A method for treating the skin involves a first stage of softening the skin by projecting steam including treatment material on to it, causing the pores to open and the material to penetrate the outer skin surface. Thereafter the pores are caused to close e.g. by projecting an astringent composition on to the skin. Apparatus to effect this is described. One form includes a sealable chamber into which a quantity of liquid treatment preparation may be placed and heated to vaporise it and project the vapour via a nozzle (10) on to the skin surface, at a distance suitable for the treatment and established by a spacer (17) projecting from the side of a housing (1) containing the chamber and nozzle (10), and means (11) to trigger dispensing of the vapour when actuated.