Steaming, a popular skincare ritual, hardly requires any elaborate effort. All you need is some water in a pot, and a means to heat that. And according to Rajesh Phaiju, spa specialist at Tranquility Spa, there are quite a few herbs that you can add to take its benefits up a notch.
“A herbal facial steam, with its special properties, can cure some common health and skin problems,” he says. However, Phaiju also warns us and tells us to be careful before steaming. Apparently, you have to do it right. “Since steaming opens the pores of your skin, you should do it only after you have cleansed your face,” he explains adding that you must also know the benefits of the herbs you will be adding to your steam pot. He also advises against rubbing your skin harshly right after steaming.
Here Phaiju lists some ingredients that can be used for facial steaming. All you have to do is simply let a handful of the herb of your choice simmer in a pot of water for few minutes and you are good to go.
Abhaya and the Steam Injuns performing nationwide
Green tea
Green tea isn’t just a naturally healing beverage when consumed but the leaves of green tea are also beneficial when used for facial steaming. Being rich in antioxidants that fight against free radicals in the body, adding a few leaves of green tea to a steam pot will work wonders to clear your skin, unblock the pores, and leave you with youthful looking radiant skin. The anti-aging properties of green tea will further assist in hydrating your skin and go a long way in preventing wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin related diseases. You can also use tea bags instead of tea leaves.
Mint
Mint is considered a good antiseptic agent that works really well to cleanse your skin and reduce pimples as well as relieve other symptoms of acne. Its anti-pruritic properties can also be used for treating insect bites, like those of mosquitoes, honeybees, and wasps. The cooling sensation of menthol from the leaves will minimize irritation, control that constant urge to scratch as well as bring down the swelling. You can use fresh mint leaves if you have a plant at home but, if not, you can also pour a few drops of mint oil into your steam pot. Both work equally well.
Lemon or orange peels
After squeezing a lemon into your salad or having an orange, don’t discard the peels. You can use these in your steam pot as the citric nature of these peels cleanses mucus formed due to deposition of pollution and dirt on your skin and unclogs your pores in the process. Similarly, its anti-bacterial properties also help prevent acne and other skin related problems. You can also rub the peel of an orange or lemon on your face before treating yourself to a steam facial.
Garlic
If you want youthful and supple skin as well as maintain its natural glow, then try adding a few pieces of chopped garlic to your steam pot. The invigorating properties of garlic prevent the effects of free radicals further decreasing the depletion of collagen that leads to loss of elasticity of the skin. Applied topically, garlic also does wonders in tackling fungal infections. Simply cut a piece of garlic and rub it over the affected area twice a day.
Basil
Basil or tulsi is one of the most easily accessible herbs used for home treatments. Besides being used for healing cough and cold, fever, sore throat, respiratory disorders, and improving heart health, it has amazing skin care benefits as well. The natural oil present in its leaves contains anti-itch, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that effectively control the outbreak of rashes, acne, and pimple. Being loaded with flavonoids and antioxidants, it also helps in the regeneration of cells and works to tighten your pores as well.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus leaves, when dipped in water, release a sweet, therapeutic fragrance that aids in relieving everyday stress. Apart from that, it is also fantastic for cold and cough, stuffy noses and all other kinds of chest congestion. It is also highly beneficial for those suffering from chicken pox. Besides these medicinal benefits, it also works to heal skin irritations and is especially good for oily skin. Those who are prone to acne and pimples in the summer months due to excessive oil secretion on their skin will benefit a lot by simply adding a few eucalyptus leaves into some boiling water and taking a facial steam at least twice a week.
Thyme
The use of thyme doesn’t need to be limited to seasoning dishes in the kitchen. Because it has strong antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties, it can also be used as a great herbal skincare remedy. Those with blackheads and whiteheads on their T zone can use thyme in their steam pot to make their extraction easy. Simply steam your face for three to five minutes and then use a blackhead remover tool to gently push out the clogged oil deposits.
Rosemary
Steaming with rosemary can relieve headaches, reduce fever and bring relief to those with cough and congestion. It is also said to stimulate blood circulation that makes it a good remedy for those battling with stress and depression. Along with tackling pimples and acne, it is also a good solution to reduce face puffiness.
