Heating the Water

• Heat distilled water to boiling and allow it to cool slightly. Use care when handling the water to prevent burns. Pour the water into a bowl that is large enough to produce steam for your entire face.
  
  

Herbs and Steaming

• Infuse the water with herbs or add essential oils to cleanse the skin. Lavender, for example, has a calming effect and has antibacterial properties. Hundreds of herbs and essential oils are available to add to your water for steam cleaning your face. Check with an aromatherapist to find a combination of oils for your skin.
  Put a towel over your head and lean in over the bowl of water. The towel should create a tent to keep the steam inside with you. Don't lean in too close to the water to avoid burning your skin with the steam.
  Remain under the towel tent for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the steam to envelop your face. Or stay as long as steam comes off the water.
  
  

After the Steam

• After you have steamed your face, rinse with cool water. This is a good time to apply moisturizer if you have very dry skin. Applying moisturizer to warm damp skin allows the moisture to penetrate the skin. Those with oily skin can apply an astringent after the steam clean to remove any excess dirt and impurities from the skin.