Even if you receive facials regularly, the skin care you provide for yourself at home is so important; and it doesn’t have to be the same old bedtime and morning routines you rush through each day. While what you can accomplish at home can never quite compare to the type of facial you’ll receive from a professional therapist, there are ways to bring that spa-like atmosphere and pampering into your home when you want that extra special care during an at-home facial.
Create a relaxing atmosphere
One of the most relaxing parts of a spa is the atmosphere created when you walk in. Run a nice warm bath with Epsom salt, your favorite bubble bath, or a relaxing bath bomb. Or, if you’re not feeling like a bath, soak your feet and sit back and relax for a while. Light a few candles and drop a few drops of lavender essential oils into a diffuser. Choose a nice relaxing playlist to have going to really take your experience to the next level.
Cleanse your skin well
Before you get started with your facial, you want to have a fresh face to begin with. Make sure that any makeup you’ve been wearing is completely gone and your skin is thoroughly cleansed. Most therapists suggest double cleansing. To double cleanse your face, you start with an oil-based cleanser. Once you’ve applied and rinsed, you go in a second time with a deep cleanser, one that will help remove the oil. The goal here is to allow the oil to remove makeup, any excess product, and excess oil. The second cleanser is there to remove any dirt and grime left over.
Steam your skin
The best way to get a good clean from your facial is to open up your pores. Steam helps you to do that by opening your pores and softening up the top layer of your skin. You do need to be very careful to not over-steam your skin which can dry it out. Get a bowl of hot water, grab a towel, and lean over to place your face over (not in!) the bowl. Place the towel over your head and the bowl in order to trap the steam in. You can also soak a towel in hot water and place it over your face. Make sure the water isn’t so hot that it will burn your skin, of course. You want this warmth to penetrate the skin to help open the pores. This is crucial for the next steps to be effective.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating is extremely important to help remove dead skin. While you may be familiar with normal exfoliating scrubs that have little beads, many therapists suggest not using those because they can cause small micro-tears in your skin which can get irritated and cause breakouts. It is suggested that you use a chemical exfoliator. There are many you can get that are considered over the counter and safe for at home use just make sure you do your research and read the instructions well before applying to your skin, and follow them through. If you want to up your experience, massage the product into your skin, focusing on any problem areas.
Yes, you need a mask
A facial isn’t a facial without a mask is it? There are so many masks out there to choose from so pick the one that best fits your skin type. If you have oily skin, dry skin, or combination, there’s a mask out there for you. A detoxifying mask is even better to clean out the pores since they will still be open after exfoliating. Most masks tell you how long to leave them on, so follow the directions on the packaging.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
You’ve put your skin through quite an experience. You’ve cleansed, exfoliated, masked, and now you need to put something back in. Moisturise your skin with some sort of serum, or just a really good moisturiser for your skin type. Take the time to really massage the product in well, relaxing the muscles throughout your face, jaw, and neck. You may not be a therapist, but you sure can give yourself quite the at home spa-quality facial. Make sure you mark plenty of time off your schedule so you can truly enjoy your experience without any interruptions. Take your self-care to the next level. You won’t regret it!