In the world of DIY beauty, there are some unconventional, highly unique skin care methods. Some involve essential oils and herbs, while others focus on rubbing mud or ice on the face. Because there are numerous beneficial compounds in plants, we suggest trying an herbal face steam to reap those benefits. 

While a facial steam may be helpful in getting rid of congestion or supporting the upper respiratory system, an herbal face steam is like a natural facial. It is very simple and does not require a single piece of fancy equipment. All you need is a large bowl and the herbs of your choosing. You can use a combination of herbs, or just one that you prefer. 

The Best Herbs For A Face Steam

There are many plants with properties that promote healthy skin. You may have some of these herbs in dried form in your spice rack or pantry. The only thing you need to consider is whether you are allergic to specific herbs, as some can cause irritation. Here are some great herbs to use in a face steam:

• Lavender flowers: Soothing and calming to the skin, lavender flowers exhibit natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help repair damaged skin. The aroma is very calming as well, so adding them to a face steam before bed may help promote better sleep. 
• Calendula flowers: They offer antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why they have a long history of use in folk medicine for healing damaged skin and wounds.
• Rose petals: In addition to their potent aromatherapy benefits, rose petals have a long history of use for enhancing the appearance of skin. A 2015 study found that rose petals improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles. 
• Echinacea: Echinacea is a common ingredient in many immune supplements and teas. The flowers can be used topically for numerous skin complaints, including varicose veins, damaged skin, and eczema. Echinacea’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties are also helpful for those with acne. 
• Mint leaves: Very refreshing and invigorating, mint  works to relax arteries and stimulate circulation. Mint is also rich in numerous vitamins and minerals that dry skin craves.
• Helichrysum: This herb has beautiful yellow flowers that exhibit potent skin-enhancing properties. If you have really dry skin, pair this astringent herb with marshmallow to help enhance moisture. A 2020 study examined a night cream that contained helichrysum and found it was able to significantly improve hyperpigmentation, UV spots, and wrinkles. 

How To Do An Herbal Face Steam

You may want to use herbs that are gentler on the skin than strong oils that may irritate the skin or eyes. You don’t need a fancy facial steam machine or anything like that. Get a bowl or pot, the herbs, boiling water, and a towel to drape over your head and bowl. A quick reminder: do not put your face too close to the hot water, as the steam can burn the skin. 

Rejuvenating Herbal Face Steam 

Ingredients:  

• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 tbsp lavender flowers
• 1 tbsp horsetail
• 1 tbsp peppermint leaf
• 1 tbsp chamomile flowers
• 1 tbsp calendula flowers
• 1 lemon, sliced

Instructions:

• Place the water, herbs, and lemon slices in a clean pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Keep the lid on the pot to preserve more of the volatile oils from the herbs. 
• Once boiling, turn off the heat and remove the pot. You can pour the contents into a heat-safe bowl, or place the pot on a potholder on your countertop. 
• Lean over the pot or bowl and drape a towel over your head to create a steam room for your face. Make sure not to put your face too close to the water. Once the pot is done steaming, your face steam is over.

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Whoever said roses could only be given to your true love was a liar. Roses have myriad health benefits and have historically been used in fragrances, tonics, or baths to improve skin. Some people argue that roses look as beautiful as their nutrients make you feel. Is that true? We cannot say for certain, but we can say that roses may help reduce stress, improve sexual health, boost your mood, and more. 

What Is The Rose?

There are over 300 species of roses, which belong to the flowering genus Rosa. While most species are native to Asia, many varieties grow in Europe, northwestern Africa, and North America. Many cultures revere the almighty rose, or the flower holds some significance in the culture. Some people praise roses for their beauty, while others rely on roses to maintain healthy skin. Let’s take a look at some of the most impressive benefits below. 

#1: Sore Throat Remedy

One of the most classic preparations of rose petals is to brew them into a tea. In Ayurvedic medicine, rose water was prescribed to help soothe sore throats. The natural antioxidants in rose petals work to enhance immune function. Specifically, the anthocyanins, terpines, and flavonoids benefit respiratory and cardiovascular health, helping you overcome a sore throat. Little scientific research supports this, but many anecdotal reports are in existence. 

#2: Acne Fighter

Do you have some unappealing acne that you want to get rid of? Well, treat yourself to a bouquet of roses so that you can use the petals to fight back against breakouts. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in rose petals help to soothe inflamed skin, redness, or irritated skin. Additionally, rose petals contain phony ethanol, which is an antiseptic compound that fight bacteria on the skin. 

#3: Stress Reliever

When stress levels are high, you have an increased risk of making poor dietary choices, losing sleep, and having intense mood swings. Statistically, people with higher stress levels are more fatigued and irritable. The Department of Physiology and Pathology/LTF at University of Para ba-Caixa conducted a study on the body’s response to the scent of roses. When test subjects inhaled rose essence, the researchers noticed a sedative effect and a reduction in stress levels. Adding rose petals to your bath is very calming, but you can also put a bowl of hot water with rose petals and a floating tea candle in any room to promote relaxation.

