How to Give Professional Facials at Home

Rejuvenate your skin with a relaxing facial you can do at home.

Facials clean, clarify and hydrate the skin, and they can benefit dry, normal, sensitive or oily skin. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get clear, glowing skin. Instead, give yourself a professional facial at home. You can also treat your friends to the same methods used at fancy spas. A home facial begins with an oil massage and ends with an application of moisturizer.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. lemon oil
• Washcloths
• Face scrub
• Oatmeal (optional)
• Honey (optional)
• Cucumber
• Rose water
• Witch hazel
• Cotton pads
• Eucalyptus
• Chamomile
• Gauze
• Almond oil
• Towel
• Clay mask
• Moisturizing face cream

Instructions

1. Mix 2 tsp. olive oil and 1/2 tsp. lemon oil. Massage the oils into the skin all over your face, using the tips of your fingers. Avoid getting the mixture in your eyes, mouth and nose. Clean your face with lukewarm water and a washcloth.

2. Exfoliate the skin with a gentle commercial face scrub. Choose a product containing moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba beads. Dampen your finger, squeeze out a moderate amount of face scrub and massage it onto your face in gentle, small circles. Wash it off completely using a warm, wet washcloth. For a homemade option, mix three parts oatmeal and one part honey. Gently massage it onto your skin, then wash it off with warm water.

3. Cut two 1/4-inch-thick slices from a cucumber. Lie on your back, close your eyes and cover each eye with a cucumber slice. Stay in that position for 10 minutes, then remove the cucumbers. This reduces swelling in the eye area.

4. Mix two parts rose water with one part witch hazel. Use a cotton pad to sweep this homemade toner all over your face, concentrating on the T-zone and jawline. If you suffer from breakouts on your neck, use it there as well. Do not wash it off.

5. Boil 1 qt. of water. Tie the eucalyptus and chamomile into a piece of gauze and place it in the hot water. Turn the heat down to a low temperature and let it sit for five minutes. Slather almond oil on your face. Place a hand towel over your head and bend over the pot, keeping your face at least 6 inches above the water. Remain in this position for five minutes.

6. Smooth a clay mask onto your skin using your fingers. Leave it on for 15 minutes or until it hardens completely. Wash it off with a washcloth and almost-hot water.

7. Put a modest amount of a thick moisturizing face cream in your palm and warm it up by rubbing your hands together. Massage it into your face gently using the pads of your fingers.

References

• Washington Post; Do Your Own At-Home Facials; Diana L. Carswell; November 2004