Swedana

Swedana

One of the most celebrated processes of facial cleansing in Ayurveda is Swedana. Literally speaking Swedana means sweating through steam. This beauty ritual is the easiest and simplest form of giving the skin a deeper cleanse.

WHAT IS FACIAL STEAMING

‘Swedana’, or facial steaming helps to remove toxins from the skin and deeply cleanses the pores. When you steam your face, the skin maintains its core, internal temperature, thereby increasing blood flow to the face. This process is also known as thermoregulation.

BENEFITS OF FACIAL STEAMING

• When steaming the face, blood circulation to the face increases along with the supply of more oxygen and nutrients, thereby lending a natural glow to the skin.
• Facial steamers allow the pores to be deeply cleansed by releasing the toxins and dirt build up.
• Steaming your helps regular skincare regimen to get wholly absorbed by the skin, thereby enhancing overall beauty ritual
• Steaming the face for acne or using a facial steamer for blackheads or whiteheads is highly effective as it helps to release acne causing bacteria and softens the skin’s sebum.
• As your skin matures, the production of collagen reduces, forming fine lines and wrinkles. Steaming improves collagen production reducing fine lines by hydrates the skin.
• It is an easily and accessible ritual to follow at home, without professional help.

HOW TO STEAM FACE AT HOME

Ayurdeva advises to invest in a facial steamer! It is inexpensive and easy to use and the benefits far outweigh its cost. However it is not mandatory. If you don’t have a face steaming machine, you can simply bring a bowl of water to a boil. Use a towel to cover your head while inhaling the steam and make sure you don’t get too close to the boiling water.

• First remove all make-up with Shehoba oil cleanser
• Apply a thin film of facial wash or mask
• Add herbs and water and bring to a boil
• Cover your head with a towel
• Lean over the steam and let the steam engulf your face
• Once finished, use a Ramya cleansing milk to wash off build up.
• Follow with a nourishing saffron and Manjish enriched Kadhambari Night oil and top with Kadhambari night cream.

HERBS TO USE

Adding herbs will allow the incredible properties of the herbs nourishing your skin and soul as well as balancing your mood. It’s best to use organic or pesticide free herbs and flowers. You can use ones that grow in your backyard or Pushpanjali, an organic blend of herbs and flowers designed to boost circulation and encourage natural skin healing. Aromatic, moisturizing, calming, and toning, this blend is super nourishing for the skin.

BLENDS FOR SKIN TYPES

DRY SKIN: Face steaming for dry skin is an excellent way to hydrate and remove dead skin cells, for a glowing finish. Blend to a coarse powder

• 1tsp Liquorice
• 1tsp of Himalayan Pink salt
• 2-3 dry Bay leaves
• 1tsp Fennel seeds
• Rose petals

OILY SKIN: If you are wondering if face steaming is good for oily skin. The answer is, yes! Face steaming softens the sebum, which makes it easier to cleanse it away and keep the pores clean, thereby reducing their appearance. Blend together

• 1 tsp Liquorice
• 2-3 dry Bay leaves
• 5-6 Neem leaves
• 1 bag of green tea
• 1 Tsp Lemon Peel Powder
• 4-5 Tulsi Leaves
• Teatree or Eucalyptus essential oil

SENSITIVE SKIN: I am asked all too often, if face steaming is good or bad, especially for sensitive skin. In this case, it is important to not overdo it. Just 5 minutes is all I would recommend for this skin type. Blend together

• 1Tbsp rose petals – fresh or dry
• 1tsp dried Mint leaves
• 1 tbsp dried Chamomile
• 1tsp Fennel seeds
• 1 Green tea bag
• 1 tsp Aswagandha Powder
• Lavender essential oil

In conclusion, remember that like a painting start with a clean slate! Cleanse, Steam, Cleanse and moisturise. The skin is at its softest and most absorbant self. A dense moisturiser will go under the sevenlayesr and enrich the skin from within. The glow next morning would be unbeatable