DIY FACE STEAM FOR SELF-CARE
Your skin will feel clean and clear with a radiance you can’t miss after any one of these 10 DIY face steam recipes!
“The #1 thing you can do this week (or better yet, today!) is something for yourself.”
I don’t remember where I read that last year, but it certainly stuck with me.
As a mother, I’ve begun to understand that you really can’t pour from an empty cup. Before I had my daughter, I could write for 8 hours straight or stay up late writing until my eyeballs begged me to close them. I could eat a bowl of cereal for supper, skip lunch, or just eat when I made time.
And I never felt like I was missing things, like a hot bath soak, a pedicure, or a massage, because I could take one or get one anytime I decided. But, after two years of mothering and running a business on an empty cup, I was becoming burnt out and overwhelmed.
So when I read that, I did a double-take. Asking myself if that is really possible? How can doing something for yourself be the most important #1 thing? My first thought was that a single 21-year-old wrote that. Of course, they can always put themselves first. And if a mother wrote this, she is obviously stuck on herself and has a nanny.
My inner dialog said, “Wait for a second – How could you be so quick to judge? What’s wrong with being young and having fewer responsibilities? And what’s wrong with sharing responsibilities with a nanny? You have one! “
On second thought, I realized there’s nothing wrong with taking care of yourself. I wondered what would happen if I did put myself first, even if it was just for 15 or 20 minutes a week.
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What is Self Care and Why is Self Care Important?
Self-care is merely acknowledging and taking steps to care for yourself outside of your basic needs, like sleep, food, and hygiene.
According to Forbes Magazine,
“No matter how indulgent or fancy the term may sound, self-care is crucial for our physical, emotional, and mental well-being.”
They go on to explain that self-care is an important part of taking care of all our needs, creating a better work-life balance, and providing stress management. And it’s even more important when you’re busy or caring for other people – a.k.a. motherhood.
But things like getting a pedicure or massage can be fairly expensive and time-consuming. Yet, ultimately, self-care strategies don’t need to involve leaving your home.
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How Do I Make Time For Self Care?
You can cut the time commitment and the cost drastically by building simple self-care methods, like face steaming into a self-care routine. So, even if it doesn’t feel like you have the time or the budget, you can still start practicing self-care with this simple practice.
I fell in love with face steaming last January when I made self-care a big part of my New Year’s resolution goals. With just 15 minutes and a few ingredients, I learned to create a spa-like experience in my own home. I could face steam after dinner, just before bed, after my skincare routine, or in the morning when I woke up before my daughter.
Guess what happened?
Those 15 minutes made a huge impact! I felt so relaxed, recharged, and actually kind of proud of myself for making time for myself.
Whoever said self-care is about being selfish – certainly hasn’t tried it!
Face steaming is not just relaxing; it is incredible for your skin! Whether you are looking for a steam treatment for sinus congestion or how to face steam to remove blackheads, the benefits of face steaming can cover it all.
I’ve found that you will get the best results for your skin when you choose a DIY face steam for your skin type.
Where To Start
And when it comes to creating a self-care routine. It’s best to make it a part of your weekly regimen. So, I rotate face steaming with bath soaks, body scrubs, listening to my favorite podcasts on Spotify, applying a hair mask, and creative journaling or writing during any given week.
I have loved the results of face steaming so much that I can’t seem to stop talking about it. Ready to give it a try, too?
10 Face Steam Recipes to Recharge Yourself and Your Skin
With just a handful of herbs, hydrosols, and essential oils, you can recharge yourself and your skin, creating your own seasonal self-care rituals at home—no appointment necessary.
Here you’ll find 10 face steam recipes thoughtfully crafted to support different needs, skin types, and moods. Choose yours, then follow the instructions below.
Energizing Face Steam
-Best for Oily and Combination Skin
This refreshing facial steam is like a little wake-up call for your skin. Peppermint hydrosol cools and revives, while citrus slices and essential oils brighten complexion with a clean, vibrant scent. It’s perfect for those mornings when your skin (and spirit) needs a fresh start.
Anti-Aging Face Steam
-Best for Mature, Dry, and Normal Skin
This floral steam feels like slipping into a soft, petal-filled cloud for your skin. Rose hydrosol sets a calming, luxurious tone while hibiscus and rose petals infuse the steam with skin-loving antioxidants. A touch of frankincense and ylang-ylang adds a dewy glow to this self-care ritual.
