It is no surprise that facial skin care is the focal point of skin care treatment for most women. We do want the image in the mirror to be the best it can be, and simply indulging in taking time for some facial skin care is wonderful for our feelings of self-worth. It is nice to be pampered, even by ourselves!
So, we’ll start with herbs used for facial steaming treatments.
Steaming the face over a bowl of hot water filled with herbs is an easy way to experience a DIY facial in the comfort of your home. However, if you are prone to broken capillaries in the face, you may want to avoid facial steaming.
Method
Simply boil some water and put into a bowl designed to take heat. Add your chosen herbs to the water to steep and have a towel on hand. Sit down and lean your face over the bowl. Drape the towel over your head to form a tent.
Raise or lower your head to feel the rising warmth without risking any discomfort. This will allow the steam to open up your pores to release toxins and impurities.
As the water cools you can lower your head more to chase the heat. Get the full value out of your session! If it cools too quickly, add more boiling water.
Aromatherapy Benefits
There are many different herbs that have proven valuable for facial steaming. Some work better than others for different skin types, some are good for all. You can use single herbs or make up your own combination.
Experiment with blends to find those that resonate with you. This relates not only to cleansing efficiency, but how the session makes you feel. You will be engaging the proven power of aromatherapy, so the benefits will be more than skin deep.
You may find these sessions and the time following to be some of your most relaxing and enjoyable times of the week.
Here are some herbs to add to your steam, depending on skin type.
Herbs for Steaming Mature Skin
Mature skin can benefit from a weekly steaming session of 3 to 5 minutes.
The following have qualities that make them ideal for mature skin:
- Cowslip Petals
- Orange Blossom Flowers
- Dandelion Root
- Chamomile
- Rose Petals
- Comfrey Leaf or Root
- Lavender Flowers
- Licorice Root
- Marshmallow Root.
Herbs for Steaming Oily Skin
Oilier skin types can steam once to twice a week and for 8 to 10 minutes.
Choose any of the following herbs for oiler skin:
- Arnica Flowers
- Yarrow Blossoms
- Lemongrass
- Thyme Leaves
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint Leaves
- Watercress
- Rosemary
- Nettle.
Lavender and Chamomile are also beneficial.
Herbs for Steaming Dry Skin
It is recommended that dry skin types steam only once a week and for no longer than 3 minutes to avoid over-drying. Dry skin needs extra care, so just steam wisely to keep the precious natural oils in your skin, rather than steaming too often and removing them unnecessarily.
Try any of the following:
- Rose Petals
- Comfrey Leaf and Comfrey Root
- Calendula Flowers
- Arnica Flowers
- Fennel Seeds
- Chamomile.
Herbs for Steaming Normal Skin
Normal skin types can steam once to twice a week for up to five minutes. You can use these herbs:
- Linden Flowers
- Lemon-Balm Leaves
- Lavender Blossoms
- Rose Petals.
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