An At-Home Steam Facial for Glowy Skin
Denise Vasi
An at-home face steam is one of those DIY beauty hacks you never believe will actually work, but does. If this is not already a part of your skincare routine, it NEEDS to be! A face steam at home can go down wherever and whenever! Plus, it doesn’t take that much time out of my day.
What are the benefits of facial steaming?
Acne Prevention
Pores can easily get blocked by things like dead skin cells, oil buildup, and pollution. Acne is a direct result of blocked pores, so it is vital to release any impurities and toxins that are trapped in the skin. That’s where steaming comes in.
Steaming is an effective way to soften the skin and clean out those clogged pores. The steam from the heat breaks up what is trapped, making it that much easier to extract dirt and blackheads. In fact, when you go for a professional facial, steaming your face is one of the first things any esthetician will do.
Skin Permeability
Once your pores are cleaned out, your skin’s permeability increases. Clean pores make it possible for your skincare products to fully penetrate your skin. That said, you have to be mindful of what you put on your face afterward, since steaming not only increases the ability for product absorption but also increases overall sensitivity. Basically, you don’t want to apply a heavy face cream after just cleaning out your pores, and you must be careful not to use any harsh astringent or toner following steam. It’s a great time to use a high-quality, non-toxic moisturizer.
The Glow Up
Thanks to increased circulation and blood flow, tired skin is quickly brought back to life. After steaming, my skin always feels tight, bright and dewy. The glow up is real, y’all!! It is my favorite benefit.
P.S. Don’t be surprised if you pull the towel off and find yourself flushed. Those pink cheeks will soon settle, and you’ll be left with a beautiful healthy glow.
How to Steam Your Face
You want to start with a fresh, clean face. Remove all make-up, use a gentle wash to cleanse and then gently exfoliate. Focus on the areas that tend to be more oily. I usually only exfoliate my t-zone because the rest of my face can easily get dry. Make sure to use a very gentle exfoliator. A simple washcloth or konjac sponge would also work.
Step 1: Bring 1 quart of water to a boil.
Step 2: Remove from heat. Add your desired herbs and steep for about 5–8 minutes covered. See my go-to blend below.
Step 3: I wait a few extra minutes for the pot to come down in temperature. I move the pot over to a comfortable place and then I CAREFULLY steam directly over of the pot. I use a cork trivet so that the pot doesn’t slide off or mark my table. It is safer, however, if you pour the boiling water into a large mixing bowl. The temperature may drop a bit from the transfer, so be ready to steam immediately.
Step 4: Place a towel over your head and the bowl; creating a “tent.”
Step 5: Keep your face at a safe distance, roughly about 20 inches away from the hot water. If it gets too hot, lift the towel to let some steam escape. If it’s your first time, start with a 5-minute session. Otherwise steam for about 10–12 minutes.
Step 6: Rinse your face with lukewarm water afterward.
Step 7: If you choose to, you can use a gentle mask.
Step 8: Then tone and moisturize. I like to tone with rose or lavender water and then finish it all off with a natural-ingredient moisturizer.
My Go-To Facial Steaming Blend!
Chamomile x Dandelion Leaf x Bay Leaf
1 tea bag of chamomile
2 tea bags of dandelion leaf or root
3–4 dry bay leaves
Chamomile is perfect for sensitive, reactive skin. It’s anti-inflammatory and calms the skin down.
Dandelion leaf helps to heal skin and balance complexion.
Bay leaf aids in relieving puffiness.
This is a powerful antioxidant-filled combination that has never left me disappointed. Let me know if you give it a go. I’m sure you’ll find your skin brighter, tighter, and more refreshed.
Be sure to drinks lots of water both before and after steaming.
If you have any little ones, you want to be sure they’re not around. Never leave a bowl or pot of hot water unattended.
You should consult with your physician if you are pregnant or have any medical conditions. Avoid steaming if you have any severe acne outbreaks or inflammation. If you have any questions, consult with your dermatologist first.
