Aaaahhh. Weekly steam treatments help to open your pores and deep clean your skin. The secret ingredient in this recipe is essential oil of lavender, a fragrant herb that helps keep your skin clear while reducing your stress level to boot. Lavender also may act to balance oils on your skin and kill bacteria, which can cut down on the appearance of acne.

The steam bath:

1 tbsp. herbs (lavender, burdock, sage, or all three)
1 quart boiling water
10 drops lavender essential oil

If you have acne, use burdock or sage—or try mixing all three.

Additional ingredients:

Spray bottle filled with rose water

1. Fill a large, heat-proof bowl with the herbs. Pour boiling water over the herbs to make a tea. (Don't drink it!) Add lavender essential oil.
2. Place the bowl on a tabletop. To capture the steam, hold your face over the bowl and drape a towel over your head so that it covers your head and the bowl completely. Steam your face for 5 minutes.
3. After the steam treatment, spray your face lightly with rosewater, which will seal in moisture and help freshen your skin.

You can repeat the steam treatment once a week to clean out your pores and remove dirt and toxins. Steaming can draw acne to the surface before getting rid of it—so don't do it on days when it's important to look good. back to top