Get glowing skin with a DIY steam facial

As much as we love spending a day at the spa, sometimes our calendars—and our wallets—need something quick and simple. Our DIY facial steamers combine with steam from hot water to cleanse and moisturise. Ready for fresh, dewy skin? Let’s glow!

DIY Glowing Skin steam facial

Ingredients

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup 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, about 1 inch across
• A pot of boiling water
• Dried rose petals or dried lavender (optional)

Instructions

1. Sprinkle dried rose or lavender petals in the bottom of your silicone moulds. Set aside.
2. Add 1 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup citric acid to a glass bowl and mix well with a wire whisk.
3. Add essential oils to dry ingredients. Mix until completely blended.
4. 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.

5. Put the mixture into silicone moulds and press down firmly. The mixture will expand, so leave a small lip (about 1/4 of the mould) at the top.
6. Allow facial steamers time to dry completely—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. Carefully remove pot from stove top 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 it gets 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.
7. Splash your face with cool water.
8. Moisturise with your favourite lotion for truly glow-tastic skin.

Have you done a steam facial before?

Tell us your best tips in the comments!