There is something quite satisfying about walking into your kitchen, putting a few things in a bowl and creating a spa experience for yourself. Sure, it's beautiful when someone does it for you but that sometimes takes effort to organise plus the expense. Having some DIY tricks up your sleeve between visits to the beauty therapist is heavenly.
Last post we had Vicky Shilling share her favourite self-care tips and one that I loved was that it doesn't have to be all or nothing. Do something quick and easy, a "little and often approach" which is what was the driving inspiration behind this post.
I talk about footbaths a lot. Most nights I take out the basin, put the towel on the floor , pour some bath salts into the basin and hot water from the tap (cooler in summer) then sit for a few minutes on the couch. It's such a restful way to end the evening and prepare yourself for bed, and it helps me sleep better.
Facial steams are another lovely way to give yourself a few minutes of bliss. They take little effort yet have an immediate affect both physically and emotionally. It has an almost magical way of transforming your dull and lackluster complexion into a glowing and radiant version, as though you’ve just returned from holiday.
These facial steams do just that. They work on physical and emotional levels. Each steam is prepared and used the same way, the only difference being the herbs which you choose, which should be ones you love. This is your time out. There’s no point holding your head over a basin of herbs that you hate the smell of! Choose something that you are drawn to.
Some say that self-care is not all about baths and chocolate cake. But if a small little pampering session eases some anxiety and stress, then I’m all for it - who is anyone to say that we can’t shouldn't take time out to have a bath (or facial steam!)
Take a moment out for yourself. Not only a guilt free moment, but enjoy every second of it, knowing you deserve it and what good it is doing for you!
Caution, if your skin is affected by weeping acne, rosacea or sun/windburn or if you have broken capillaries the heat can further irritate these conditions so please avoid.
Facial Steam – Basic Steps
To prepare:
- Thoroughly cleanse your skin
- Boil the distilled or purified water in a pan on the stove
- Remove the pan from the heat, add the herbs, cover and steep for 5 minutes
To use:
- Place the pot on a table where you can comfortably sit for 10 minutes (the pot is hot so make sure you place it on something to protect the table!)
- Remove the lid, put your face over the pot about 20-30cm above the water and drape a large towel over your head and shoulders to create a tent so the steam stays in
- Keeping your eyes closed, breathe deeply and relax for 10 minutes, absorbing all of those beautiful botanical properties
- Once finished, splash your face and neck with tepid water, then with cold water. Lightly pat the skin dry and finish by massaging in some of your Rejuvenating Facial Oil
Rose Geranium & Fennel
3 cups distilled water
1 tbsp fennel seeds – crushed
2 drops rose geranium essential oil
Follow the directions above, adding the crushed fennel seeds to the boiling water
Fennel skin benefits:
- high in antioxidants which helps fight off free radicals damage our cells
- considered to be an excellent anti-aging herb
Emotional benefits:
- balancing to the psyche and helps those struggling with self-doubt and low self-esteem
- has historically been given to warriors to give them strength and courage
Rose Geranium skin benefits:
- enhances circulation and promotes clear healthy skin
- rejuvenates the complexion
Emotional benefits:
- promotes emotional stability and a deeper sense of relaxation
- calms the nerves and lessens stress
- a heart-centre oil, it helps manage feelings of overwhelm
Chamomile & Lavender
Follow the directions above, adding the herbs once the water has boiled.
3 cups distilled water
3 tbsp dried chamomile flowers
Small handful of dried lavender, or 2 drops of lavender essential oil
Chamomile skin benefits:
- calming on the skin,
- rich in flavonoids and antioxidants
- protects the skin against the free radicals that cause aging
- wonderful for dry skin
Emotional benefits:
- Chamomile brings a sense of peacefulness
- can help those of us trying to overcome feelings of disappointment and hopelessness
Lavender skin benefits:
- helps to soothe skin irritations
- helps the skin recover quickly
- eases muscle tension, helping the face look more relaxed
Emotional benefits:
- said to be the oil of honest communication
- settles the mind and frees us to settle into our heart and speak with gentleness and kindness
- eases anxiousness and fear, and allows us to feel present
Hibiscus and Rosemary
Follow the directions above, adding the herbs once the water has boiled.
3 cups distilled water
3 tbsp hibiscus dried flowers
2 tbsp rosemary leaves
Hibiscus skin benefits:
- ability to firm the skin due to the alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) it contains.
- rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Emotional benefits:
- lifts the spirit, helps overcome feelings of anxiety and depression
- has a mild sedative effect, helps relieve restlessness
- helps you to fall asleep
Rosemary skin benefits:
- promotes circulation, creating a smoother appearance to the skin
- helps reduce excess oils so is helpful to those with acne.
Emotional benefits:
- can help you feel more alert, cheerful
- it is said to have an effect on our memory, assisting us with learning.
- helps reduce fatigue and nervous tension.
I would love to hear your favourite herbal combination is!
If you loved this post, you might be interested in our other self care beauty posts:
5 Ways to use Bath Salts without putting a toe near a tub
3 simple pantry ingredients to use for pampering
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