I have used this regiment for 20 years. I love it because it's simple, relaxing and makes my skin look and feel radiant. Making an aromatherapy facial by yourself or with others is always a great way to experience nature, feel amazing, and bring joy into your being.
Step 1)
Aromatherapy Facial Steam. Fill a pot halfway with purified water and bring water to a boil. Remove boiling water from the stove and add 1-3 drops of essential oil. (Avoid citrus oils as they are photosensitizing to the skin and can cause irritation when used in this way) I like rose geranium, lavender, frankincense, or rose. You can also use a handful of fresh or dried herbs or flowers such as basil, lavender, rose petals, rosemary, and chamomile. When using plant materials, crush them in your hands a bit before placing them into the steam bath to help release their essential oils. Place the pot of hot water on a safe surface. Sit comfortably with your face over the pot use the towel to cover your head and pot. This is your own mini steam canopy. Set the timer for at least 10 minutes. Allow the steam and aromatic vapors to enter your skin and respiratory system. Breathe slowly and feel the pores of your skin opening up to release toxins and receive the benefits of the steam and essential oils. This is a time for you to sit quietly and observe your senses from the natural space you have created. When you feel you have had enough, come out from under the canopy and use the towel to lightly pat your face keeping it slightly damp.
Step 2)
Time to apply a mask. Everyone has a different skin type so below I listed a few preparations of masks for reference. Cover your face with the mask avoiding the eyes and allow to dry. I hope you have made yourself a cup of tea and have a favorite book or magazine to read at this time. I love to sit somewhere and bask in the sunlight. Although sometimes I am excited to be going out so I put on some music and pick out my clothes or stretch while the masks dries.
Step 3)
Remove the mask. I like to cool the essential oil water from my steam by adding more purified water. Dip a clean fresh wash cloth into the water, ring it out, and gently rub the mask off. Repeat these steps until mask is no longer visible on the face.
Step 4)
Pat dry and lightly mist with Moss Botanicals Aroma Mists (My favorites for this are Rose Otto, Orange Blossom, Balance, and Transform) or your favorite hydrosol/toner
Step 5)
Apply moisturizer and lip balm
Mask Ideas- Mix ingredients in small glass or ceramic bowl till everything is a nice creamy consistency. Apply a layer with fingertips or a cosmetic facial brush. Choose a mask with a food, clay or mineral base. Plain yogurt, oatmeal, avocado, egg yolk, aloe vera, honey, and clay are perfect on their own or combined. It is important that you test the different recipes you are formulating to make sure they are complimentary to your skin. I find that staying simple is the most natural and safe. You can also add a drop or two of jojoba, coconut, rose hip seed, or calendula oil to leave your skin feeling moist and supple. Be creative and experiment with different combinations to see what works for you. I usually look in the refrigerator and pick whatever looks good and is available. The one I use the most is french white clay with a few drops of balance roll-on. Or some plain yogurt and honey. Or just avocado.
1 tbsp Cucumber juice
A few drops of Lemon Juice
1 Egg White
1/2 tsp clay (can be purchased online or at local health food store)
For Acne, Moisture, to Prevent Premature Aging
1 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tsp honey
For Dry Skin
1/4 very ripe avocado
1 tbsp buttermilk or heavy cream
1 tsp honey
or a mashed up banana on its own for a mask or with any of the above.
*Do a patch test on a small area of the skin before covering the entire face to make sure your skin has no adverse reactions to the recipe you are using.
Moss Botanicals Body Roll-Ons by Skin Type
You can take the roller cap off to add a few drops to the steam or the mask.
Balance (Rose Geranium, Coriander, Palmarosa) - All Skin Types
Clear (Tea Tree, Myrtle, Lemon Eucalyptus) - Acne, Oily Skin
Relax (Lavender) - All Skin Types
Let Go (Frankincense, Cypress, Rose) - Mature Skin, Dry Skin, Acne, Psoriasis, Redness
Ceremony (Bergamot, Cedarwood, Juniper, Sage) - Acne, Oily Skin, Eczema, Psoriasis
Transform (Australian Sandalwood, Vetiver, Elemi) - Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Dry Skin, Moisturizing
*To avoid your skin feeling irritated, hot, or too red start off using 1 drop of essential oil to see how your skin responds.