Sinus Clearing Face Steam
-Best for All Skin Types
When the air feels heavy or the sniffles settle in, this steam is like a deep breath of fresh mountain air. Peppermint and eucalyptus help open your senses, while lemon adds a bright, clean lift. It’s a comforting ritual for clearing congestion and giving your skin a gentle refresh—especially during chilly seasons or allergy flare-ups.
Calming Face Steam
-Best for Dry and Combination Skin
Think of this steam as a gentle hug for your skin. Chamomile and calendula work together to calm redness and ease irritation, while the floral notes of chamomile and geranium essential oils create a spa-like serenity. It’s the perfect ritual for when your skin needs extra kindness—especially after a long day wearing makeup.
Pore Cleansing Face Steam
-Best for Combination, Oily, and Normal Skin
When sunscreen, sweat, and summer days start to clog things up, this steam comes to the rescue. Tea tree hydrosol and essential oil help purify and balance, while cucumber cools and refreshes tired skin. A hint of lemongrass adds a bright, crisp finish—leaving your complexion feeling fresh, not stripped.
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Stress Relief Face Steam
-Best for All Skin Types
This steam is like a deep exhale for your skin and your mind. The familiar aroma of Earl Grey mingles with bright citrus and uplifting eucalyptus, creating an instant sense of ease. It’s the perfect way to melt away tension and leave your skin feeling refreshed and balanced.
Hydrating Face Steam
-Best for dry and mature skin
This steam feels like wrapping your skin in a warm, floral cloud. Rose and chamomile gently hydrate and soothe, while notes of lavender and sandalwood create a deeply calming atmosphere. It’s a beautiful ritual for skin that craves moisture and a touch of everyday luxury.
Morning Awakening Face Steam
-Best for all skin types
Like sunshine in a bowl, this steam awakens your senses and your skin. The warmth of chai mingles with sweet citrus and cardamom, creating an energizing aroma that feels like a slow, joyful morning. It’s a lovely way to start the day with a fresh, glowing complexion.
Detoxifying Face Steam
-Best for All Skin Types, Especially Oily and Combination
This steam is like hitting the reset button for your skin! Green tea and grapefruit work together to gently detox and clarify, while eucalyptus helps refresh and revive tired complexions. It’s an especially lovely ritual during seasonal shifts, when your skin craves a little extra balance.
Better Sleep Face Steam
-Best for All Skin Types
This steam is like tucking your skin—and senses—into a soft, calming blanket. Grounding cedarwood blends with soothing lavender and ylang-ylang, creating the perfect ritual for winding down after a long day. Ideal for chilly evenings or winter rest, it helps your skin relax and your mind drift toward restful sleep.
No matter your skin type or season, there’s a face steam here for you! Not sure which recipes will suit you best? Take my quick skin type quiz to discover your personalized skin profile and start enjoying a ritual that truly loves your skin.
HOW TO FACE STEAM AT HOME:
Before you face steam, start with a clean face. I use my aloe vera face wash. Then rinse with warm water and gently pat dry. You can exfoliate with a lip scrub or face scrub before you begin for bonus points!
instructions
- Heat 2 to 3 cups of water over the stovetop until a soft simmer begins. Then add all of the ingredients except essential oils to the simmering water. Once added, stir to combine, then simmer for three minutes before removing from the heat.
- Pour the contents of your face steam into a large bowl. Allow it to cool until the steam is warm to your hand. Then add your remaining essential oils from the recipe to your face steam.
- Drape a medium-sized towel over your head to create a tent. Then lower your face toward the bowl. Stopping about 8 to 12 inches from the bowl. Increase the distance from the steam as needed for your comfort by raising your head.
(Steam for no more than 10 minutes and no closer than 8 inches from the bowl.)
After cleansing and steaming, your skin is going to be thirsty. So, make sure to apply a moisturizer such as DIY glow serum, face mist, or face cream. After this final step, your skin will feel clean and clear with a radiance you can’t miss!
Now you can enjoy the relaxing and cleansing benefits of face steaming by choosing a DIY face steam recipe based on your needs. For more tips, see my in-depth face steam guide.
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What DIY face steam recipe are you going to try first? Got any self-care ideas? I love to hear it in the comments below.
Pin these 10 face steam recipes to add to your self-care routine. Tag #lifenreflection on Instagram to share yours!