Facial steaming is a DIY skin treatment that cleanses, nourishes and feels luxurious. You can recreate the spa experience at home (while also getting multiple uses out of your steeped tea!) The ritual of facial steaming is ancient and the addition of organic teas and herbs as aromatherapy only adds to the loveliness of this easy self-care ritual.
Steaming with tea feels wonderful in all seasons. In the summer months, our delicate facial skin is exposed to strong sun, hot wind, scorching temperatures and harsh air conditioning. Summer is also such a busy time of year that we often neglect our skincare routines. Steaming your face takes no more than 10-15 minutes and you likely have the ingredients you need!
In the Prairie winters, we have to face Arctic temperatures, windchill, low humidity and recirculated indoor air. This is a harsh climate for skin so taking the time to steam your face during these cold months can help maintain a healthy glow.
Steaming your face with a tea or herb infusion can provide your skin with vital nutrients and antioxidants which can have a multitude of benefits such as:
- Opening up pores to soften and remove blackheads and other impurities
- Promoting circulation through the combination of increasing perspiration and warm steam which nourishes skin by delivering oxygen.
- Hydrating the skin by increasing oil production which naturally moisturizes the face
- Allowing the skin to better absorb skincare products though the increase of skin’s permeability.
- Promoting collagen and elastin resulting in firmer, younger-looking skin
- Soothing irritated or dry skin
- Easing congestion and opening up sinus pathways
And it couldn’t be easier! Here are our two favourite methods:
- Over a bowl of hot water.
Bring 4-6 cups of water to a boil over the stovetop. Once the water begins to boil, add a handful of tea and/or herbs and stir (We love a Rose Petal and Chamomile Blend). You can even reuse already-steeped tea leaves! Cover and let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Find a comfortable seated area, drape a clean towel over your head and the bowl and then hold your face six inches above the water. Remain in this position, breathe deeply and relax for 5-10 minutes.
2. With a warm towel
Bring 4-6 cups of water to a boil over the stovetop. Once the water begins to boil, add a handful of tea and/or herbs and stir. You can even reuse already-steeped tea leaves! Cover and let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Strain the infusion and soak a face towel in it. Once it is a comfortable enough to touch, wring out the towel and place over face. Inhale deeply and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
Don’t forget, this is steaming hot water so always be very careful when performing this procedure and keep away from children.
We’re also experimenting with creating our own tea toners. You can cool the tea-infusion that you used for steaming, pour in a spray bottle and have a budget-friendly and all natural toner/facial spritz. This can be very refreshing on summer days or be an added moisture glow boost in the winter at work! Rooibos is a great option for your toner base. It's loaded with powerful antioxidants and enzymes that help to keep skin looking and feeling youthful, and can also reduce inflammation.
Almost any tea and/or herbal combination is magical, but we have highlighted our favourites for maximum benefits.
A blend of lavender for dry skin and rose petals for skin softening, local Labrador leaves for some extra vitamin C, not to mention the rooibos base which is packed with antioxidants!
This blend of peppermint, burdock root, red clover and basil will clarify your pores and make you feel refreshed with the added aromatherapy of peppermint. Excellent for winter or when you’re feeling under the weather!
An organic and pure green with no added flavours or compounds. This organic high mountain Nepalese green tea will cleanse pores and give your skin a soft glow! The caffeine and antioxidants in this tea will also offer skin tightening and anti-aging benefits.
There are many other teas that can be used for this purpose! Try this technique with any of your Cornelia Bean teas at home!
