The steam opens the pores of the skin and improves blood circulation, thus making the complexion more even, rosy and radiant. If you want to look fresh and youthful, it's easy to make a facial steam bath at home. You can add scented fragrances to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, in addition to those generated by the steam.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Take a Face Steam Bath
Step 1. Fill a small saucepan with water and put it on the stove
All you need for this treatment is plain tap water. You don't need a lot of it: dose about 250-500 ml, pour it into a small pot and bring it to a full boil on the stove.
Step 2. Wash your face
While the water heats up, wash your face using a mild cleanser. Remove all makeup along with sweat, sebum and impurities. It is important that the skin is perfectly clean before taking the steam bath, otherwise when the pores open the dirt and makeup will penetrate inside and could cause them to irritate.
- Do not use a harsh detergent or soap and do not scrub before the steam bath. It is important that the cleanser be extremely gentle to reduce the chances that the steam can irritate the skin.
- After washing it, pat your face dry by gently patting it with a soft towel.
Step 3. Pour the boiling water into a bowl
If the steam room is part of a day of home pampering, transfer it from the pot to a large decorated bowl made of glass or ceramic. If you are in a hurry, you can leave it in the pot. Once your face is ready, place the bowl of boiling water on the table, resting on a pair of folded towels.
- Do not use a plastic basin as microparticles may detach and end up inside the pores of your skin.
- Be very careful not to burn yourself. If you decide to leave the boiling water in the pot, remove it from the heat source before starting the treatment.
Step 4. Add herbs or essential oils
This is the right time to make the experience a little bit special. By using herbs or oils you will get a double benefit: purifying the pores and improving the feeling of physical, emotional and mental well-being. Just a few drops of an essential oil are enough for a fabulous "2 in 1" treatment.
- Remember to add the herbs and oils only after turning off the heat, otherwise the fragrances will evaporate quickly.
- If you don't have any special oils or herbs at home, you can use tea or herbal tea. Put a few sachets in the water. You can also use plain chamomile tea.
Step 5. Cover your head and shoulders with a towel to “trap” the steam
Make the edges of the towel fall to the sides of the face to concentrate the steam close to the skin. Approach the bowl or saucepan until you feel the steam is massaging your face, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid burning yourself. If you get too close, you will also find it hard to breathe fresh air.
- A classic steam bath lasts about ten minutes, so it's best to sit in a comfortable position. However, keep in mind that you will get many benefits even by reducing the time to 5 minutes.
- Set the timer and do not exceed 10 minutes, especially if you have acne or other skin problems. The steam causes the skin to swell and can aggravate acne if you're not careful.
Step 6. Purify the pores of impurities with a mask
The steam bath will have opened your pores, so now is the perfect time to get rid of dirt and other impurities. The best way to purify them is to apply a clay mask; spread it on your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. At the end of the exposure time, rinse the skin with warm water and then pat it dry gently with a soft, clean towel.
- Clay masks are among the most popular; look for them in a perfumery or supermarket.
- If you want to take a steam bath today but don't have a clay mask, you can use honey or a mixture of honey and oatmeal.
- If you don't want to make the mask, you can simply wash your face with hot water after the steam bath.
- Don't use a harsh exfoliant after steaming, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Since your face will be slightly swollen and the pores open, the skin may become inflamed when doing the scrub.
Step 7. Use the toner
After rinsing the skin from the mask, apply a toner to help close the pores. Gently rub it all over your face using a cotton make-up remover pad.
- Lemon juice is an excellent natural tonic; mix one tablespoon with 250ml of water.
- Apple cider vinegar is an equally good option; also in this case just mix a spoonful with 250 ml of water.
Step 8. Moisturize the skin
Heat and steam make it dry, so it is important to finish the treatment with a good moisturizer. Choose one that contains natural, soothing ingredients, such as oils, butters, or aloes, to keep your skin from drying out. Let it absorb completely before applying makeup.
Method 2 of 2: Alternatives to the Classic Steam Bath
Step 1. Use the steam bath as a flu remedy
There is no strong evidence that taking a steam bath to the face can help fight the flu. However, our grandmothers used to work to get rid of stuffy noses and experts confirm that in some cases it can be an effective solution. If you have the flu, prepare the steam bath following the directions in the previous section of the article, but with the addition of one or more of the following essential oils or herbs:
- Herbs: chamomile, mint or eucalyptus.
- Essential oils: mint, eucalyptus or bergamot.
Step 2. Take a steam bath to relieve stress
Hot steam soothes the soul as well as the skin and that is why it is so used in spas. There is nothing better than taking a facial steam bath when you feel the need to reduce stress and have the time to breathe in the delicious fragrances while relaxing in a comfortable position. Try using one or more of the following essential oils or herbs to regain calm and serenity:
- Herbs: lavender, lemon verbena, chamomile.
- Essential oils: passionflower, bergamot, sandalwood.
Step 3. Prepare an invigorating steam bath
The steam can also help you feel alert and toned when you do the treatment in the morning when you wake up, particularly if you add fragrances that have an energizing effect on the mind and body. For a steam bath that rejuvenates you, you can use one or more of the following essential oils or herbs:
- Herbs: officinal lemon balm, peppermint, ginseng.
- Essential oils: cedar wood, lemongrass, orange, grapefruit, eucalyptus.
Step 4. Promote sleep with a relaxing steam bath
Treat just before bed to ensure a long, peaceful night's sleep. Try using one or more of the following essential oils or herbs to help you fall asleep and sleep more easily the next time you have insomnia:
- Herbs: valerian, chamomile, lavender.
- Essential oils: lavender, patchouli, pink geranium (Pelargonium graveolens).
Advice
- Do not repeat the steam bath too often otherwise the skin could become irritated. Once or twice a week is enough to keep the skin clean.
- If you have acne-prone skin, you can use tea tree essential oil to reduce breakouts.
