The Unexpected $40 Gadget That’s Saving Me from the Dry Winter Air (It’s on Sale!)

While winter in December is full of merriment, experiencing winter in the new year is a daily struggle. In order to prevent this dreary time of year from getting me down, I try my best to isolate my home from the gloom and cold. I have my fluffy comforter on my bed, I burn my favorite candles, and I keep the heat on around the clock without worrying about how high my ConEd bill is going to be. But as it turns out, none of these measures were able to save me from the scary effects of dry winter air.

January had some pretty cold days here in New York City, and after waking up with a bloody nose twice and a sore throat for a week straight, I realized I needed a humidifier. Instead of buying one, though, I remembered that I already owned something that could function as one: my NanoSteamer. Although I used to use it purely for enjoyment, this multifunctional device has been a lifesaver during this time of arid cold. And right now, it’s 30% off on Amazon!

The NanoSteamer is a three-in-one device that can be used as a facial steamer, humidifier, and towel warmer. It measures a little over 11 inches tall and 6 inches wide, so it’s perfect for small spaces, like your nightstand or bathroom vanity. The cord measures 4.5 feet long, which makes it easy to place the steamer on high surfaces even if your power outlets are near the floor.

Notably, this product is a nano-ionic steamer, which means it produces steam with negatively charged ionic particles. This kind of steam is supposedly 10 times more effective at penetrating the skin than regular steam. What makes the device particularly fun to use is its spout design, which directs the steam right into your face. The 200-milliliter water tank allows the steamer to run for 30 minutes at a time, and the auto-shut-off feature means the steamer turns off by itself once the water runs out.

In addition to functioning as a face steamer and humidifier, the NanoSteamer also functions as a towel warmer. Simply twist off the spout top and insert a rolled-up hand towel or a couple of wash cloths. Then set the dial to the right setting, and delight in steaming-hot towels like the ones you get offered at the spa. Finally, the NanoSteamer comes with a five-piece kit of stainless steel instruments you can use to extract blackheads and other blemishes after steaming your face.

In 2024 I developed a new favorite pastime of going to the spa — specifically for the sauna and steam room. I love how relaxing it feels and the way my skin glows afterward — especially on chilly winter days. Owning a NanoSteamer kind of feels like I have a spa or mini-sauna in my home. The first couple of months after getting it, I was exclusively using it for the steamer function. I sometimes steam before washing my face, as doing so helps impurities come to the surface of my skin. Other times I steam after washing so that the serums and moisturizer I apply get absorbed better. In any case, my skin always feels supple and extra hydrated afterward, and I get that dewy look that can be otherwise difficult to achieve in winter.

When the dry air started affecting me, though, I began using my NanoSteamer as a humidifier. I had never used a humidifier before this and was actually averse to the idea because I thought it would make my bedroom feel swampy and gross. But the device lets out the perfect amount of moisture and only runs for 30 minutes at a time. Plus, it heats up and starts running within just a couple of minutes. I’ve been turning it on before I take a nap or go to bed and again when I wake up, and I haven’t had a nosebleed since. Plus, my throat doesn’t feel so dry and sore, either. Most of all, though, I love how quiet the NanoSteamer is. It emits a little bit of noise when it’s on the steamer setting, but the humidifier setting is completely silent! I set it either on the floor next to my bed or on top of my headboard, and sleep so much more soundly with it quietly humming next to me.

If you’re after a humidifier that runs all night and makes a noticeable difference in your air’s moisture level, the NanoSteamer is not powerful enough for that. But it suits my needs perfectly and saves me costly spa trips by essentially making my bedroom and bathroom feel like a spa. I used to use it for fun and for beauty purposes, but now I can’t imagine going to sleep without turning it on. It’s a wintertime game-changer!

Buy: NanoSteamer Large 3-in-1 Facial Steamer, $39.95 (normally $56.95)