If you ever look at yourself and wonder, “Why does my skin look so tired?”, then consider this herbal steam for your face. With lavender, calendula, and geranium essential oil, this steam is suitable for most skin types and promotes a healthy glow while calming the senses.

You will need:

• 1/3 cup dried lavender blossoms
• 1/3 cup dried calendula blossoms
• 4 to 5 drops geranium essential oil
• French press or teapot

How-To:

• Add dried lavender and calendula blossoms to a large French press or a teapot; you may also add any other herbs you feel would benefit your skin. Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the herbs and steep for 10 minutes.
• Fill a clean bathroom sink halfway with very hot water and press or strain the steeped herbs. Add the infusion to the water along with the drops of geranium oil then pull up a chair that will allow you to hang your head over the basin, about 6 to 8 inches from the water.
• Using a bath towel as a facial tent, allow your face and neck to steam for 3 to 5 minutes. If the water cools too quickly, add more hot water as needed to produce steam.
• After your steam is complete, splash your face and neck with lukewarm water and pat dry. All skin types will benefit from a post-steam facial massage. Apply a few drops of apricot oil to your fingers and gently massage your forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck using small, inward circles.

By hydrating the skin through steam you’re able to boost circulation, promote skin clarity, help clean your pores, and bring a youthful glow. The lavender, calendula, and geranium tone and balance the skin and provide a soothing scent. Other additions to consider in herbal steams are dried chamomile (to soothe irritated skin), fresh rosemary (for oily skin), or fresh parsley (to heal acne). If your skin is severely inflamed or you are experiencing a breakout, avoid steaming as it may aggravate these symptoms.