The Benefits of Steaming: DIY Facial Steam with Anti-Inflammatory Herbs
Have you ever gone into a steam sauna and just felt ah-mazing after? Like you’ve been detoxed and refreshed? Well, that’s kind of the idea with a facial steam. I personally do this a lot — one because I love the way it clears up my sinuses and two because my skin feels amazing after. I created this herbal blend that is a perfect addition to a facial steam. It will not only leave you rejuvenated and refreshed but will help clean your pores and may reduce skin irritation.
I’m excited to share with you how to make and use your own! And if you don’t feel like purchasing all of the herbs you need in bulk — I’ve made this blend and put it up on the Living Earthy shop for purchase.
BENEFITS OF FACIAL STEAMING
Facial steams are a great way to cleanse your skin and rejuvenate it. The steam helps soften your skin to remove impurities from your pores. If you have blackheads, for example, it will help pull the impurities out. It also will moisturize it, which is especially nice for dry skin or in cold, dry climates.
WHAT MAKES THIS BLEND SPECIAL
This facial steam is special because of the extremely special herbs that go into it. Each is powerful and healing in their own way. It is cleansing, rejuvenating and will lighten your mood.
Calendula, a beautiful orange-colored flower, is both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. It will help clean your pores and is great for blemishes and acne. Chamomile is also antibacterial and soothing. It is also known to help fade spots and scars, rejuvenate skin, and even help relieve conjunctivitis. Lavender is soothing and very helpful when wanting to relax, as well as being anti-inflammatory. Rose, other than its amazing scent, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is a mood lifter. And last but not least, the beautiful blue cornflower has antiviral properties and soothes irritated skin, which is particularly useful for those with red skin or acne.
HOW TO MAKE THIS HERBAL FACIAL STEAM
This facial steam is a blend of some absolutely amazing and powerful herbs. Read on to the next section to find out the benefits of each in this steam process.
INGREDIENTS
Calendula (Get it here)
Chamomile (Love this brand)
Lavender (Where I got mine)
Rose (Like this)
Blue Cornflower (Find cornflower)
HERB PROPORTIONS
For this blend, I mixed .4 oz of Chamomile, .2 oz of Calendula, .2 oz of Lavender, .1 oz Rose, and .05 oz Blue Cornflower together in a metal bowl. I then transferred the mixture to a clean jar for storage.
Simple huh?? The amazing thing is, is that these are all edible and this would even make a nice relaxing tea. I love that idea because why put anything on your body you wouldn’t be okay with putting in your body?
HOW TO USE IT
Note: Be sure to wash your face of any makeup before the steam to make sure all the herby goodness can reach your pores!
Bring water to boil (about 2–3 Cups).
Remove from heat and mix facial steam blend (1–2 Tablespoons) in stirring for one minute.
Allow steeping for about 3 minutes. Move to a bowl and put the bowl on heat resistant surface.
Place your face about 8 inches away from the bowl covering your head and the bowl with a large towel so that no steam can escape. Keep your eyes shut during the steam process. Breathing deeply to inhale the therapeutic properties of the herbs.
Steam for 10–15 minutes ensuring to incorporate breaks in between the steaming process. Be careful as steam can burn you if you get too close right away.
