Bask in the Glow: How to Steam Your Face with Essential Oils
Steaming has long been used as a luxurious facial treatment in high-end spas. Why wait when you can indulge your skin at home? Learn how to steam your face for maximum good skin benefits.
To get the most from your skin and skincare, get a good steam on. There are so many healthy reasons to make this ritual a regular part of your beauty routine.
Steaming detoxes the skin by opening the pores and softening the dirt and debris they hold. The practice also ramps up perspiration, which helps to rid pores of toxins and buildup. Think of it as a steamroom for your face.
Giving your skin a good steaming also enhances the effects of your skincare. Once pores are cleared and skin is softened, your healthy serums, oils, and moisturizers can more easily penetrate and benefit skin.
Then, of course, there is the radiance factor. A good steam boosts circulation and makes skin look dewy, youthful, and alive. Indulge in this ritual when skin is in need of some extra TLC, sallow, or congested.
How to Steam Your Face
Gather a large bowl, big enough to hold approximately 4- 6 cups of water, a large towel, and your essential oils of choice. A little research on essential oils prior to performing your steam will offer best results. For example, tea tree and rosemary are good for acne, rose and jasmine work well on dry or mature skin, and geranium and lavender are best for sensitive skin. You only need a few drops of essential oils–2 to 3 will be enough–so don’t overdo it! They are potent plant extracts and too much can be harsh for your skin and your lungs.
Another item to add to your steam is tea. Thought it was just for drinking? Tea is widely used in skincare for its antioxidant and nourishing benefits. Chamomile is very soothing and gentle, rooibos offers anti-aging and antibacterial qualities, and green tea is good for reducing redness.
Boil your water and carefully fill your bowl. Add your tea and essential oils to the water. Now lower face over bowl and drape with towel. Partake of the steam for 5-10 minutes. Steam is hot! If at any time you feel your skin is being burned, pull back from the steam.
If you’d like to go the full nine yards, treat yourself to a facial steaming kit. Natural beauty creator, May Lindstrom, believes so strongly in the powers of steam that she has come out with her own Steam Collection. The set includes a steam vessel, silk scarf, tea, beauty oil, and scent experience. New mother and organic beauty guru, Spirit Demerson, is a devotee of this set. Another option is to purchase a facial steamer. No pots or kettles required.
Once you’ve finished your steam, splash face with lukewarm water and apply your favorite moisturizer or serum.
Bask in the glow.
Related on Organic Authority
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Green Tea Benefits: 7 Tips For Choosing The Best Brew
Image of woman steaming face via Shutterstock
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