#4: Weight Loss Helper

Believe it or not, a lot of people use rose tea or rosewater to help promote detoxification. Rose petals have chemical compounds that work to eliminate toxins from the body. Roses also have metabolism-boosting properties, meaning that they aid in weight loss. Additionally, rose petals actually satiate your senses, helping you avoid overeating because your body thinks it is full. Simply steep 10-15 fresh rose petals in a cup of hot water and wait until the water turns pink; you can sweeten with a little agave or stevia. Drink this tea in the morning to help shed those extra pounds. 

#5: A Natural Aphrodisiac

You can eat fresh rose petals, so long as you wash them to remove any dirt or bacteria. Many people eat rose petals as a source of natural energy, but they also energize your sexual appetite. Ayurveda used rose petals to increase sexual activity by activating specific doshas, energies, in the body that are responsible for sexual feelings. The idea is that rose petals help align the mind, heart, and nervous system to revitalize your sexual appetite. 

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Have you noticed that your face is drying out as a result of the colder months? If you answered “yes” to that question, you are not alone. Between all the showering, use of harsh soaps, aging, and lack of humidity, it’s easy to experience dry skin during the winter. The epidermis (outermost layer of skin) loses water as a result of the reduced moisture in the air. That means that you have to take action to lock in as much moisture as you can. 

How Do You Keep The Moisture In?

A combination of sun-damage, excessive skin cleansing and exfoliation, and underlying medical conditions make it difficult to maintain moisturized skin. On top of that, you have low humidity attacking the skin. Both the outdoor cold and indoor heat dry out the skin, contributing to flakiness, cracking, and itching. The way to lock in moisture is by supplying the epidermis with moisturizing ingredients. The problem is that regular moisturizers contain harmful chemicals that dry out the skin. That’s why you have to choose natural ingredients that seal in the moisture without clogging pores. Let’s explore some of those ingredients below.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is one of the best carrier oils to use on the skin, both the face and body. It feels light because the skin easily absorbs it, taking in the vitamins and minerals more easily than other oils. Several studies found that jojoba oil actually balances the skin’s oils. How does it do that? It sneakily tricks your skin into thinking that it produced enough oil to keep the skin moisturized. This prevents your skin from producing too much oil, which can contribute to blackheads. Additionally, jojoba oil has antibacterial properties from the high iodine content. This can decrease the risk of acne development, especially when used as a spot treatment at night.

Rose Petals

Rose petals are great for all skin types, but if you have dry skin, you just hit the jackpot. The moisturizing properties of rose petals work to combat itchiness and keep the skin hydrated by preventing moisture loss. By maintaining a strong barrier, your skin has a better chance at not drying out if the weather lacks humidity. Rose petals also strengthen the skin’s cells, helping to regenerate skin tissues. 

Green Tea

Green tea has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce acne or oily skin. People with oily skin often suffer from acne because the excess sebum can clog pores. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is potent polyphenol in green tea and it reduces sebum secretions, which in turn may reduce acne. When you apply green tea on the face, it helps to alleviate any inflammation or puffiness. Finally, green tea is a natural source of vitamin E, which is known for its ability to hydrate the skin. 

DIY Green Tea And Rose Facial Cream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jojoba oil
• 30 grams green tea leaves
• 10 grams dried rose petals
• 1 gram alkanet root
• 20 grams beeswax
• 25 grams coconut oil
• 20 grams shea butter
• 1/3 cup rose hydrofoil
• 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
• 1 teaspoon rosemary extract
• 15 drops geranium essential oil
• 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 8 drops clary sage essential oil

Instructions:

• First off, you have to infuse the herbs into the jojoba oil. So pour one to two inches of water in the bottom of a double boiler over medium heat. 
• Add the jojoba oil, green tea leaves, dried rose petals, and alkanet root to the top of the double boiler. Stir the oil occasionally until it reaches 100º F. Once it does, turn off the heat for a couple minutes. Repeat this process three to five times. 
• Once you completed the infusion process, strain off the herbs and reserve the oil in a heat-safe glass jar. 
• Add the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter to the top of the double boiler and stir until melted. Remove from heat once the mixture is liquified. 
• Pour that mixture and the infused jojoba oil into a food processor and let the mixture harden. 
• Add the rose hydrofoil, aloe vera gel, rosemary extract, and the essential oils to the food processor and then pulse to combine. You may need to scrape down the sides to ensure that everything is thoroughly blended. 
• Spoon this cream into small containers and store either in the fridge or in a cool, dry place. 
• To use, massage a small amount into the face and neck after you wash your face. Leave on overnight. 

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