inhalation Attachments - SF1948FS

Steam does two useful things, and this does both. As a facial sauna, warm steam opens pores before cleansing, which is why a facial at a salon starts with it — it lifts grime and softens skin so everything you apply afterwards works better. As an inhaler, the separate nose and mouth attachment directs steam where it helps a blocked nose, a cold or a dry cough, which is the reason a lot of Kenyan households own one at all. Having both attachments in one unit is the point: a skincare tool for most of the year and something genuinely useful when the family gets a cold. It is designed for routine skincare and steam-based use rather than occasional novelty, and it sits on a bathroom shelf without taking much room.

Specifications

Buying guide

Facial steamers are simple, and what matters is how you use one rather than the specification. Keep your face a sensible distance from the nozzle — close enough to feel warm steam, far enough that it never scalds — and limit sessions to around ten minutes, since over-steaming leaves skin dry and irritated rather than glowing. Steam first, then cleanse, then moisturise, in that order: steaming after cleansing wastes the benefit. If you have rosacea, very sensitive or broken skin, get advice before using heat on your face. For inhalation, use the dedicated attachment rather than the facial one, breathe steadily rather than deeply at first, and do not add anything to the water unless the manual says it is safe, because oils can damage the heating element. Use clean water, empty and dry the reservoir after every session, and descale it periodically so mineral build-up does not affect performance.

How it compares

Against a bowl of hot water and a towel, this holds a steady, controlled steam flow at a safer distance, which is both more effective and much less risky than leaning over boiling water. Compared with a salon facial, this is repeatable at home for a fraction of the running cost, though it does not replace the extraction and treatment a facialist provides. Against a room humidifier, that raises humidity across a room while this delivers targeted steam. Against over-the-counter decongestants, steam inhalation is a drug-free complement rather than a replacement.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a session be?
Around ten minutes. Over-steaming leaves skin dry and irritated rather than glowing, and closer or longer is not better.

Can I add essential oils to the water?
Only if the manual says it is safe. Oils can damage the heating element on many steamers, so check first and otherwise use clean water alone.

Should I steam before or after cleansing?
Steam first, then cleanse, then moisturise. Steaming opens the pores so cleansing afterwards is more effective.

Do you deliver outside Nairobi?
Yes — same-day delivery within Nairobi and countrywide shipping to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret and beyond, with payment by M-Pesa or on delivery.

Pairs well with

• Sanford Rechargeable Callus Remover with Vacuum Function and 3 Interchangeable Discs - SF1926CR
• Sanford Ceramic Hair Straightener with PTC Heating and Digital Temperature Display - SF999HST
• Sanford 2000W Hair Dryer with 2 Speed and 2 Heat Settings and Cool Shot - SF9694HD

Available at WIMU Kitchen, Nairobi. Same-day Nairobi delivery · countrywide shipping (Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret) · pay by M-Pesa or on delivery. Questions? WhatsApp +254 758 157 035.