11 Traditional Beauty Rituals Gen Z Is Bringing Back

10. Facial steaming with herbs (herbal steam)

Facial steaming is a gentle way to warm skin, soften debris in pores, and enjoy aromatherapy. Across cultures, herbal steams use regional plants — in India, tulsi (holy basil) or neem may be added; chamomile and rosemary are popular elsewhere. To steam safely: boil water, remove from heat, add a few sprigs or a teaspoon of dried herbs, allow it to cool slightly, then hold your face over the bowl with a towel draped over your head for 5–8 minutes. Keep your face at a comfortable distance and take breaks if it feels too hot. People with rosacea, eczema, or very sensitive skin should skip steaming, because heat can worsen flushing. Use steam as a pre-cleanse step before manual extraction or masks, not as a daily habit — once weekly is sufficient for most. Gen Z likes herbal steaming for its ritual feel and easy customization with pantry herbs.