Lines, wrinkles, dark circles. We all will get them, try to fix them, and probably complain about them. But natural steam treatments can helps bring back your healthy glow. Moist heat helps hydrate your skin, boosts your circulation, and brings oxygen to your face. It also opens up your pores and de-clogs them.
“That’s a common misconception,” says Barbara Close, founder of New York’s Naturopathica Spa and author of Pure Skin: Organic Beauty Basics. “Pores don’t open and close — they’re a set size.” Steam loosens debris and softens skin, she says, so pores can unclog and appear less prominent.
Customize this treatment to your liking by adding dried flowers for irritation, fresh rosemary to balance oily skin, or fresh parsley to heal acne.
What you need: 1/3 cup dried lavender blossoms 1/3 cup dried calendula blossoms 4 to 5 drops geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens)
How-To: 1. Steep lavendar, calendula and any other herbs you choose in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes. 2. Fill clean bathroom sink with very hot water. Add herbs to sink along with any essential oils you want to use. 3. Drape towel over your head over the steaming sink making sure you cover the entire sink to maintain steam level. Hold head about 6 to 8 inches from the water for 3 to 5 minutes. If the water cools, add more hot water. 4. After steaming pat dry with a clean, fluffy towel.
A post facial massage is great for reviving mature skin. Add some drops of avocado oil to fingers and gently massage onto face with inward circles.
Caution: if you have broken skin avoid steam treatment as steam will further aggravate skin.