How to Give Myself Facials at Home
An at-home facial is a luxurious and budget-friendly way to care for your skin. Facials should be conducted no more than once a week, as too much care may cause acne breakouts or skin irritation. Many commercial products can be used for at-home facials, but you may also want to experiment with different foods to create your own all-natural skin care products. Gather some friends, pick up some snacks and have an at-home spa party for a night that is good for the skin and the soul. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Soft washcloth
- Face cleanser
- Wash cloth
- Microwave
- Aromatic herbs
- Cheesecloth
- Large pot
- Large towel
- Exfoliant
- Face mask
- Face toner
- Cotton pads
- Moisturizer
- Under-eye cream
Instructions
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Prepare your skin by washing your face with a gentle cleanser. Splash your face with warm water, then rub cleanser into your skin using gentle, upward strokes. If you were wearing makeup prior to your facial, you may want to apply eye-makeup remover as well to thoroughly cleanse your face. Rinse your face with warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.
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Dampen a washcloth, then microwave it for 10 seconds and drape the warm compress over your face. Let the compress sit for at least five minutes. For a more luxurious experience, bundle aromatic herbs such lavender, rosemary and mint in cheesecloth, then place the pack in a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot and remove it from the stove, allowing the herbs to steep and release their oils. Remove the lid and place your face above the pot, draping a towel over both your head and the pot to catch the steam. Let your face rest over the pot for several minutes.
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Buff your skin to slough off dead skin cells and deep clean your opened pores. Warm water and a commercial exfoliant will work, but choose one with microbeads instead of harsh ingredients such as walnut shell or peach pit. Though these products may boast of their natural properties, they may tear and scratch sensitive skin. Microbeads lack rough edges and will polish skin without tearing it. Skin below the eyes is especially delicate, so do not apply exfoliants under the eye.
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Tighten skin by applying a mask or toner. Masks will draw impurities out of the skin and close your pores. Oily skin will benefit from clay masks, which absorb excess oil, while dry skin needs a mask that will add moisture to skin. If you don't have time to let a mask set, harden and dry, swipe an alcohol-free toner over your face with a cotton pad to cleanse pores and tighten your skin. You can use toner after using a mask to remove any lingering dirt, but choose one or the other if your skin is sensitive. Too many chemicals and too much stimulation could cause a breakout.
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Massage a light moisturizer into the skin for hydration. You may also add an under-eye cream if the skin in that area is particularly dry.
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References
Resources
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