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Want to have radiant skin with a bright complexion? You can achieve these benefits as well as a luxurious Spa, steam facial right at home. I am so excited about writing this article because one of my favorite skin treatments is a steam facial. Not only is it very relaxing, but it also gives instant results.
In this article we will learn the benefits of steaming, how to add essential oils to our steams, what essential oils are best for which skin types, and finally, I will recommend my favorite facial steamer.
Steam is used on the skin for many beneficial results:
- Opens pores
- Unclogs pores
- Allows skin care products to penetrate deeper (fully absorbs nutrients)
- Removes dirt and oil
- Removes makeup
- Steam can replace chemical peels when essential oils are used
Why Steam?
For something so simple, you can achieve amazing results. Your skin responds well to steam. The small, heated Nano-particles of steam can penetrate and stimulate the skin. If you include nutrients or essential oils in your steam facial, you will bring more powerful activity into all layers of the skin.
Amazing Benefits
Fights Mild Acne
Facial steaming will help unclog pores and control sebum buildup. Moisture softens the surface layer of dead skins cells; this process helps to free any dead cells, dirt, bacteria or other trapped matter that could be causing breakouts. Now that the debris is cleared away, and the pores are open, your skin will be prepped for any skincare to help with acne breakouts.
Stimulates blood flow and healing
Steam will significantly improve blood flow and circulation, all functions needed to help speed healing.
Removes toxins and metal deposits
Warm humidity will increase perspiration and stimulate blood circulation. Sweat is the body’s natural cooling system, it consists mostly of water, and this water carries waste and toxins from the body. You will now be able to wash this waste away as it is drawn to the surface of the skin from the warm humidity.
- Brightens dull skin
- Calms irritated skin
- Cleans skin and kills bacteria
- Stimulates cell turnover
Add Essential oils
The benefits
Adding essential oils to your steam facial will give you many added benefits. Choose oils that help your skin type. You can read our articles (linked below) to help you learn more about what essential oils to use. You may also choose from the list provided below with directions to get you started.
- The Best Essential Oils for Skin Care
- The 10 Best Essential Oils For Anti-Aging
- DIY Essential Oils for Problem Skin
Adding oils directly to the steamer will dramatically improve the results of your facial.
Essential oils for your skin type
Essential oils will build upon your steam facial. You will want to add about 10- 20 drops to your steamer. Do not put the essential oils directly on your face.
Either add them to your distilled water or add them to a carrier oil to apply as a serum after you have steamed your face, while the pores are still open.
Recipe for a serum after your steam:
- Carrier oil: Sweet almond oil is excellent for all skin types
- Use a dark glass bottle for your serum.
- Add 15 drops of essential oil to 30 mls of carrier oil. If you want to add more than one essential oil, use 10 drops each of essential oil for every 30 mls. Limit to 3 essential oils per serum.
- Choose the essential oils that pertain to your skin type, for either your serum or directly to your steamer.
How Often do I Steam?
You can steam 3-4 times per week, with or without your essential oils.
Oils for your skin type
The following oils will help improve your skin concerns. Choose accordingly to what you want to achieve.
Normal Skin (Will aid in brightening skin)
- German chamomile
- Rose absolute
- Neroli
- Lavender
- Rosewood
Dry Skin (Will aid in providing moisture)
- German chamomile
- Roman chamomile
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Neroli
- Jasmine
- Sandalwood
Mature Skin ( Will aid in blood circulation and anti-aging)
- Carrot seed
- Frankincense
- Sandalwood
- Myrrh
- Patchouli
- Rose absolute
- Roman chamomile
- German chamomile
- Palmarosa
Sensitive Skin ( Will calm and soothe sensitive skin)
- Rose absolute
- Melissa
- Neroli
- German chamomile
- Roman chamomile
Oily Combination Skin ( Will help control sebum and bacteria)
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Cedarwood
- Palmarosa
- Niaouli
- Juniper berry
- Tea tree
- Ylang ylang
- Cypress
- Grapefruit
- Bergamot
- Myrtle
Recommended Steamer for an amazing steam facial
You can achieve a steam facial with or without your essential oils with a pot on the stove, and a towel draped over your head (the old fashioned way), but I always found this to be uncomfortable and slightly dangerous.
I genuinely enjoy the tools that will help bring the Spa experience home, for my relaxation and pleasure. There are some beautiful facial steamers on the market that we can use to help create this experience and to help us achieve the benefits of a steam facial.
Read About Our Favorite Facial Steamers
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