How do you self care? I’ve never had an elaborate beauty routine, but something that has become a priority as I’ve gotten older is to make choices that are good for my skin. I have grown to love a good bath tea and facial steam because they’re so easy to make and can be easily customized based on your skin type. There are so many benefits to soaking and steaming your skin- it helps to cleanse pores (by opening them and drawing impurities to the skin), moisturize skin (by increasing oil production) and gives dull skin a nice healthy glow (by increasing circulation). This would also be a great activity for a party if you wanted to set up a DIY station. I carry some of our favorite dried flowers in the shop and purchase the remainder of them at our local bulk supply shop where I am able to fill my own containers and pay by weight. I always recommend using food-grade ingredients whenever possible.

Materials:

The ingredients below are great for all skin types and will help to detoxify and hydrate skin. This mix has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-aging and astringent properties. It will keep to keep your skin healthy as well as to soothe, soften and improve the appearance of it. It’s wonderfully aromatic and beautiful, as well!
– calendula
– chamomile flowers
– dandelion root
– elder flowers
– red clover blossom
– red rose
– yarrow

They are known to soothe, soften, and improve the appearance of the skin

Instructions for making botanical bath tea and facial steam:

Step 1: How to create the mixture

Mix equal parts of each dried ingredients together thoroughly and store in a large airtight jar or smaller individual jars. Store the mixture in a cool, dry place.

How to to use as a bath tea

Spoon the bath tea mixture into a reusable mesh tea strainer or into a reusable fabric tea bag. Fill your bathtub with hot water, then drop your strainer or tea bag into the tub. Allow it to float and steep into your bath water. You can also place the bath tea mixture directly into your water but you will want to make sure that you strain the flowers out before you empty the tub. Don’t forget to compost the flowers when you are done with them!

How to to use as a facial steam

Place a small handful of the botanical mixture into a large heat safe bowl. Bring a few cups of water to a boil and pour the water over the mixture. Carefully lean over the bowl with your face about a foot away, and drape a towel over your head to create a tent. You want to be close enough to the water to feel the steam but not so close that the heat is uncomfortable. Inhale deeply and relax at least 5 minutes, but no longer than 10 minutes. After you’re done, you can follow up with a mask or rinse your face with cool water then follow up with a toner and moisturizer. I recommend doing a steam once a week. Don’t forget to compost the flowers when you are done with them!