Go for the glow with a DIY steam facial

As much as we love spending a day at the spa, sometimes our calendars—and our wallets—get in the way of deep-tissue massages, diamond facials, and dead-sea mud soaks. If life leaves little room for a solid pampering session, it’s time for an at-home spa treatment. The latest on our “gotta try this” list? The steam facial.

Steam facials are available in high-end salons and spas, but you can experience a steamy treatment at home for a fraction of the price with our DIY steam facial. Infused with premium essential oils and ingredients you trust, this spa-quality facial will leave you looking and feeling radiant!

Ready for fresh, dewy skin? Let’s glow!

What is a steam facial?

A steam facial is a skin treatment that utilises steam from hot water to cleanse and moisturise. Think of it as a steam room for your face.

What are the benefits of a steam facial?

You mean other than escaping reality and indulging in much needed “me” time for a solid 15 minutes? Plenty! Mini self-care session aside, a steam facial soothes and hydrates skin, and opens pores to gently remove dirt and impurities. It also allows the skin to better absorb your favourite skin care products.

DIY steam facial

Ingredients

• 240 g baking soda
• 118 g citric acid
• 7 drops Lavender essential oil
• 4 drops German Chamomile essential oil
• 7 drops Geranium essential oil
• 4 drops Elemi essential oil
• 2-3 tablespoons witch hazel
• Small spray bottle
• Small silicone moulds
• Boiling water

Instructions

1. Add the baking soda and citric acid to a glass bowl and mix well with a wire whisk.
2. Add essential oils to dry ingredients. Mix until completely blended.
3. Add 2-3 tablespoons of witch hazel to a spray bottle. Spray surface of the mixture and stir. Repeat spraying and stirring until mixture resembles and feels like damp sand. You know it’s good to go when you can shape it into a ball, but it falls apart easily.

YL tip: If the mixture ends up too moist, add more baking soda and citric acid until you get the right consistency.

4. Put the mixture into silicone moulds. Press firmly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. The mixture will expand, so leave a small lip (about 1/4 of the mould) at the top.
5. Allow facial steamers time to dry completely—anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on your home’s humidity. Pop steamers out of moulds.

YL tip: If they refuse to pop, they need more time to dry!

How to use

1. Prep your skin with a little cleansing and exfoliating.
2. Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
3. Remove pot and place it on a hot pad or towel in an area where you can comfortably lean over it. Be careful—the water’s hot!
4. Add a facial steamer to the water. Let it sit and fizz for a minute or two.
5. Place a large towel over your head and lean over the pot with your face 5-10 inches away from the water. Do not put your face closer to the water to avoid burning your skin. If things get too hot, create a vent in the towel and allow some steam to escape.
6. Do five 2-minute sessions, giving skin a 1-minute break between each. Keep the water hot by placing a lid on the pot during break time.

YL tip: Short on time? You can still get in a good glisten with one 5-minute session.

7. Splash your face with cool water.
8. Moisturise with your favourite serum followed by face lotion for truly glow-tastic skin.

YL tip: Depending on your skin type, you may want to apply a face mask immediately after steaming for extra glow.

Like this blog and let us know if you have tried this out at home!