The holidays are officially over which means the inevitable self-deprecation and guilt tripping may now commence.  Perhaps you’ve over-indulged with decadent holiday desserts, or maybe you’ve treated yourself to a few too many cocktails (heavy on the booze, light on the mixers).  Regardless of whichever way you put a dent in your digestive tract and major internal organs this December, remember that what goes in must come out.

We’re talking about pores, of course.  All of that deliciously rich chocolate you gorged yourself on during Christmas and the bottomless wine spritzers you sipped on New Year’s Eve are slowly going to make their way out, so don’t be surprised if you wake up with the face of a pubescent teenage girl in desperate need of salicylic acid acne cream.

Instead of fighting back with harsh chemicals, go organic with a detoxifying facial steam blend like we did.

Our choice: Fig + Yarrow Autumn Herbal Steam.

This aromatic and certified organic blend of dried herbs and blossoms including rosehip, cardamom, figwort, citrus peel, juniper berry, star anise, rosemary and cornflower is the perfect mélange to open pores and detox skin.

The colors alone are a sensory treat, but the true magic is in the fresh yet subtle scent of this hypnotic concoction.  Allow yourself to unwind and immerse your senses with the gentle steam.  Your face (and even your mood!) will thank you later.

Application: In a large bowl, cover a handful of any Fig + Yarrow herbal steam blend with boiling water; allow to cool slightly before placing a towel over your head, creating a steam tent. Breathe deeply for 5-15 minutes before patting dry.

The process may seem simple, but the results are extraordinary.  We suggest keeping a hand mirror nearby to examine your skin after steaming along with an extractor for a little extra help removing that hard-to-get gunk out of your pores.  It’s a priceless tool and an esthetician’s best friend!

Was your face able to make it through the abundance of holiday feasting unscathed? If so, count your lucky stars.  Regardless of how lovely your complexion might be, a Fig + Yarrow herbal steam remains to be a delightful break in the ordinary routine of creams and cleansers which are all-to-often unforgiving on your skin.  Stop neglecting your face and give your skin a quick pick-me-up now and again.

To learn more about Fig + Yarrow Herbal Steams, visit www.figandyarrow.com

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