Herbal Facial Steam and Toner

Herbal Steam Blend and Toner

Oily skin is notorious for causing blocked pores which encourage Propionibacterium acnes, the acne causing bacteria, to breed. However, using skin-drying alcohol-based products or harsh face washes actually encourages the oil glands to produce more oil (sebum).

Steaming alone will not clear pore blockages, but the heat will increase circulation, open pores and make your facial skin sweat. Sweat, mainly water, sodium, and potassium, also contains many smaller compounds some of which have antibacterial properties. Sweating also helps flush impurities and contains salt which creates an environment that bacteria do not like.

Our Herbal Steam Blend and Toner is made with organic herbs that are known to help open and deeply clean pores. It can be used as a facial steam or facial toner (directions below). Herbs such as NZ native Kanuka and kawakawa have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that make them valuable natural tools to fight acne. A facial steam softens and helps release dead skin cells, dirt, bacteria and other impurities that can cause breakouts.

Directions:
1 bag is enough for 5 facial steams or it makes 2 litres of facial toner!

FACIAL STEAM: Place 1 heaped tablespoon in a small pot and add 1 litre of water. Put the lid on and bring the water to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes to extract the volatile oils from the kanuka and kawakawa. Take off the heat and leaving the lid on wait a few minutes to allow the water to cool slightly. Be sure steam is not too hot! Place pot on a heatproof surface where you can comfortably sit. Holding your head 20-30 cm from pot, drape a large towel over head and pot to capture steaming herbal water. Allow the steam to bathe your skin a minute or two and then raise your head a bit and take a few breaths of fresh air. Repeat the process for a maximum of 5 to 10 minutes. If at any time it gets too hot under the towel lift a corner to let in a little cool air. As the herbs steep, the rising steam will open your pores and carry the aromatic herbal oils to your skin. Splash face with cool water, to close your pores, and pat dry.

FACIAL TONER: Place 1 tsp. in a small pot and add 1 cup of water. Put the lid on and bring the water to a simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes to extract the volatile oils from the kanuka and kawakawa. Take off the heat, and leaving the lid on, submerge the pot in a sink filled with cold water. Stain the herbs and using a cotton ball or cloth apply the herbal toner to your face. Our toner formula, alcohol-free and non-drying, does not need not be rinsed. Transfer the remaining toner to a jar and store in the fridge. Keeps for 7 days.

Please note: If you have severe or cystic acne heat may aggravate the condition. So check with your doctor before using a face steaming treatment. If steam is contraindicated, you can use the herbal tea as a toner.