This skin ritual will calm the mind and give you better skin in 10 minutes

When it comes to my complexion, nothing is out of the question. Multi-step (and scalable) skincare routines? Obviously. Red light and microcurrent sessions in the morning and prescription quality nighttime tretinoin purchased in Mexico, check and verify.

So when I heard about herbal facial steaming, the age-old technique of absorbing the benefits of herbs through steam, I was intrigued by the idea of ​​incorporating something lo-fi and totally natural in my routine. The act seems so indulgent, but it’s one of the easiest ways to get that spa feeling from the comfort of your own home.

Standard facial steaming, a relatively popular practice, comes with its share of skin-soothing benefits. Facial steaming helps unclog pores by releasing buildup (including oil) in pores and allowing for deep cleansing, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose. Steam also hydrates and increases circulation. Introducing herbs only enhances the results, with the hot water extracting the properties of the plants and the steam infusing them into your skin. And as Murphy-Rose notes, the accompanying aromatherapy can be used to de-stress.

The trick is to select uncontaminated herbs (chemicals are not welcome in our facial bath) that are gentle yet robust. The benefits we concentrate in our steam are anti-inflammatory and soothing, all chosen to help reduce puffiness and calm the skin, explains Jess Morelli, founder and formulator of Palermo Body, a natural beauty brand inspired by the great- Sicilian mother of Morelli and her garden. Palermo Botanical Facial Steamer features a stunning organic blend of rosehip, rose petals, calendula, comfrey, chamomile, hibiscus, dandelion root, yarrow and elderflower. While this concoction may seem complex, Morelli suggests simply sticking to what you’d find in a soothing herbal tea and taking the time to enjoy the process.

Facial steaming is a sensory experience that takes a little more time in the day, so I like to be really realistic, Morelli says. I really approach it because it’s something to do when you really want to take an extra ten or fifteen minutes for yourself. She also recommends going the old-school route (hot water and herbs in a large bowl) rather than adding plants to home steaming appliances, as the material could block the mechanisms. (I’ve found that opting for simplicity actually gives the nature of an herbal steam session, making it more ritual than diet.)

According to Morelli and Dr. Murphy-Rose, herb steaming should be a weekly routine, not daily, and is best limited to 10 to 15 minutes.

Facial steaming is one of those practices that can definitely benefit the skin, but shouldn’t be overused, says Dr. Murphy-Rose. Excessive use of steam may contribute to the formation of dilated blood vessels or telangiectasias. She warns that people with rosacea or melasma should use special caution when exposed to heat and that all steam users should maintain a safe distance to avoid burning the skin barrier.

Last night I saw myself dousing dried rosebuds, lemon verbena and helichrysum in hot water, covering the bowl with a thin linen cloth and putting my face in the path of the steam. I inhaled and exhaled to a podcast soundtrack, Robin Wall Kimmerer breathlessly discussing the intricacies of moss while my pores and lungs drank in the natural power of plants. It was the most relaxing 15 minutes of my week and I swear my skin after the steam felt as fresh as a silk petal.