It all started this past spring when I experienced some pesky postpartum skin issues and was looking for a way to give my skincare routine an extra boost. My facialist suggested incorporating a facial steam into my at-home routine to unclog pores and get my glow back. It sounded a little old school, but I gave it a try… and I’m sold.
This skincare ritual is deeply soothing and calming, plus it touts real, effective benefits.
Steaming unclogs pores, releases toxins, increases circulation, deeply hydrates and rejuvenates stressed, irritated, sun-kissed and aging skin to name a few. On top of that, it allows your products to sink in deeper – think of how your facialist does this step before applying products! Plus, there’s really nothing like that post-steam glow.
image: glossier
Facial steaming has quickly become an important part of my Sunday evening at-home-masking-routine and something I look forward to all week. I love that it slows me down and forces me to take a few deep and relaxing breaths, all while really cleaning out those pores.
While you can invest in an at-home facial steamer (I currently have this one in my cart!), it’s actually quite easy to DIY. Read on for everything you need to know about taking your skincare regime to the next level and DIY a facial steam at home. 
image: thesill
How To Make Your Own Facial Steam At Home
What you’ll need:
- Two large towels
- A large glass / ceramic bowl
- Heated water
- Your herbal mix
- A comfy spot – I like to sit at a table or pull a bench up to my bathroom counter
Gather your supplies, secure your hair back and start with freshly cleansed skin. Bring a few cups of water to a simmer, remove from heat, and pour into large glass or ceramic bowl (handle the water carefully!). Add a generous pinch of your botanical facial steam mix and stir gently. Make a tent with a towel over the steaming water and steam face for 5-7 minutes (no more than 10!), breathing deeply. The air under the towel should be gently warm, never too hot for comfort. Once you’re done with the steam, wipe away impurities with a cotton round and your favorite toner. Follow it with your skin serum, moisturizers and voila! Bask in your glowy skin!
Herbal Facial Steam Sets
image: ascensionkitchen
If you’re DIY-ing here are some herbs to try!
Adding dried or fresh herbs to a facial steam offers many extra benefits! Below are a few great herbs to try when face steaming. I prefer using the whole herb or flowers rather than as essential oil – while offering aromatherapy benefits, essential oils can change composition when heated and also may aggravate skin.
- Chamomile – This ultra soothing herb can help with skin inflammation and dry skin, making it great for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Calendula – Dried calendula flowers are another ultra soothing herb to add to the mix.
- Rose Petals – Rose soothes, softens, brightens, and tightens the skin. Plus, they smell amazing too!
- Lavender – Popular for its scent, lavender is a lovely facial steam ingredient. Lavender’s calming, fresh aroma is known to promote restful sleep. Add dried lavender buds to your face steam or use to make lavender goat milk soap.This herb is great for dry skin or eczema, and it has relaxing aromatherapy benefits.
- Rosemary – Rosemary’s natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties make it a great herb for oily skin.
- Orange or lemon peel – In addition to it’s invigorating scent, orange peel can help with blocked pores and a dull complexion.
