Facial steaming, or swedana, is a time-honored Ayurvedic practice that deeply cleanses and rejuvenates the skin. Millennia ago, specialized swedana yantras were used, and detailed illustrations of these devices are still found in classical Ayurvedic texts. Unlike modern steam treatments, Ayurvedic swedana incorporates carefully selected herbs, chosen to address specific skin concerns—from cleansing and clarifying to detoxifying, unclogging pores, purifying, and removing deep-seated impurities.
What You Need
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Facial steamer
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1–2 cups water
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1 tablespoon liquorice (Yashtimadhu) powder
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1–2 toner ice cubes
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5 drops frankincense essential oil (optional)
How to Apply
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If you don’t have a facial steamer, use a shallow, wide-mouthed pot and drape a light cotton sheet or baby bedsheet over your head to trap the steam. Facial steamer cups are also easily available online.
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Add water and liquorice powder to the steamer or pot and allow the steam to build.
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Steam your face for 5–7 minutes.
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Wear a loose, wide-necked robe so the steam reaches your neck and upper chest.
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After steaming, gently rub 1–2 toner ice cubes over the face to cool the skin and seal the pores.
How to Know When to Stop
Steam until steam beads collect on the forehead and can be gathered by gently pinching 1–2 inches of skin between the thumb and forefinger. This indicates that the swedana process is complete.
What to Expect
After swedana, your skin should feel:
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Deeply cleansed
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Rehydrated
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Relaxed and rejuvenated
The skin becomes a receptive canvas for the rituals that follow. In Ayurvedic terms, swedana helps release ama (toxins and metabolic waste), unclogs pores, liquefies trapped sebum, and provides a deep epidermal cleanse that goes far beyond surface washing.
Frequency
Perform swedana once every two weeks or as needed, depending on skin type and sensitivity.
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