Getting into Hot Water

Step Two to Facial Care is the STEAM. Steam opens and cleanses the pores, while increasing blood circulation to facial capillaries. Steam deep cleanses the skin. You should steam cleanse at least one time per week. Make sure that you clean your face prior to steaming. In other words,
there is a reason that steaming is step TWO. You want the steam to work on the deep pore grime, not surface dirt! If you are going to skip steps in your facial routine, make sure you at least moisturize after the steam.

***All steams, unless otherwise noted, require 1 gallon of ALMOST boiling water. Once the recipe is prepared, you will need to place a towel over your head and lean your face over the bowl, about 12 inches away, to absorb the steam and vapors. Don't forget to exercise extreme caution so that you don't scald your skin. If the inside of your nose feels like it is burning, wait a few minutes for the water to cool down before you try again.
Heat breaks down some essential oils, therefore you may need to allow the water to cool slightly before mixing in certain oils in order to maintain their full therapeutic value.***

*Rose Petal Facial Steam, for normal skin:

• Put 1 cup of fresh rose petals (roses are often treated to enhance color and increase longevity, so make sure that the ones you use are not chemically treated in any way) into a large bowl and pour 1 gallon of almost boiling water over them. Steam, breathing in the vapors, for 15 minutes, then gently pat dry.
  

Once you are done with the steam, you can use the left over ingredients to make rosewater. Simply strain the liquid from your steam and save the petals and water separately. Pour water into a medium saucepan and simmer over a low heat for about 30 minutes, or until there is about one cup of liquid left. Once it is reduced, pour this over the saved petals and steep for another 20 minutes, then strain liquid again. Discard the petals and pour the liquid into a glass bottle and allow to cool. You now have rosewater! Rosewater, a by-product of rose essential oil, has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and toning qualities. It is a natural astringent that can be applied by cotton ball to the face.

*Rosemary Peppermint Facial Steam
This steam is not only helpful in opening the pores and extracting the skin's impurities, it is also known to clear sinuses and alleviate headaches.

• After the almost boiling (1 gallon) water cools slightly, add 4 drops of peppermint and 4 drops of rosemary essential oils. Steam for 10 minutes, pat dry.

*Oily Skin Sauna

• Add 6 drops of lavender essential oil to a gallon of almost boiling water. Steam for 10 minutes, pat dry.

Lavender is very beneficial for acne-prone skin, as it normalizes the secretions of sebaceous glands.

*Sauna for Blemished Skin

• Add 12 drops of bergamot essential oil to a gallon of almost boiling water. Blemished skin should not steam for longer than 5 minutes. Pat dry.

Bergamot oil is primarily used for its antiseptic properties. In a facial steam it reduces redness, irritations and puffiness.

*Ultimate Spa-Type Facial Steam for all skin types

• Add 2 drops each of bergamot, geranium, lavender and clary sage essential oils. Steam for 3 minutes, then pat dry.

This steam will promote peace of mind and relaxation, while cleaning and toning the skin.