A facial steam bath is an often-requested treatment at spas. It loosens dirt and debris lodged in the pores, and it moistens the skin and evens out skin tone. You don't need to spend a lot of time and money at a spa for a facial steam bath. With some essential oils or herbs of your choice, you can treat yourself to a refreshing facial steam bath at home.
Boil 4 cups of water in a pot and then add either six drops of lavender or another essential oil, or 1 cup of fresh or dried herbs. Cover the pot and allow the herbs or oil to steep for five minutes.
Pour the water into a large ceramic or glass bowl that is set securely on a table. Sit at the table with a towel draped like a tent over the top of your head and the steam bath bowl. This tent traps the moisture on your skin.
Hold your face 8 inches from the bowl of hot water and keep it under the tent for six minutes. Rinse your face with warm water and then use an astringent. A simple astringent such as witch hazel is fine.
Gently splash cool water on your face and pat the skin dry with a soft towel.
Tip
Essential oils can be purchased at health food stores and in many department stores. Herbs can be bought fresh or dried.
Lavender oil, according to the experts at the Organic Facts Directory, has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes relaxation.
Warning
If you have asthma, speak to your doctor before beginning any treatment that involves breathing in oils or herbs.
References
Writer Bio
A certified nutritionist who majored in health, fitness and nutrition, Traci Vandermark has been writing articles in her specialty fields since 1998. Her articles have appeared both online and in print for publications such as Simple Abundance, "Catskill Country Magazine," "Birds and Blooms," "Cappers" and "Country Discoveries."