I received this little device a while ago and, of course, I couldn’t wait to try it and share my impressions on the blog! So let’s talk about facial steam, inhalation and cocooning today ! Well, normally, when I want to use steam for a home facial cleanse or to clear the nasal passage, I use the old-school method : I fill a large bowl with hot water, essential oil, dried flowers, sea salt or herbs. I cover my head with a towel and hold it over the bowl for 15 to 20 minutes. It’s not very glamorous or practical, but it’s pretty efficient. Though that was before I tried out this cute steam diffuser, which I’ll talk about in detail in this post.
A reminder before starting:
- The facial steam bath is a natural skincare routine suitable for all skin types (except couperose-prone skin or skin affected by rosacea and redness). It’s as simple as choosing the right essential oils or dried flowers, according to your skin’s needs. This helps to gently purify, detoxify and cleanse the skin, as well as eliminating spots and blackheads more easily. Ideally, you should apply a face mask just after your facial steam bath. The pores are open at this time, so the mask is more effective. Combination and greasy skin types can enjoy a facial steam bath every week, while more sensitive skin types should do so every 10-15 days.
- Inhalation & clearing the nasal passage cleanses, purifies and unblocks the nasal path when you have a cold, sinusitis, allergies, congestion or rhinitis, or if you’re in an environment with dry or polluted air. It’s very effective
How does the diffuser work?
It couldn’t be easier to use. There are 2 nozzles: 1 for the facial hammam steamer function and 1 for the inhalation function (to combat nasal congestion). For the water, there is a little plastic measuring cup, which tells you how much water to put in the diffuser. You then add 1 or 2 drops of essential oil, fit the nozzle of your choice, press the ON button and you’re in business. To note: skin should be clean and all makeup removed before this routine, of course.
The positives:
- It’s super easy to use.
- It doesn’t need much water and, above all, it’s much safer than the traditional bowl method. There is no risk of burning yourself, exposing your face to too much hot steam, or spilling hot or boiling water over yourself.
- The nozzle for unblocking the nasal passage is very good.
- You can control the amount of steam for the facial hammam. It’s effective but I opt for the maximum amount of steam otherwise it’s not enough, in my opinion.
- The price is reasonable, around 56 euros on the brand’s website (only available in french..) or here ( avail in english )
The negatives:
- I would have liked the Hammam nozzles to englobe my whole face, like my old mixing bowl method does. With this steam diffuser, only part of the face is covered. Facial contours like the top of the forehead and the sides of the jaw are not.
- The dosage for the essential oils. There aren’t any indications as to which dosage to use, nor are there any suggestions about which essential oils to use when purifying the face or the nose. This is a shame! So, I had to look for suggestions online, and, even then, I added too much. You really have to use a very small amount of essential oil, 2 or 3 drops is enough (I added 4 drops of each – far too much – I almost asphyxiated myself lool!). Though at least I can warn you all – so it’s not so bad 😉
Some suggestions for essential oils and herbs:
Don’t use more than 3 or 4 drops in total for this diffuser, especially for the hammam steam facial function. If you are using a mixture of different essential oils, just use 1 drop of each. Most importantly, be sure not to exceed the dose as the container is small, so any more will be too much. You can also use homemade infusions of herbs, spices or flowers (linden, chamomile, thyme or rosemary for example), prepared in advance. If you choose to use an infusion, simply pour it straight into the diffuser rather than water.
For the skin / Noozle 1 – Hammam function.
- To purify skin : true lavender or tea tree essential oil.
- If you have acne, combination or greasy skin: tea tree essential oil.
- For a healthy glow: carrot seed essential oil.
- If you have greasy skin: a few drops of lemon juice or rosewood essential oil.
- If you have sensitive skin: linden infusion, patchouli essential oil or chamomile essential oil.
For the nose / Noozle 2 – Inhalation function.
As well as doing the steam treatment, you can also do salt water nose washes with a spray. You can breathe in two drops of pure eucalyptus radiata essential oil to treat sinusitis, or two drops of niaouli to help clear a blocked nose (from a tissue, 4 to 5 times a day). Massaging eucalyptus radiata on the maxillary and frontal sinuses is also very effective in treating sinusitis.
- To purify : tea tree, ravintsara, thyme or eucalyptus radiata essential oils.
- To clear nasal congestion: niaouli, peppermint or thyme or this mixture (1 drop of each): thujanol thyme, ravintsara, eucalyptus radiata, niaouli and true or aspic lavender.
- For sinusitis: this mixture works well: (1 drop of each): tea tree essential oil, rosewood essential oil, peppermint essential oil and ravensara essential oil.
To conclude this little crash test, I am on the whole satisfied with this diffuser. Peter and I have permanently incorporated it into our routine. Yes, there are a few disadvantages, but it’s pretty practical and it’s still better than my steam bowl method, despite achieving similar results. It’s a nice present, either for yourself or for Mother’s Day! Also, it doesn’t take up too much space.
I hope that you liked this article. I’ll be doing some more posts on essential oils and natural skincare routines. In the meantime, feel free to share your own experiences or leave a comment – it’s always great to get your feedback and opinions.
Kisses,
Credits : photos @ Peter soubbotnik / Translation @Jf beaulieu
