DIY Steam Facial: Best Essential Oils for Your Skin Type

Lila Reyna
Oct 8
3 min read

You don’t have to leave home to treat yourself to glowing, hydrated skin.

At-home steam facials are a classic, but adding in the right essential oils for your skin type brings even more benefits — grounding and restorative for the soul, while deeply nourishing for the skin.

That’s what I love most about it…it nourishes both skin and spirit. And the best part?

It takes little to no time to set up and is inexpensive in a world of pricey facials.

Why Facial Steaming Works

Steam alone does wonders for your complexion.

The warmth softens skin and opens pores, making it easier to release buildup and absorb hydration. Circulation improves, which brings a natural glow to the surface.

And when you add essential oils into the mix, you’re not just opening pores — you’re infusing your skin with plant-powered benefits tailored to what it most needs. Think of it as skincare that doubles as aromatherapy: cleansing for the skin, calming for the senses.

Choosing Essential Oils for Your Skin Type

The key to a good DIY steam facial is choosing oils that support your unique complexion.

Here are some blends I’d recommend:

Oily Skin Blend:

Tea tree (clarifies oil and impurities)
Lavender (soothes irritation)
Rosemary (balances oil production)
Lemon (brightens and refreshes)

Dry Skin Blend:

Fennel (supports hydration)
Peppermint (revives dullness)
Rose geranium (locks in moisture)
Rosemary (boosts circulation)

Normal Skin Blend:

Rose geranium (regulates oil)
Neroli (antioxidant and cleansing)
Lavender (gentle hydration)
Ylang ylang (balancing)

Simplify if needed: If you don’t have all these oils, you can still enjoy the benefits by starting with just one.

If I had to choose only one for your to start with:

Tea tree for oily skin
Rose geranium for dry skin
Lavender for normal skin

How to Do a Steam Facial at Home

Heat 4 cups of water until steaming — look for a few bubbles at the bottom, but remove from heat before it reaches a boil.
Choose your blend based on skin type and add:
- Oily skin: 1 drop each of tea tree, lavender, rosemary, and lemon (4 drops total)
- Dry skin: 1 drop each of fennel, peppermint, rose geranium, and rosemary (4 drops total)
- Normal skin: 1 drop each of rose geranium, neroli, lavender, and ylang ylang (4 drops total)

Remember: Essential oils are highly concentrated, so always keep the total between 2–4 drops per steam session. Adding more doesn’t increase benefits — it may actually irritate the skin or eyes.

Stir gently to disperse the oils into the steam and move your water to a heat safe bowl.
Place a towel over your head and lean over the bowl at a comfortable distance. Breathe deeply and let the steam surround you for 5–10 minutes.
When finished, gently pat your skin dry and follow with your favorite moisturizer or facial oil to seal in hydration.

Safety tip: Keep your eyes closed while steaming, and don’t lean too close. The steam should feel warm and soothing, never overwhelming.

A Note of Caution

Every complexion is different. If you have sensitive skin, asthma, or a skin condition such as rosacea or eczema, steaming may not be right for you. Always start slowly, patch test oils, and discontinue if you notice irritation. For personalized skincare concerns, check with a dermatologist or holistic practitioner before trying new treatments.

Why It’s Worth It

Taking 10 minutes to pause with a steam facial isn’t just good for your skin — it’s a way to reset your whole nervous system. These little at-home rituals remind us that self care doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive to be effective. With a bowl of hot water, a few drops of essential oil, and a quiet space, you’ve created your own spa ritual — one that leaves your skin glowing and your spirit a little lighter too.

— Lila

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