Herbal Facial Steam: How? + Benefits
Herbal Facial Steam
You may have tried facial steaming in the past, either to heal a chest cold, at a spa prior to a facial or to decongest a breakout at home. Whether you have or haven't tried it before, herbal facial steams are definitely worth adding to your skincare routine.
Benefits
Incorporating a monthly herbal facial steam to your skincare routine will help to promote and maintain a clear and glowing complexion by:
Opening the pores to deeply cleanses, decongest, and detoxify the skin.
Promoting cell renewal, hydration, and healing.
Enhancing circulation which increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
Encouraging self-love, healing, and a very aromatic experience.
Need:
Kettle and Bowl or a large pot to boil water in
1 or 2 towels
Dried herbs, flowers and/or essential oils
Optional
Mirror
Tissues and/or extractor tool
Facial mask, Serum and/or oil
Step 1: Create a sacred space
Find a space in your house any time during the day where you will not be interrupted. Put your phone on silent, play some calm music, and prepare to set up where the beauty ritual will be held. Have ready a large bowl and kettle or a large pot, a towel or two (one to drape over your head and the other to rest the hot pot or bowl on). If you plan to do extractions and a facial after steaming, have a mirror, an extractor tool or tissues, and a facial mask ready.
Step 2: Prepare Your Potion
Fill a large pot or kettle with water and bring to a boil. While waiting, take this time to freshly cleanse your skin and prepare your dried herbs, flowers, essential oils and anything else you wish to add to your concoction. For normal to dry skin, try using ingredients such as: chamomile, lavender, and rose. For normal, combination or oily skin, try using ingredients such as tea tree, eucalyptus, rose, and geranium. If you're in a pinch and don't have many ingredients handy, use herbal tea! If you rather purchase a pre-mixed blend of dried herbs and flowers, Skin Owl's Beauty Steam is a beautiful option.
Step 3: Concoct + Steam
Once the water is boiling and is in the pot or bowl, add two large spoonfuls of your dried ingredients and let steep and cool for a few minutes. When ready, add a few drops of your essential oil choice, drape a towel over your head and the bowl, and relax while the steam to provides beneficial nutrients to your skin. If you have normal skin, steam for a maximum of five to ten minutes. If you have very sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea, cystic acne, or any major inflammation, steam for a maximum of one minute.
Step 4: Deep Clean (optional)
After steaming, your pores are open and more receptive to skincare treatments. If you usually do extractions, this is the safest and the best time to do so. Gently use an extraction tool, or your index fingers wrapped in tissue, and extract any blemishes, blackheads or sebum that are ready to be extracted. Once all debris has been eliminated, wash the skin, and your clean pores will now best absorb your favourite facial mask, serum, and/or face oil.
Have you tried facial steaming? What are your favourite ingredients?
Leave a comment below!