Earlier this year, I ordered a crapload of herbs to make an herbal blend for one of my expecting friends. I’ve always dabbled a bit with some herbs here and there (usually lavender, mint & rosemary being my mains) but never really had this much to play with!
Herbs have so many beneficial properties and there are hundreds you can try for just about any ailment. For the steams, I focus mainly on using calming herbs and teas packed with antioxidants. I promise you it’s as magnificent as it sounds, and it’s really beneficial for the skin. I include it in my skincare routine once a week after cleansing and before a mask or my moisturizing step.
One of my favorite things about this herbal steam is how easy it is to make. Pro tip, if you don’t have any herbs on hand, just use whatever tea bags you have lying around. Green tea is one of my favorites to use.
No mad scientist type measurements or steps over here. I just use equal parts of everything I decide to throw in (all equaling up to about a cup collectively). You can even add in some of your favorite dried flowers and essential oils for their calming and aromatherapy benefits. I like to turn on some soft music, dim the lights and light my most prized sea salt candle. It’s ike being at the spa without actually leaving the house!
Here are the quick benefits of the herbal steam:
- Softens the top layer of skin to help remove dirt & debris from your pores
- Gives skin a supple, healthy glow by increasing the blood circulation
- Helps hydrate & soothe the skin
- Softening blackhead and whiteheads to help release from the skin
You can keep your ingredient list short or you can mix and match whatever you please. I like to use what I have on hand. One of my favorites to use is green tea due to the high antioxidants. Another favorite is a rose and lavender blend for its soothing and calming properties. The herb blends are infinite so I suggest you have fun with it! Even add in some essential oils if you’re feeling fancy 💅🏾 !
Before we get started, here’s what you’ll need:
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- About 3/4 – 1 cup of herbs
- Large bowl
- Large towel
Step 1: Fill large stock pot with water (mine is about 5 quarts, I filled it up to about 4)
Step 2: Let water come to a full rolling boil
Step 3: Pour in herb, turn fire off, cover pot and let steep for 10-15 min
Step 4: Carefully and slowly pour water into bowl and lean over bowl draping towel over head to trap in steam (keep face about 6-8 inches from bowl)
Step 5: Steam face for 3-6 minutes followed by favorite mask OR moisturizer
**My favorite mask to do after the steam is any clay or charcoal type mask to help further detox the pores. Please note, steaming too often can cause the skin to become dry and irritated. Also, remember to steam a freshly cleansed face only. As stated earlier, I do this about once a week for 3-6 minutes at a time.
Let me know if you’ve tried this before and your thoughts on it!
**I’ve decided to do a mini giveaway to 3 of my subscribers. I will be sending out a personal blend of herbs for your very own facial steam!!
I will randomly be picking 3 subscribers out of the comments by 5/31/17 12pm pst. **
Update! I am pleased to announce the winners of the Facial steam herbal blend are:
1. Maemi
2. Kawai
3. Rachel Hamlet
Thank you all for sharing, reading and giving me your feedback! I love to interact with you all and doing mini giveaways are so fun! Stay tuned for more summer posts and goodies 💛
XO
Knight