DYI Summer Facial Herbal Steams

• It’s cleansing. Steam opens up your pores and helps loosen any buildup of dirt for a deeper cleanse. Opening up your pores also softens blackheads, making them
  
• It promotes circulation. The combination of warm steam and an increase in perspiration dilates your blood vessels and increases circulation. This boost of blood flow nourishes your skin and delivers oxygen. The result is a natural, healthy glow.
• It releases acne-causing bacteria and cells. Opening up your pores allows the release of dead skin cells, bacteria, and other impurities that clog the pores. Try our Acne Away Soap
  
• It releases trapped sebum. This is a naturally occurring oil, produced by your sebaceous glands to lubricate your skin and hair. When sebum gets trapped beneath your skin’s surface, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria and causes acne and blackheads.
• It’s hydrating. Steam are wonderful for hydrating skin, by helping to increase oil production, naturally moisturizing the face.
• It helps your skin better absorb skin care products. Steam help absorb your skin care products.  Try our Rejuvenation Skin Cream
• It promotes collagen and elastin. The increased blood flow experienced during a steam facial promotes increased collagen and elastin production. This creates a firmer, younger-looking skin.
• It’s soothing. The feeling of warm steam on your face feels absolutely amazing and is relaxing. Add herbs or essential oils for aromatherapy. I love adding herbs. ( Recipe below)
• It helps with sinus congestion. Steam can help relieve sinus congestion and headaches that often accompany it. Adding some peppermint leaves and try some essential oils like Eucalyptus and Peppermint.
• It’s affordable and accessible. You don’t need to dish out big bucks for a steam facial at a spa to enjoy the benefits; it can be done at home using items you already have.

Here’s a step-by-step description .

To steam over a bowl hot water

1. Grab a big fluffy towel and choose your spot. Comfort is key, a comfy chair and a bowl on a table is your best bet.
2. Secure your hair so that it’s off your face and cleanse using a gentle exfoliating soap, Carrot Complexion Bar Don’t forget to cleanse your neck, too!  (There are some other face soaps, Detox & Purify and Himalayan Salt Grapefruit)
3. Bring 4 to 6 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or pot, depending on the size of the bowl.
4. Add a handful of herbs once the water begins to boil and stir.
5. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 2 or 3 minutes. Carefully pour into bowl. If you’re using essential oils, this is the time to add a few drops to the water.
6. Have a seat, drape your towel over your head and the pot, and hold your face 6 inches above the water. (Be Careful the Water can be very hot)
7. Raise or lower your head for more or less heat and lift a corner of the towel to cool off if needed.
8. Steam your face for 5 to 10 minutes.

Soothing Herbal Facial Steam

Supplies:

• 1 medium to large sized glass bowl
• 1 bath towel

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp dried lavender
• 1 tbsp dried rose petals
• 1 tbsp dried calendula
• 1 tbsp dried chamomile
• Optional....5 drops geranium essential oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

• Find a comfortable table and chair, most likely a dining or kitchen table.
• Play your favorite tune to help you stay in a Zen mode.
• Tie your hair back to ensure it stays away from your face.
• Cleanse your face using a natural exfoliant natural soap Carrot Complexion, Detox & Purify or Himalayan Salt & Grapefruit.
• Rinse face with lukewarm water.
• Pour 4 cups of water to a medium to large size bowl.
• Add your favorite combination of herbs, flowers, essential oils, or other ingredients to the bowl. Mix slowly.
• Lean over the bowl mixture, keep your face about 8 inches from the water, and drape a towel over your head to create a tent. You can control the heat by raising or lowering your head over the water.
• Steam your face for 10 minutes or until the steam dissipates.
• Rinse your face lukewarm water and finish off with your Rejuvenation Face Cream or Intense Wrinkle Night Balm
• If you want to create a home spa facial continue with a mask, toner, serum and moisturizer. When applying your moisturizer use upward strokes, gently massage your forehead, checks and neck.

Here are 10 combinations you can try depending on what you want to achieve or solve:

1. Hydrating

• 3 ml dried chamomile
• 3 ml dried rose petals
• 6 ml lemon peel (fresh really is best)

2. Sensitivity

• 4 ml dried white willow bark
• 2 ml dried calendula
• 2 ml dried peppermint 

3. Soothing

• 5 cucumber slices
• 1 chamomile tea bag
• 5 drops lavender essential oil

4. Uplifting

• 4 ml orange + lemon peels
• 1 Chai tea bag
• 5 drops essential oil

5. For dry skin

• 1 tbsp dried rose
• 1 tbsp dried lavender
• 1 tbsp dried borage

6. For oily skin

• 1 tbsp dried rosem
• • 1 tbsp dried sage
  • 1 tbsp peppermint

  7. Detox

  • 1 tbsp lemon peels
  • 1 green tea bag
  • 5 drops peppermint or eucalyptus essential oil

  8. For Acneic skin

  • 2 tsp dried lavender flowers
  • 2 tsp dried sage leaves
  • 3 drops tea tree essential oil

  9. For Ageing skin

  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tbsp dried chamomile flowers
  • 1 drop of frankincense essential oil

  10. Add these options:

  • Lavender – for stress and insomnia
  • Parsley – a natural astringent and heals acne
  • Geranium – a natural astringent
  • Eucalyptus – relieves nasal decongestion and acne
  • Fennel – contains anti-aging antioxidants
  • Chamomile – soothes irritated or sensitive skin

  As you can see creating an at-home steam facial is an easy and inexpensive technique to add to your skincare routine especially when you don’t have the time to head to the spa. By adding facial steaming combined with MIDNIGHT OIL SOAP PRODUCTS to your weekly skincare routine you’ll begin to feel less stressed, more energized, and your skin will have that natural glow you’ve always wanted.  Have a spa night at your house with a few friends and some great food and drink and let the laughter and great skin commence!!

   I believe beauty is as diverse as the flowers in my garden.  Find your authentic, happy self with this fun spa idea and Midnight Oil Soap products!