Herbal facial steams have been practiced across cultures for centuries. From Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire to Mayan civilizations, steaming with botanicals has traditionally been used to support skin care, promote relaxation, encourage circulation and respiratory comfort and create moments of intentional self-care.
Today, herbal facial steams continue to be incorporated into Ayurvedic traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine and many traditional African wellness practices, where they are valued for their aromatic qualities, skin-supportive botanicals, and calming sensory experience.
Here are six benefits of herbal facial steams:
1. Clarifying Support: Warm steam helps loosen surface impurities, making cleansing feel more effective. Herbs like eucalyptus have traditionally been valued for their clarifying and cleansing properties. Steaming may also help prepare the skin for the application of serums, moisturizers and facial oils by softening the skin's surface.
2. Calming Comfort: Botanicals such as lavender and chamomile are well known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties and may help support the appearance of calm, balanced skin while creating a relaxing skincare experience.
3. Aromatic Well-Being: Aromatic compounds released during steaming create a calming sensory experience that encourages moments of relaxation and mindful self-care.
4. Circulation Support: The steam dilates blood vessels, therefore increasing blood flow. Warm steam temporarily increases circulation to the skin, which may contribute to a healthy-looking, refreshed complexion and a post-steam glow.
5. Respiratory Support: Plants such as eucalyptus, camphor, peppermint, thyme and rosemary release aromatic oils that traditionally have been used to help open the airways, soothe nasal passages, thin mucus and/or act as an expectorant.
6. Botanical Support: Plants such as lavender, calendula, rosemary and lemon balm (just to name a few) have traditionally been used to provide antimicrobial and antiseptic skin support.
Here are a few recommendations for targeted use:
- Congested, oily skin: Eucalyptus, lemon balm, peppermint, tea tree and rosemary are traditionally chosen for their clarifying and astringent properties
- Dull or Mature skin: Rose is traditionally incorporated for its hydrating and toning qualities, while rosemary is often used to help refresh the appearance of the skin
- Sensitive skin: Lavender, chamomile and calendula are traditionally selected due to their anti-inflammatory action and gentle, soothing properties
Recommended Way to Enjoy a Herbal Facial Steam:
Step 1: Pour freshly boiled water into a heat-safe bowl over 1–2 tablespoons of dried herbs. Allow the herbs to steep for 2–3 minutes before beginning your steam. Note: If adding essential oils, always research appropriate dilution and safety guidelines first, as not all essential oils are suitable for facial steaming.
Step 2: Drape a towel over your head to create a tent and inhale the steam, taking breaks as needed.
Step 3: Follow-up with your skincare application routine – great time to apply a serum, moisturizer and/or facial oil.
Herbal facial steaming has become one of my favorite self-care practices. It creates a spa-like experience at home while offering an opportunity to slow down and allow an intimate connection with the plants you are working with – getting to know their aromatic profile, their action and how they make you feel afterwards. Over time, you begin to recognize which plants feel the most supportive for your own personal wellness practice.
It was this experience that inspired me to create our Herbal Facial Steam Kits so others could enjoy this botanical practice at home.
References:
- In-vitro Antibacterial Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants In The Traditional Treatment of Skin and Wound Infections in Eastern Ethiopia
- The 10 Benefits of Face-Steaming and How to Do It At Home
- Botanical Skin Care Recipe Book by Herbal Academy
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.