Herbal Facial Steams
Facial steam recipes you can make at home
to deep-clean and revive your skin
Using herbal aromatherapy facial steams (also called facial saunas) once a week
is an excellent way to cleanse and revitalize your skin (especially good for oily, acne-prone skin.)
Face steams open up the pores, helping to get rid of excess oil, along with deep-down dirt and grime.
They're perfect for preparing your skin for a facial mask or other treatment.
Facial saunas can also be used to soften stubborn blackheads, making them easier to remove. Click here for
tips on blackhead removal.
Here's the basic method for making a herbal facial steam:
- Combine the dried herbs and flowers in a
dark glass or PET plastic jar.
- Drop in the essential oils, placing each drop in its own little spot on top of the mixture.
Shake well to combine.
- Wait 24 hours before using to let the mixture "cure".
- To use, throw a handful of the herbal mixture into a large pot with a lid.
Add between and quart and 2 quarts (1 to 2 liters) water and bring to a boil.
- Remove from the heat and allow to steep (with the lid on) for 5 minutes.
- Place the pot on a table (use a thick mat to protect the table!)
remove the lid and use a towel to make a tent over your head and the steaming pot of herbs.
- Stay in the 'tent' for 10 minutes, coming out for air whenever you need to. Do not burn your face!
Facial Steam Recipe for
Dry, Mature or Sensitive Skin
Chamomile, rose petals and comfrey create a soothing steam for dry or irritated skin. Almond oil moisturizes.
- 2 tablespoons dried Chamomile
- 2 tablespoons dried Rose petals
- 2 tablespoons dried Elderflower or Comfrey Leaf
- 1 teaspoon Sweet Almond oil
- 5 drops Helichrysum essential oil
- 5 drops Frankincense essential oil
- 5 drops Rose essential oil
- 3 drops Sandalwood essential oil
- 2 drops Chamomile OR Rosewood essential oil
Facial Steam Recipe for
Normal or Combination Skin
Calendula, chamomile, lavender and rose petals make a sweetly scented steam to open up, cleanse and soothe normal or combination skin.
- 2 tablespoons dried Chamomile
- 2 tablespoons dried Rose petals
- 2 tablespoons dried Calendula
- 2 tablespoons dried Lavender flowers
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
- 3 drops Rosewood essential oil
- 2 drops Rose Geranium essential oil
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil
- 1 drop Cedarwood essential oil
Facial Steam Recipe for
Oily, Acne Prone Skin
This recipe includes rosemary, parsley and peppermint to deep clean and refresh skin.
Lavender heals and soothes, while lemon tones.
- 1/4 cup dried Rosemary leaves
- 1/4 cup dried Parsely leaves
- 1/4 cup dried Lavender flowers
- 2 tablespoons dried Peppermint leaves
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
- 10 drops Bergamot OR Lemon essential oil
- 1/2 lemon, sliced (optional)
Where to Buy Recipe Ingredients
My favorite supplier for aromatherapy recipe ingredients is Mountain Rose Herbs.
Their prices are good, their are friendly and helpful, and their quality is excellent.
Here's some quick links to the ingredients you'll need for these recipes...
Peppermint leaves
Rose petals
Rosemary leaves
Sweet almond oil
Essential oils
Glass jars
Facial Sauna Quick Trick
If you don't have the time, energy or money to collect all the herbs, simplify! Depending on your skin type,
choose one of the above recipes, then just use the essential oils.
Reduce the number of drops so you have a total of 3 to 4 drops - essential oils are strong,
and you don't want to overdo it. You're going have to to choose which essential oils to leave out because the recipes
don't break down perfectly into 3 drop bunches. Eliminate some oils, reduce others. Let your nose guide you!
What Next?
More! There's lots more great aromatherapy facial recipes you can make for every step of your skincare regimen.
They're yummy, fun and effective - Check them out!
And here's an idea: why not grow and dry your own herbs for your homemade body scrub and other aromatherapy recipes.
It's easy, rewarding, economical... plus you get the added bonus of knowing your herbs are clean, pure and organic (if you garden organically, of course!)
Here's a link to an excellent Herbal How To Guide with some great tips for drying your own herbs.
Homemade Facial Scrubs
Homemade Face Masks
Homemade Facial Moisturizers
Homemade Skin Toner Recipes
Homemade Facials
Aromatherapy Recipes Homepage from Herbal Facial Steams
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