Herbal Facial Steaming

One of my favorite at home spa treatments is herbal facial steaming. 

"Herbal facial steaming has a long history - with origins in ancient cultures like Greece, Rome, and Egypt.

These practices evolved over centuries, with cultures in Mesoamerica, Russia, and China; all developing their own traditions of steam therapy that incorporate herbs for healing and wellness. 

The first commercial facial steamers were developed in the early 1900s, a testament to the enduring belief in steam's benefits."

My method of herbal facial steaming only requires a glass bowl, distilled water, dried herbs and a towel.

I fill my bowl 3/4 full with very hot water, add my dried herbs and stir gently. I add around 2 teaspoons of each herb. You can use more or less, depending on your personal preference.

I place the bowl on a table, then position my face over the bowl, then place the towel over my head and the bowl. 

I like to wrap as much as the towel as I can around the bowl so my head and bowl is completely covered by the towel and tucked within there like a little cocoon. 

You can also place the towel over your head while leaning your face as close as comfortable to the bowl, like the illustration below.

This type of herbal facial steam is so relaxing. Remember to slowly inhale the steam through your nose and slowly exhale out your mouth. 

What I really love, is when you are exhaling, your breath moves the warm steam to different areas of your face. 

That and the fragrance of the herbs filling the space, wow. It truly is a relaxing and beautiful experience.

There is no time limit here.. Follow your intuition and enjoy the experience as long as you desire. 

A step I feel that is an important part of this beautiful experience, is to apply a facial oil or a non-oil facial moisturizer while your face is still warm and damp from the steam. 

I apply jojoba and pomegranate seed oil all over my face and neck. It's important to do this step while your face is still wet from the steam. 

This is because that warmth and moisture allows the oil or moisturizer you are applying to absorb deeply into the layers of your skin. 

Don't skip this step, trust me, your skin is going to love you so much for this. 

When I'm finished with my facial steaming, once the water is room temperature, I strain the herbs and pour the herbal water in a glass jar.

The herbal water can now be used as a facial skin toner. Be sure to keep refrigerated and use within 7 days. 

Benefits of facial steaming

Deep cleansing; heat from the steam helps to open up the pores, allowing for a deep cleanse.

Increased circulation; promotes blood flow to the surface of the skin, delivering essential nutrients and contributing to a healthier, more radiant glow.

Boosts collagen; the increased circulation stimulates the skin's natural production of collagen and elastin.

Enhanced detoxification; opens pores and increases perspiration, allowing the herb's beneficial compounds to penetrate effectively and aid in removing impurities from the skin's surface.

There are tons of herbs you could choose to create your own personal facial steaming experience.

You can do a google search on facial steaming herbs for normal skin, dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, acne prone and or mature skin. 

Also, a Google search on facial steaming herbs for relaxation, hydration, skin softening, invigorating and refreshing, etc. 

These are a few herbs I enjoy creating with:

Rosehips - rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like polyphenols and vitamin E, which can help calm redness and irritation from conditions like rosacea or eczema.

Vitamin C; a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against sun damage, reduces hyperpigmentation, and contributes to a brighter complexion.

Vitamin A; promotes skin cell turnover, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, supports collagen production.

Rose petals - antioxidants to fight free radicals and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness.

The natural oils and sugars in rose petals help lock in moisture, keeping skin plump and smooth.

Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, rose petals fight free radicals and can help reduce the appearance of dark spots.

Astringent properties help to tighten pores and tone the skin for a more youthful appearance.

Marshmallow root; Althaea officinalis - contains a gel-like substance called mucilage that forms a protective layer on the skin to lock in moisture and prevent dehydration.

Plumping effect; seals in moisture, helping to plump the skin, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and give the skin a more supple, youthful glow.

Calms irritation; natural anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and irritation.

Burdock root; Arctium lappa - detoxifying; aides in removing impurities and toxins from the body, which can improve skin health by reducing breakouts and blemishes.

Rich in inulin; a natural humectant, burdock root helps the skin absorb and lock in moisture, restoring skin tone and smoothness.

Improves blood flow; delivers oxygen and nutrients to skin cells for a healthier glow.

Rich in antioxidants; protects the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental aggressors like UV radiation and pollutants, which contribute to premature aging.

As with any herb you are using, be sure to check with side effects and drug interactions before using. 

Purchase facial steaming herbs here.