For many of us soaking in the tub with our favorite natural products is a great way to calm our mind and body after a stressful day. Finding ways to add more self-care into our skincare routine while decreasing stress levels is an important part of maintaining healthy, glowing skin. When stress occurs it manifests in our skin as; acne, eczema, psoriasis and more. A great alternative to bedtime bath rituals is a DIY all-natural facial steam using essential oils and herbs.
What are the benefits of facial steams?
If you’ve ever had a facial at a spa a professional esthetician will typically include steaming your face prior to extractions. Steaming releases & loosens dirt and debris in your pores which makes it easier to remove whiteheads and blackheads. However, we recommend that you leave that part to the professional so you avoid scaring your skin. Additional benefits of at home facial steams include:
- Increased perspiration which promotes healthy circulation giving you a healthy glow.
- Hydrating your skin which helps the absorption of moisture from your skin care products.
- Helping you to de-stress since steaming requires you to breathe.
- Essential oil and herbs used in facial steam are relaxing and soothing to the mind and body.
- Allows your products to penetrate deeper.
Here’s how to create your own soothing facial steam with herbs (dried or fresh), florals (dried or fresh), and essential oils:
Note: 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs/flowers = 2 teaspoons of dried herbs/flowers
Soothing Herbal Facial Steam
Supplies:
- 1 medium to large sized glass bowl
- 1 bath towel
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp dried lavender
- 1 tbsp dried rose petals
- 1 tbsp dried calendula
- 1 tbsp dried chamomile
- 5 drops geranium essential oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Find a comfortable table and chair, most likely a dining or kitchen table.
- Play your favorite tune to help you stay in a Zen mode.
- Tie your hair back to ensure it stays away from your face.
- Cleanse your face using a natural exfoliant.
- Rinse face with lukewarm water.
- Pour 4 cups of water to a medium to large size bowl.
- Add your favorite combination of herbs, flowers, essential oils, or other ingredients to the bowl. Mix slowly.
- Lean over the bowl mixture, keep your face about 8 inches from the water, and drape a towel over your head to create a tent. You can control the heat by raising or lowering your head over the water.
- Steam your face for 10 minutes or until the steam dissipates.
- Rinse your face lukewarm water and finish off with your favorite serum and moisturizer.
- If you want to create a home spa facial continue with a mask, toner, serum and moisturizer. When applying your moisturizer use upward strokes, gently massage your forehead, checks and neck.
