The longstanding relationship with Steam
Our history is littered with references were steaming is linked directly to health and beauty. Turkish bathhouses, Native American sweat lodges, Swedana in Ayurvedic practice and enter the present day sauna and hot tubs. We have always had some form of steaming in self-care in every culture and continent. Know by different names, be it in a Russian Banya or a modern-day health club.
Health and healing recommend steaming for bouts of Bronchial asthma or even to relieve the symptoms of a common cold. Why then is facial steaming for beauty and skin often overlooked? We often focus on facial cleansers, toners, and moisturizers and think that's good enough. We've done all we can. And let me clear we HAVE done a lot. There is room for more. Steaming connects cleansing on a minuscule level.
The Perfect Storm
A small vial of botanicals and herbs can pack a powerful punch for your skin. Let me break it down for you here.
- Steam, The warmth of steam, softens the surface of your skin to remove dirt, grime, and bacteria, from your pores. It also pulls out embedded buildup, softening blackheads and pesky whiteheads so they can be wiped away easily afterward.
- Circulation The heat from the steam increases perspiration helps your skin's blood vessels to dilate, improving circulation. This circulation feeds and oxygenates the skin allowing regeneration on a cellular level, and the result is a glowing and youthful skin surface. Good circulation is key to a healthy complexion.
- Rehydration Steam helps replace the lost moisture to the skin. The moisture mixed with heat revives tired and dull skin making it receptive to absorption. So steaming your skin then moisturizing will allow your skin to get more out of the cream that follows.
- End Result. The boost in circulation resulting from the steam and moisture leveled up with open pores and the deep cleansing that occurs during this process will leave skin youthful and glowing.
There are many ways to steam, and everyone tweaks their process, and this is mine.
First, choose your herbs. I recommend you grab our Rejuvenate Herbal Steamers. A Blend of Nourishing and luxuriating combinations for any skin type that comes prepackaged for you. Ready to use. Some great herbs in this blend include calendula, chamomile, comfrey, Tulasi (holy basil), nettle and more. Especially for dry skin, we've added rose, lavender, and mint. And for oily skin, we've added rosemary, sage, or peppermint. That's what I use.
I use a small porcelain wide mouthed dish that is wide enough for my face and not too wide to where the steam will escape too much. I usually use my vanity glass top to do this. Any comfortable spot you don't mind sitting in is a good fit. Make sure you grab a nice towel to help cover your head. Place another towel under the bowl of steaming water to keep it clean.
I have short hair, so I clip mine back and away from my face. I use an exfoliating cleanser first. Anything with clay can act as a toxin puller and an excellent option for you to use three times a week. If you have oily skin that needs relief, we have an excellent option for you in Simplify Salt Scrub with Neem and turmeric with a heady grapefruit and lemon essential oils to aid in clarifying skin and controlling oil production in body and face.
Bring about 3 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.I use an earthen clay pot. I also prefer to use filtered water for my steams but tap water will do just as well if you have decent water in your area that isn't chlorinated to death like mine is. Once the water comes to a boil, toss in a healthy scoop of herbs from the Rejuvenate Ayurvedic Face Steam and stir with a wooden spoon (metal can react with some of the botanicals). Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover it. Allow the herbs to simmer in the pot for 2-3 minutes, then I transfer the pot to my vanity. This is the best time to add essential oils to your water. It is not necessary. I don't add any because essential oils can react with your skin and too much can irritate your airways while your steam. Unless you are super careful adding oils to steam, and know exactly what amounts work for you - it is a risk. I recommend you stick to naked botanicals that are aromatic and potent on their own.
Covering my head with my towel, I hover over the steaming bowl to help steam my face. I can lift the towel to let in little cool air if the steam gets too hot or I feel like my skin is burning. I will warn you that steaming is not an exact science so be careful with the level of heat you allow your skin to be exposed to and also be very careful not to touch the pot because it is usually very hot. Steaming for 5-10 minutes is perfect. If you want, you can stay under for up to 15 minutes. Not any more than that.
Afterward, splash your face with cool to lukewarm water before patting your face dry with a clean towel, do not rub. I end my steam with a light spritz of Nirvana Face Toner and then a gentle massage of Ambrosia Face Oil to seal in the freshness and protect my skin for the rest of the day.
I am very fond of steaming. It is one of my favorite things to do. Not only does it aid in skin care it also helps me breathe better. I find that common blockage and nasal infections even the stress of my sinuses are eased by steaming with herbs. There is no proof of this, but it is my personal experience.
Throw a Steam Party
Regular herbal steaming promotes healthy skin, is easy to do and feels great. It only takes 30 minutes a week to do this, and it gives my skin clarity and vibrancy. I enjoy it so much that I have had a spa day for my friends and my daughter has even had a small spa day for her friends that they thoroughly enjoyed! Grab a few of our Facial steamers and have a spa party at home! At the end of which your friends will leave with glowing skin and a vial of our steamer as a gift from you. What could be better than that for a holiday get together for a few friends? If you would like to place a large order of more than 10 or more steamers email us at theearthyalchemist@gmail.com and we will be happy to arrange a large shipment of these goodies to you for your spa party!
To grab a few beautiful cleansers, masks serums and gels for your face right-click HERE
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