A DIY Facial Steam for Every Skin Type

Steam has long been recognized as the key to helping open pores, soften skin, increase circulation and allow better penetration of various serums and moisturizers. As an esthetician, I find that steam is essential in each and every facial I perform for my clients. I’ll give you a little trick of the trade – you don’t have to visit your local spa to enjoy the benefits of a good facial steam. In fact, you can do your own mini steam at home using just a few items.

Facial Steam Recipes for Every Skin Type

Just be sure you start with freshly washed skin and don’t steam for more than 10 minutes as over steaming can have the opposite effects on your skin! You’ll need a pot of boiling water, heat safe bowl (ceramic/glass) and towel (large enough to cover your shoulders, head and bowl). Don”t forget to set a timer on your phone!

Facial steaming also has the added benefit of clearing out sinuses and relieving pressure so you can soothe your sinuses and breathe deeper. Choose the correct essential oil or herb combination from below that fits your skin type:

Rosemary & Chamomile Steam for Mature/Aging Skin:

After bringing a pot of water to a boil add:

• 1 tablespoon of rosemary herbs (fresh or dried)
• 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers (fresh or dried)
• 1 drop of frankincense essential oil

Transfer to a heat safe bowl and place on flat countertop. Immediately drape a towel over your face, shoulders, and bowl, keeping your face about 10-18 inches from the steam. 

Enjoy 5-10 minutes of steam and then follow with a mask, serum or moisturizer while your skin is still damp. Following up with a sheet mask containing calming, hydrating ingredients is perfect for more mature skin—on just-steamed skin, the mask’s ingredients will absorb better for hyper hydrated, radiant-looking skin.

Tea Tree & Basil Steam for Oily/Acne Prone Skin:

After bringing a pot of water to a boil add:

• 3 drops Melaleuca/tea tree essential oil
• a few fresh basil leaves

Transfer to a heat safe bowl and place on flat countertop. Immediately drape a towel over your face, shoulders, and bowl, keeping your face about 10-18 inches from the steam.

Enjoy 5-10 minutes of steam and then follow with a mask, serum or moisturizer while your skin is still damp. For acne-prone skin, following up with a clay mask is ideal. The steam will have softened any congestion, making it easier for the mask to help detox and clean out your pores.

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

Transfer to a heat safe bowl and place on flat countertop. Immediately drape a towel over your face, shoulders, and bowl, keeping your face about 10-18 inches from the steam.

Enjoy 5-10 minutes of steam and then follow with a mask, serum or moisturizer while your skin is still damp. A rosewater spray is a great way to follow up facial steaming—it will feel cooling on the skin, helping the pores to constrict again for flawless-looking skin. 

While steaming is a great way to maintain healthy, glowing skin, there are some cases where you should hold off—at least for a little while. Facial steaming isn’t appropriate for your skin if you have a sunburn, extremely sensitive skin, or have a large amount of broken skin. In cases like this, it’s best to wait until your skin is back to 100% so you can really get the most out of facial steaming. 

Have you ever tried a facial steam, do you have any combinations you would love to share?

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Photos by Ana Stanciu