By now, we are all accustomed to working from home while balancing our domestic duties (hello, new home chefs!). And sometimes it can make us feel dragged, leaving our skin tired and stressed. So we wanna know, are you looking for a way to have some beauty spa right at the comfort of your home?
Casually stepping out to head to our favorite spa hubs for our regular beauty treatments is just not possible due to health risks. But worry not! We are teaching you how to do facial steaming at home. It is a skin treatment that will make your skin feel nourished and luxuriously pampered without spending an obscene amount of cash.
But before we start with the process, just thought I’d share with you some of the benefits of facial steaming. Number one is it’s good for deep cleansing. Steam opens up your pores and helps loosen any buildup of dirt for a deeper cleanse. Opening up your pores also softens blackheads, making them easier to remove. Facial steaming also promotes great blood circulation. The combination of warm steam and an increase in perspiration dilates your blood vessels and increases circulation. This boost of blood flow nourishes your skin and delivers oxygen and the result is a natural, healthy glow in your skin. It can also release trapped sebum. This naturally occurring oil is produced by your sebaceous glands to lubricate your skin and hair. When sebum gets trapped beneath your skin’s surface, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria and causes acne and blackheads.
Another benefit of facial steaming is it hydrates your skin by helping your skin to increase oil production, which naturally moisturizes the face. It also helps in producing collagen and elastin, which are responsible in giving you firmer, younger-looking skin. And the best part of all, facial steam helps your skin better absorb skin care products. This means you get more bang for your buck from skin care products applied after a steam.
Okay, let’s get this started. Here are some rejuvenating ways to help you enjoy and reap the rewards of face steaming:
Facial Steam Proper
First off, drink up and hydrate. Drinking lots of water before facing the hot steam is very important so you won’t get thirsty and dehydrated, so drink up before you begin.
Do some skin preps by washing your face and neck using a gentle cleanser so your skin is ready for steaming. The Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash from The Body Shop is a great choice.
Once done with your skin prep, get your favorite fluffy towel, boil some water and choose your comfortable spot. Bring water to a boil in a kettle or pot, depending on the size of the bowl. Add only a handful of your chosen herbs once the water begins to boil and stir. Herbs are considered to be advantageous for different skin types. One tablespoon of dried rose petals or dried calendula will do some wonders to your skin when used for steaming. Or you can just get your hands on Teami Detox Facial Steam Tea on Shopee.
Once the water boils, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 2 or 3 minutes. Carefully pour the water into the bowl. Once the water is in the bowl, add little drops of essential oils.
Lavender oil is great for dry skin, and comes with relaxing aromatherapy benefits. While orange oil contains a cheerful yet relaxing scent that helps with clearing pores and adding glow to complexion. Chamomile oil helps with skin inflammation and dermatitis, while rosemary oil can be a good choice for those with oily skin. If you’re looking to order some essential oils, doTERRA Essential Oils PH offers a wide range that you can choose from.
A word of advice for using essential oils: only very little or a mere drop will do. When applied with too much, they tend to vaporize very quickly, creating a harsh steam which can be discomforting.
Now that your steaming water is ready, take a seat, drape your towel over your head and the bowl, and hold your face several inches above the water. Steam your face for a minute, and then take a break for a few minutes if needed. Do this for 10 minutes. While steaming, keep your eyes closed and relax. Also, keep your face 10 inches away so you don’t risk getting stung by the heat.
If you are looking to have your essential oils and herbs mixed into a professional facial steamer, there are ones being sold in this Lazada store.
After Steaming
Gently rinse your face with lukewarm water and lightly pat to dry. Since your skin will be extra delicate and supple after the steaming, you don’t want to irritate it by harshly rubbing with a towel. Apply your preferred moisturizing cream, then your fave serum. This is also a great time to use your anti-aging cream as your freshly steamed skin can definitely absorb more of its benefits.
End your relaxing face steam spa with a gentle face massage. Using your fingers, gently massage your forehead, cheeks, and neck in upward strokes. You may also use your jade roller to massage your face. You can use a little bit of facial oil to boost your massage, but refrain if you have oily or sensitive skin.
Remember, steam your face at least once a week only. Each steam session is limited to no longer than 10 minutes to avoid irritating damage to your skin. A weekly at-home face steaming is all you need to have a great and inexpensive way to unwind, rejuvenate, and more than anything, pamper your skin to achieve a healthy, youthful glow.
Some images are from Unsplash.com.
*******
For your daily dose of self-love, style and inspiration, follow Stylish Magazine on Instagram @stylish.emagazine and like our Facebook page at facebook.com/stylish.emagazine.