D.I.Y. Natural Face Steaming at Home with Benefits

May 13, 2020 by Forest Essentials

Table of Contents

After a long day, the skin can start to look dull and feel tired of looking its best. Like a long bath helps your body unwind, your face needs the same degree of care and attention at the end of the day. Face steaming has been an integral part of beauty rituals for decades as it is considered the easiest and simplest form of giving the skin a deeper cleanse. Read on as we decode what is face steaming, how it helps, which herbs to use for face steaming and is it good or bad for the skin.

Face Steaming

What is face steaming?

Face steaming is a part of an Ayurvedic therapy called ‘Swedana’, that helps to remove toxins from the skin and deeply cleanses the pores. When you steam your face, the skin maintains its core, internal temperature, thereby increasing blood flow to the face. This process is also known as thermoregulation.

Face Steaming Benefits for the face

During the process of steaming your face, the circulation of blood to the face increases along with the supply of more oxygen and nutrients, thereby lending a natural glow to the skin.
Facial steamers allow the pores to be deeply cleansed by releasing the toxins and dirt build up.
Our Ayurveda Experts recommend steaming your face as it helps your skincare to get wholly absorbed by the skin, thereby enhancing your overall beauty ritual
Steaming the face for acne or using a facial steamer for blackheads is highly effective as it helps to release acne causing bacteria and softens the skin’s sebum.
Face steaming also improves collagen production and hydrates the skin.
It is an easily and accessible ritual to follow at home, without professional help.

Herbs to use for face steaming

How to steam your face at home?

If you don’t have a face steaming machine, you can simply bring a bowl of water to a boil. Use a towel to cover your head while inhaling the steam and make sure you don’t get too close to the boiling water. Wash the face before and after the process and follow with a nourishing night cream. You can customize this process of facial steaming for your skin type and include various herbs, flowers and essential oils for an at-home spa like experience.

Herbs to use for face steaming and post steaming skincare

To make your own soothing herbal facial steam, here’s a guide for each skin type as curated by our Ayurveda Expert:

Face Steaming for Dry Skin

Powder 1tsp Liquorice, 2-3 dry Bay leaves, 1tsp Fennel seeds in a mixer.
Add 1 tsp of this powder in your water to steam. You can also add 1 tbsp dried Rose petals, 1 tbsp dried Calendula, and 4-5 drops Rose essential oil.
Face steaming for dry skin is an excellent way to hydrate and remove dead skin cells, for a glowing finish.
End this ritual with a nourishing night cream for dry skin. May we suggest using the Advanced Eternal Youth Formula Date & Litchi to seal the benefits of steaming face.

Night Moisturizers

Face Steaming for Oily Skin

Powder 1 tsp Liquorice, 2-3 dry Bay leaves, 5-6 Neem leaves.
Add 1 tsp of this powder in your water. In addition to this powder, you can add 1 tsp Lemon peel, 1 Green tea bag, 4-5 Tulsi Leaves and 4- 5 drops Peppermint or Eucalyptus essential oil.
If you are wondering “Is face steaming good for oily skin?” The answer is, yes! Face steaming softens the sebum, which makes it easier to cleanse it away and keep the pores clean, thereby reducing their appearance.
Massage the skin with a night cream for oily skin, after face steaming. You can use the Forest Essentials Jasmine & Patchouli Night Cream.

Face Steaming for Sensitive Skin

Add 1 tbsp dried Rose petals, 1tsp dried Mint leaves, 1 tbsp dried Chamomile, 1tsp Fennel seeds, 1 Green tea bag, 5 drops Rose or Lavender essential oil, 4-5 Tulsi Leaves.
Our Ayurveda Experts are often asked if face steaming is good or bad, especially for sensitive skin. In this case, it is important to not overdo it. 10-15 minutes is recommended for this skin type.
Our Experts recommend cleansing the face with a natural face wash after face steaming, like the Mashobra Honey, Lemon & Rosewater Facial Cleanser to remove the slackened dead skin cells.
Follow with a night cream for sensitive skin. We suggest the Kumkumadi Night Cream that is enriched with pure Ruby Ash (Manikya Bhasma) to soothe the skin.

Written By:

Forest Essentials Luxurious Ayurveda

India’s leading beauty brand with products offering a sensorial journey with the purest natural ingredients and traditional Ayurvedic formulations, bringing timeless beauty rituals to the forefront of your self-care routine.

Reviewed By:

Arjun Singh Senior Ayurveda Expert

Arjun is a marketing professional turned Ayurveda Expert. After the completion of his post-graduation in 2008, he started his journey in the beauty industry. He has since worked with several global luxury beauty brands including DIOR & Estee Lauder. With now more than 12 years of experience, he is driven by the idea of making Skin Care, ‘simple’ and ‘accessible’ for all and help clients transform their lifestyle and skin with solutions rooted in his extensive understanding of Ayurveda. A Senior Ayurveda Expert at Forest Essentials, he carefully curates Ayurvedic remedies and is continuously working towards bridging the gap between time-honoured skin care solutions and the modern consumer of the fast-paced world.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.