A facial at their favorite spa is the best treat many women can give themselves. After all, nothing beats the marvelous results and relaxing vibe it offers. Unfortunately, not all women have the time to be pampered by their facialists, especially if they have busy schedules. Even so, you can still give your skin the extra care it needs through at-home facials. The best part is that you don’t need special tools and products. To give you a better view, here is a guide on how to do the at-home facials.
What is a Facial?
A facial is a popular beauty treatment that involves a series of procedures. Each step has benefits for your skin. Take exfoliation and facial massage as examples. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, while a massage stimulate blood circulation. As such, these procedures will make your face look refreshed and rejuvenated.
Although facials can provide several beauty perks, experts recommend only doing it once a week. You must also practice extreme caution after a facial. That’s because your skin is in a vulnerable state after the series of procedures it has received. So, you must follow aftercare practices, such as avoiding sun exposure and skipping harsh skincare products. That way, your skin can reap the full benefits of the treatment and prevent damage.
How to Do a Facial at Home?
At-home Facials involve several procedures. The basic steps are:
1. Start with a Clean Canvas
The initial step in any facial treatment, whether at home or a spa, is to create a clean canvas. That means you have to make sure your face and neck are free from any dirt, makeup, and other impurities. That way, the products you apply in the next steps can penetrate your skin, making the facial more effective.
To achieve a clean canvas, beauty experts recommend doing a double cleanse. This process involves using two forms of cleanser. First is an oil-based product that removes stubborn makeup and dead skin cells. When washing with an oil cleanser, you can spread it in a circular manner. Afterward, remove the oil by wiping your face and neck with a warm washcloth.
For the next step, a cream or foam cleanser is necessary. Usually, a cream cleanser is ideal for sensitive skin because of its gentle formula. Foam cleansers, on the other hand, can deep cleanse your pores, making them a good choice for oily skin. In this step, you can simply massage your chosen cleanser all over your face and neck for a few seconds, then rinse with warm water.
2. Gently Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells
If your skin has too many dead skin cells, it will look uneven and dull. Gentle exfoliation is the best solution to get rid of dead cells. Plus, this at-home facial step can help in the absorption of the nourishing ingredients you’ll apply next.
Experts recommend using chemical or enzyme exfoliators like glycolic acid. The reason is that they are gentler on your skin compared to facial scrubs. Another great option is a brightening peel if you want a smooth texture while opening your pores.
Usually, blackhead extraction is done during this stage. But this procedure is best left to professionals to avoid damaging your face.
3. Get Steamy
Steam is another vital step of at-home facials because it helps soften your skin and open your pores. But you don’t need a fancy steaming device to perform this procedure.
The simplest way to steam your face is to first boil a pot of water and wait for it to cool. Once the temperature is a bit cool, you can transfer it into a bowl. Then, place your face above the bowl (about twelve inches high), and cover your head and the bowl with a towel. Steam your face for five minutes. You also add some lavender or rosemary leaves to the bowl for a more relaxing steaming session.
4. Apply a Face Mask
Applying a face mask is the best part of at-home facials. After all, you get to nourish your skin while relaxing.
Experts recommend considering your skin type or concern when choosing a face mask. A clay-based formula is best for oily or acne-prone skin. Sheet masks with tea tree oil can also help with acne breakouts. For dry or parched skin, consider masks with hydrating effects, such as hyaluronic acid or aloe vera. To help smoothen fine lines, you can pick products with antioxidants and peptides.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) face masks are currently popular because you can simply mix items commonly found in your cupboard. But Experts suggest avoiding ingredients that are too acidic or alkaline, such as baking soda or lemon. That’s because these materials can damage your skin barrier.
5. Facial Massage
After the relaxing part of your at-home facial, now is the time to nourish your skin with a serum and moisturizer. When applying these beauty products, gently massage them on your face and neck.
A facial massage has various benefits. For one, it can stimulate blood circulation. You can also achieve better product absorption if you use a jade roller. A gua sha can also help lift and tone your face. But if you don’t have massaging tools, your hands will do. Just apply the product and gently massage your face in an upward manner.
6. Don’t Neglect Your Eyes and Lips
If you had a professional facial at a spa, you’ll know that your treatment is about to end when the facialist is treating your eyes and lips. Remember, these two parts of your face are sensitive and prone to moisture loss. So, you also have to give them the extra care they deserve by applying an eye cream and lip balm.
Conclusion
At-home facials are among the best treats you can give yourself, especially if you have a hectic schedule. These beauty treatments will not only make your skin smooth and radiant. They are also refreshing and relaxing, so they can help melt away the stress and tensions you’re currently feeling. So, treat yourself and indulge in a rejuvenating facial at home once a week to feel revitalized and beautiful.
