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Looking to up your at-home facial game? A herbal facial steam is the perfect thing to give lackluster skin a glowing boost and leave you feeling silky soft.
You don’t need a fancy face steamer machine (although you certainly can use one if you’re REALLY into steaming at home).
It’s so incredibly simple to make your own face steam with herbs (or essential oils if you prefer). And you’ll get the same incredibly soft results you get at the spa.
HOW DO I STEAM MY FACE?
The simplest way to steam your face at home is with hot water. You pour the almost boiling water in a bowl with your herbs and hang out over the water while the steam works its magic on your skin.
It’s really that easy!
There is also lots of at home facial steam machines available, and while I haven’t tried any of these myself, I can certainly see the appeal! It’s super simple and maybe feels slightly more spa-like than a bowl to use a steam machine.
Either way you choose to steam, it’s a great way to give your skin a boost at home.
9 BENEFITS OF A FACIAL STEAM
Steaming your face has lots of benefits for absolutely all skin types.
Opens and helps unclogs pores
Can reduce acne
Softens skin
Promotes circulation
It’s hydrating to skin
Helps your skin better absorb skincare products that you apply after
It helps with sinus congestion (I do a sinus steam on myself and my kids whenever we are congested)
Super easy and affordable to do
Can be easily customized for your skin type
WHICH IS BETTER FOR A FACE STEAM: HERBS OR ESSENTIAL OILS?
I love using herbs (instead of essential oils) for a facial steam for several reasons.
Herbs have a gentler scent than their concentrated essential oil counterparts, and I prefer that for my face. Consider that you will be breathing in the steam as well, and think about if you can handle the intense fragrance that essential oils can have for an extended period of time.
I also love that you can incorporate several types of herbs really easily in a facial steam and it will not be overpowering. When doing a facial steam with essential oils, you’ll only want a drop or 2 of oil or else it will be very strong.
But with herbs, they beautifully blend into a gentle aroma that is wonderful for the skin and the scenses.
Of course you can use essential oils if you prefer, and I have tried it myself! Make sure to keep it to just a drop or 2 of your favorite skin loving EO.
HERBS FOR FACE STEAMING
Oh, there are so many beautiful choices for facial steam herbs! I really love the simplicity of a single herb for a face steam, and there are some wonderful picks that are great for facial skin. Or feel free to choose a few of your favorites for a more complex facial steam experience.
You can find all of these herbs at Starwest Botanicals, where I purchase lots of my herbs (they are high quality and lots of organic options too!)
I also adore using herbs from my own backyard garden for my at home facial steams! Some of my favorite homegrown herbs to use are: calendula, lavender, rosemary, rose, mint and tulsi basil.
Soothing (for all skin types):
Rose petals or whole flowers
Calendula
Chamomile
Acne Prone Skin:
Hibiscus
Rosemary
Lemon juice
If you’re into herbal skincare, I highly recommend this amazing line of products!
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY FACIAL STEAM?
Cleanse your skin! Make sure you’ve removed all makeup and your skin is squeaky clean before you steam it.
This is my absolute favorite creamy cleanser.
HOW TO DO AN AT HOME FACIAL STEAM
- Bring a kettle of water just to boiling (make sure to use filtered water if available – remember your skin is soaking it in! I use water from my Berkey water filter)
- Put ¼ cup of herbs or your choice in a mixing sized bowl. If using lemon juice, use 1 tsp.
- Pour the hot water over the herbs
- Sit with your face over the bowl of steaming herby goodness. Use a towel over your head to trap the steam in
- Soak up the steam and relax for at least 10-15 minutes, or until the steam has subsided.
WHAT DO I DO AFTER STEAMING MY FACE?
After your relaxing at home facial steam, your skin is prepped and ready to absorb some skincare goodies!
Exfoliating right after your steam will give you extra bang for your facial buck. You’ll find the exfoliation will help clean off anything still hanging on.
This is the perfect time to try out a homemade honey face mask. Your skin is soft and ready to release anything that’s stuck in your pores and you’ll be crazy soft after a steam + mask combo.
Or go straight for the concentrated skincare products and apply your favorite serum after your facial steam. I adore this creamy, dreamy youth serum (I’ve gone through 2 bottles already!).
Top it off with your favorite moisturizer or facial oil and your face will be happy, happy, happy.
Remember, whatever you apply right after your steam is going to be soaked up by your skin! Your pores are open and ready to receive some goodness, so give it to them!
Frequently Asked Questions:
WHEN SHOULD I STEAM MY FACE?
This is partly a matter of preference, but I like to steam my face about once per week. You can do it more often if you like, but once a week is a great way to keep those pores clean.
I usually do my steaming at night as a part of my nighttime skin routine. After cleansing I go to the facial steam and then finish up with my serum and moisturizer.
SHOULD I EXFOLIATE BEFORE OR AFTER I STEAM MY FACE?
I’ve seen some debate about this, but the best time to exfoliate is AFTER you steam! Your pores are primed and ready and your skin is soft and supple. Exfoliating after a facial steam is like a double duty exfoliating experience because your skin is so ready to shed!
Looking for more At Home Skincare Recipes?
