5 Facial Steam Recipes for Glowing Skin

Steam has long been recognized for enhancing blood circulation around the skin, softening it, opening up pores and allowing better penetration of various skincare products. Facial steaming is great for most skin types, but especially those with mild-to-moderate acne and oily skin.

Those with sensitive skin, as well as certain skin conditions like rosacea or eczema, may want to avoid steaming, as the heat can induce an inflammatory response and increase redness and irritation to the skin. 

You’ll need a pot of boiling water, a heat-safe bowl, and a towel that is large enough to cover your shoulders, head, and the bowl. Don’t forget to set a timer on your phone before you get under the towel!

Before beginning any facial treatment, it is essential to make sure your skin is clean. Cleanse your skin with your favorite cleanser or double cleanse, starting with an oil cleanser.  Follow these next steps:

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Transfer to a heat-safe bowl and place on a flat countertop.
3. Add steam ingredients (below)
4. Immediately drape a towel over your face, shoulders, and the bowl, keeping your face about 10–18 inches from the steam source. 
5. Enjoy 5–10 minutes of steam and then follow with a mask, serum, or moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Be sure you don’t steam for more than 10 minutes as over-steaming can have the opposite effect on your skin!

1. Black tea & eucalyptus for puffy skin:

Try a black tea steam if you’re battling congested, puffy skin. The caffeine boosts circulation to reduce swelling and activate lymphatic drainage. Add eucalyptus oil to help open up clogged airways.

After bringing a pot of water to a boil, add:

• 2 black tea bags (green tea works well, too)
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil

2. Chamomile & tea tree for dry skin:

Soothe irritated skin with a chamomile steam. The healing tea calms skin irritation and reduces redness. Pair it with tea tree to kill bacteria on the skin’s surface.

After bringing a pot of water to a boil, add:

• 2 chamomile tea bags
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil

3. Geranium & lavender steam for normal/combination skin:

After bringing a pot of water to a boil, add:

• 1 tablespoon of lavender (fresh or dried)
• 3 drops geranium essential oil

4. Rose hip & spearmint steam for glowing skin:

Rose hips are rich in antioxidants, and they boost collagen and elastin.

• 1 tablespoon of dried rosehips
• 1 tablespoon dried or fresh spearmint

5. Dandelion root & tea tree for clear skin:

Dandelion root detoxifies skin, clears pores, and is antibacterial.

• 2 dandelion root tea bags
• 3 drops tea tree essential oil

Who Should Avoid Facial Steaming?

People with rosacea or very fragile capillaries should not use hot steam. Those with sensitive skin, as well as certain skin conditions like eczema, may want to avoid steaming, as the heat can induce an inflammatory response and increase redness and irritation to the skin.

Risks of Using Facial Steam

Placing the steamer too close to your face could burn your skin. It is recommended to stay about 10-18 inches away from the steam source to avoid burning.