Homemade Facials to Clear Blemishes

You can get a great facial at home---for free.

Getting a facial can be a very relaxing experience for many people. It helps to deeply cleanse the skin, removing dirt and impurities, which can result in fewer blemishes. Setting aside the time and money to go to the spa just isn't an option for most people. There are a host of DIY options that you can do at home while watching TV or doing the laundry. Follow just a few easy steps and you'll have glowing skin in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Cleanser:
• 20 almonds
• Water
• Cheesecloth
• 4 drops geranium essential oil
• 2 oz. rose or lavender hydrosol
• 1 oz. vegetable glycerin
• Exfoliator:
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. of olive oil
• 2 tsp. of powdered matcha green tea
• Tea tree oil or neem oil
• Clarifying mask:
• 1 tbsp. honey
• 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• Cotton swabs
• Castor oil

Instructions

1. Wash your face with a gentle, everyday cleanser. Use warm water to help open up your pores and allow your skin to breathe. If you don't already have one, you can easily cleanse your skin with just a few ingredients. Soak 20 whole almonds in water overnight. In the morning, peel the skins off the almonds and blend in a blender with 1 cup of water. When the mixture becomes liquid, strain the solids out with a cheesecloth. Add 4 drops of geranium essential oil, 2 oz.. rose or lavender hydrosol and 1 oz. vegetable glycerin. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and shake well before each use.

2. Apply a facial exfoliator. If you don't already have one, you can make a simple one at home using just a few ingredients from your kitchen and medicine cabinet. Mix 2 tbsp. of brown sugar, 1 tbsp. of olive oil, 2 tsp. of powdered matcha green tea and a few drops of tea tree oil or neem oil. Both of these oils have natural antibacterial properties and the green tea powder is full of antioxidants to soothe the skin. Massage this mixture into your skin in a circular motion, paying special attention to your T-zone. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

3. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once the water boils, turn off the heat and allow it sit for 5 minutes. You can add your favorite essential oils to the water for aromatherapy benefits. Drape a bath towel over your head and stand above the pot, creating a loose enclosure. Allow the steam to open up your pores and penetrate into you skin for about 10 minutes. Dry your face with a clean towel.

4. Apply pressure to white heads with two cotton swabs. Never try to pop them with your fingers. If you're unsure about this step, skip it. If done improperly, it can leave permanent scars.

5. Apply a facial clarifying mask. For an all-natural, DIY version, mix 1 tbsp. honey, 1 tsp. ground nutmeg and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon. Apply this paste to your face and neck and allow it to sit for about a half an hour. This mixture can be drippy. Rinse the mask off with warm water and pat dry.

6. Apply your usual moisturizer. If you don't have one, look around the house for some pure castor oil. It can help prevent wrinkles and will moisturize and soften the skin.

References

• Bella Sugar: DIY Spa Treatment: Sweet Tea Antioxidant Facial Exfoliator
• Bella Sugar: This DIY Mask Really Works
• Care 2: Healthy and Green Living: 3 Ayurvedic Beauty Recipes
• The Green Beauty Guide: One-Minute Ayurvedic Beauty Recipes