BY KAVITA SHYAM
Facial treatments are the ultimate indulgence. They can make you feel just like a queen. It is excellent to concoct your own remedies at home because not only do you feel like an alchemist creating secret beauty potions, you can do everything in the very best environment at home. There’s nothing more refreshing than relaxing than facial steam with natural flowers and dried fragrant herbs and a dash of essential oils to basically make a face tea.
Flowers have long been known for their skin-loving properties, and they’re not just right for the complexion, their intoxicating scents are a treat for the senses, too.
A regular facial at a professional will typically include steaming your face before extractions. Steaming releases and loosens dirt and debris in the pores, making it easier to remove whiteheads and blackheads.
As you would know, creating an at-home steam facial is an easy and inexpensive beauty regime to add to your skincare, especially when you don’t have the time to head to the spa.
So, what better way to channel the pampering effect of a luxury spa treatment than by closing your eyes and breathing in one of these DIY floral steam facials.
Start the week with detoxing facial steam, and you’ll begin to feel less stressed, more energized, and your skin will have that natural glow you’ve always dreamt of.
Benefits of steaming include-
- Increased perspiration promotes healthy circulation giving you a healthy glow.
- Hydrating your skin which helps the absorption of moisture from your skincare products. Allows your products to penetrate deeper.
- Helping you de-stress as steaming requires you to breathe.
- Essential oil and herbs used in facial steam are relaxing and soothing to the mind and body.
Add dried flowers and/or herbs of your choice to a teapot and 2 cups of boiling water. Allow to steep for ten minutes, then press or strain out herbs/flowers, pouring the hot infusion into a sink or large bowl. Add in any essential oils. Then, put your head over the bowl/sink, about 8 inches away, and drape a towel over your head, creating a steam tent. Steam your face and neck for about 5 minutes, breathe in the gorgeous scent you’ve concocted. Then rinse your face and neck with lukewarm water and pat dry.
You can create any mixture of herbs, flowers, and essential oils you like — just make sure to get the best quality materials you can source.
Healthy Skin– Chamomile, rose, lavender dry flowers with lemon and geranium essential oil
Oily Skin– Rosemary, chamomile, lavender, thyme, eucalyptus or sage & peppermint
Dry Skin– Rose, peppermint leaves, calendula flowers, chamomile and fennel seeds or Borage
Hydrating– Dried Chamomile, rose petals, and fresh lemon peel.
Sensitive– dried white willow bark, dried calendula and peppermint
Soothing– Cucumber slices, chamomile tea bag, lavender essential oil
Uplifting– Orange & lemon peels, herbal tea bag, any essential oil
Detox– Lemon peels, tea bag, peppermint or eucalyptus oil
Acne– Dried lavender oils, sage leaves, and tea tree essential oil
Aging – Dried rosemary, chamomile, and frankincense essential oil
You can even bottle up a dried mixture and store it for later use. It should last at least a month in an airtight container.
Beauty expert Evelyn Shenoy says, “ Rose petals are known for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties while chamomile and lavender are great for soothing skin irritation – and soothing the mind (ideal for a relaxing bedtime regime). I love hibiscus-cleansing qualities and basil astringent-inflammatory. Calendula and dandelion root great for healing, freshening, or hydrating the skin. Rosemary & clove for softening, refreshing, and nourishing the skin. Turmeric & skullcap leaves for cleansing, elasticity, and anti-inflammatory. Bay leaves & lavender for calming, anti-fungal, and hydrating the skin. Try this once a week and watch your skin transform.”
Happy Steaming!
