DIY Beauty: Dried Herbal Facial Steam

With summer right around the corner, I am sure many of you are thinking about a fresh faced look. After a long cold winter and a spring that has been almost non-existent thus far (at least in the northeast), our skin has taken a beating this year. An herbal facial steam is a wonderful DIY treatment to help clear out the impurities, hydrate the skin and boost circulation to give you that healthy glow we all love. There are many herbal combinations you can use depending on your skin type. Here is a base recipe that I like to use that is good for most skin types. You can add additional dried herbs to this recipe for your specific skin type, as well. If your skin is sunburn, inflamed and/or extremely broken out then it is not the right time for an herbal facial steam as it will only exacerbate your condition.  A facial steam should not be used more than once a week. I usually make the time once a month. Here is to radiant summer skin! Keep reading for the recipe... 

Herbal Facial Steam

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons dried calendula 
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender  
• Add 2 tablespoons of a dried herb that is for your skin type (optional) 

Normal Skin: 2 tablespoons dried rose
Sensitive Skin: 2 tablespoons dried chamomile
Oily Skin: 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
Dry Skin: 2 tablespoons dried elder flower

Directions:

1. Remove all your makeup and/or wash your face. 
2. Bring 1 1/2 quarts of water to boil in a large pot.
3. Turn-off the heat and add the herbal mixture.
4. Cover with a lid and allow for the mixture to steep for 10 minutes.
5. Place the pot on a table, remove the lid, and drape a large bath towel over your head and shoulders to create a "tent" over the pot.  Slowly get closer to the steam, but don't get too close -  you want to be about 18 inches away. If you get too close to the heat it can scald the skin and minimally cause broken capillaries. 
6. Stay under the "tent" for 10 to 15 minutes, lifting the towel when necessary to regulate temperature and continuing to be careful not to burn yourself with the steam.  
7. After steaming, splash your face with tepid water and pat dry.
8. Slowly massage your favorite "non-toxic" moisturizer or some oil such as jojoba onto your face. 

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