What is a Facial Steam?
A Simple Three In One DIY Facial Recipe*.
Until a few weeks ago most of us have been hibernating in some fashion or another, cooking comfort foods,…but now all of us are gradually coming out of our cocoons, perhaps even craving fresh raw foods…one can feel the spring energy in the air, and Mother’s Day is just around the corner.
With Mother Nature waking up around the northern hemisphere, April and May are busy months. First spring flowers are peaking their heads out of the ground, seeds are germinating, birds are chirping louder, bees are buzzing feverishly.
And we humans are no different! We want to get our long awaited but perhaps much dreaded spring cleaning done. The house and garden projects, that have been in a queue for a few months, are now ready to be tackled. However, with the longer days and our eagerness to get outside and visit with family and friends in between all these projects, it can easily become too much. To navigate this season in a healthy way, it is important to remember to set some time aside for us to stay grounded and balanced, so we do not get swept up and overwhelmed by it all.
I thought I would share one of my favorite DIY recipes as it is 3 in 1 recipe:
relaxing facial steam,
eye compress for tired eyes, and
refreshing facial mist.
This recipe contains some of my favorite herbs that I grew up surrounded by and that help me get grounded when I need to.
Scents can invoke feelings of joy, happiness, nostalgia, etc. Calendula, chamomile, lavender, and rose are the scents of my childhood so no wonder that these herbs provide me with comfort during trying, hectic, or stressful times. Yes, you can find these in many of our herbal infused products.
Can you smell the scent of calendula-chamomile-lavender medley?
We wish you could. It smells calming and absolutely heavenly! Why did we select these 3 herbs specifically? In addition for them being very grounding, we choose these because: …
But first thing, first!
Are calendula and marigold the same?
Calendula:
Do not confuse Calendula officinalis with the French and African marigolds that are part of Tagetes species as they are two distinct plant species! The former has highly desirable herbal properties used in skincare, as dyes and for culinary use, whereas the latter is known to be used as pest deterrent in gardens and is a popular garden plant.
Why Calendula?
We love to work with this herb as it has wonderful:
anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic and
antifungal properties.
As such, you will find calendula infused oil in several of our products, including our entire Botanical Goodness line.
Why Chamomile?
This wild plant with small, daisy like flowers, whether German or Roman chamomile are often used in Western herbalism. We love working with it as it has:
calming,
stress relieving,
anti-inflammatory and
antiseptic properties.
It is great for itchy skin and as one of the core ingredients in compresses for tired and sore eyes.
Why Lavender?
This fragrant herb is very versatile in its application. It is known to be:
soothing,
antiseptic,
antibacterial and
tonic properties.
It also makes an ideal ingredient for facial steams, baths and even eye compresses.
What is a Facial Steam?
Facial steams are either flower- or herb-infused steams. They help to open our pores as they purify, soften, increase circulation, and hydrate our skin. Facial steams are suitable for normal, combination, oily, maturing, and dry skin. They can be used once a week (not more often) but even once a month is great too. However, if your skin is irritated or blemish prone, we suggest you stay away from them. Additionally, if you have medical conditions such as diabetes, eczema, rosacea, eye problems, we suggest you consult your healthcare professional before using any facial steams. Also, if you are pregnant, please hold off on facial steams, unless you consult with your doctor.
A Simple 3 in 1
DIY Facial Steam Recipe.
Relaxing DIY Herbal Facial Steam:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoon dried chamomile flower, 2 tablespoons dried calendula flower, 2 tablespoons dried lavender flower bud, plus 2 tablespoons dried rose petals (optional), 1 quarts (32 oz. or 4 cups) of water to boil.
You will also need: a large heatproof bowl, a large towel, and a pad to put under the hot bowl.
Instructions:
Before you start, make sure you have 20-25 minutes of uninterrupted time.
Place a heat-proof bowl with the herbs on the table where you are planning to enjoy the steam.
Pour boiling water over the herbs.
Cover the bowl with a lid and steep for 10 minutes.
Remove the lid, place your face about 10 inches above the bowl and drape a large towel over your head to create a little steam cocoon.
Take deep breaths and enjoy the steam for 10 minutes**.
Once the infusion cools off, splash your face with it and pat your skin dry.
Note:
*For all skin types except it is not recommended for irritated or blemish-prone skin. Do not use it if you are currently expecting!
** However, stop immediately if you experience any discomfort or it feels too hot. Rinse your face with cool water.
Once done with the facial steam, let’s not toss the herbal infusion as good quality herbs are not inexpensive, we can use it in a couple of additional fun ways. First though, strain the herbs so you will be left with the liquid infusion itself.
2. Calming DIY Eye Compress:
The Herbal Academy has a wonderful Computer Daze Eye Compress infused with calendula, chamomile, and lavender. Let the above facial steam herbal infusion cool off to a comfortable temperature. Soak a clean washcloth into the warm infusion and squeeze any excess liquid. Lie down, close your eyes, and place the washcloth over your eyes for 10-20 minutes. Dip the washcloth in the herbal infusion again if needed. Once done, gently rinse off your eyes and pat the area dry.
3. Refreshing DIY Facial Toner/Mist:
Any remaining infusion liquid can be bottled into a clean spray glass bottle and once cooled off it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used as a facial toner or refreshing facial mist.
Once you are done with the herbs, and if you have a home composter, please return them back to Mother Nature by adding them to your compost.
Until next time,
Anita
LESS IS MORE!,
in product ingredients +
application.
Anita is a founder and owner of Rodina Botanicals. Rodina Botanicals is a maker of small-batch, clean skincare products for an entire family.
We at Rodina Botanicals:
want our clients to enjoy their life to the fullest and not be distracted by mosquito bites, dry cuticles, eczema, or dry and cracked skin.
make all our products in Barrington, IL, U.S.A.
use eco- and travel-friendly packaging.