With all of the dirt, pollution and toxins we’re exposed to on a daily basis, our skin can really take a beating. Skip the expensive facial treatments, and opt for this herbal face steam instead. The nutrients from the herbs get deep into pores to clear them out, and give your skin its natural glow back.
The benefits of sage for skin:
Sage probably isn’t the first ingredient you think of for skincare, but this herb isn’t just for Sunday dinner’s chicken. It has a lengthy list of internal uses when it comes to sore throats, colds and flus because it has antibacterial properties. In fact, the word sage is derived from the Latin word “salvage,” meaning to heal or save.
This herb is also an astringent, meaning that it helps to tighten and tone loose tissues throughout the body. When sage is incorporated into a herbal face steam, its astringent properties help to tighten and tone pores. You’re not only toning pores though, you’re giving the skin a good, deep down cleansing at the same time.
Skin soothing lavender:
The name lavender, comes from the Latin verb “lavar,” which literally means “to wash.” Lavender is perfect for cleansing with since it helps to soothe irritated or damaged skin. This herb is anti-inflammatory, making it perfect for red and inflamed skin, especially acne. Lavender is widely used for all types of wounds and damaged skin, but it’s also used to draw toxins from damaged skin. Lavender isn’t just good for healing skin though. When inhaled, lavender helps to calm both the body and mind. It positively effects the nerves, and as a result it helps to relieve stress, tension, anxiety and depression (source).
Tea tree essential oil for acne:
Tea tree is probably one of the most popular essential oils for skin, and for good reason. This antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral powerhouse helps to blast away all sorts of skin conditions. Tea tree, also known as melaleuca essential oil, is used to cleanse damaged skin, soothe rashes, and heal eczema and acne. Essential oils are also known as volatile oils because they evaporate into the air when heated, which lends them perfectly to a facial steam (source).
You can use either fresh or dried herbs for this recipe, depending on what you have on hand. I prefer to use fresh if available since the herbs are more aromatic.
How To Make A Herbal Facial Steam For Clear & Glowing Skin
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp dried lavender flowers (or 1 T fresh)
- 2 tsp dried sage leaves (or 1 T fresh)
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil
Equipment:
- Wide, glass bowl
- Boiling water
- Clean towel
Instructions:
- Place the herbs and essential oil into a wide, glass bowl. Pour boiling water into the bowl.
- Lean your head over the bowl and place the towel over your head, so that it forms a tent.
- Close your eyes and allow the steam to cleanse your pores for several minutes, or until the water has cooled to the point that the steam is gone.
Tips for your face steam:
- Be sure that you don’t get too close to the steam at first, since it can burn your skin. As the water cools though, you’ll have to lower your face closer to the water for the steam to reach it.
- After you’re done with the facial steam, splash your face with some cool water to finish closing the pores.