Nothing beats a professional spa facial but they do get expensive. Taking a little time out for yourself once a week is all you need to rejuvenate your skin and get your glow back. Light a candle and put on some soothing sounds. Remember this is about pampering yourself with a DIY – At home facial not a race.
Start by pulling your hair back. I know this should go without saying but as someone who has tried to get a clay mask out of my hair in a hurry better to put it out there. Sometimes if my hair is just washed and wet I like to use this time to apply a hair mask, wrap in a towel for self-generated heat and give that a little treatment too. Currently liking Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask
Remove Makeup
It’s important to remove your makeup gently so your not pulling, scrubbing and irritating your skin. My favorite makeup remover is Ole Henriksen Nurture Me(TM) Cleansing Cloths: Makeup Removing because it makes it easy to wipe away waterproof mascara which is a staple for me. It also saves my wash clothes from staining.
Cleanse
Every good facial starts with a foundation of clean skin. If you have oily skin you should use an oil-free cleanser and if you have dry skin a hydrating cleanser. Take your time, about two minutes and cleanse in upward circles. Rinse well with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a soft towel. I’m using Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating is so important. It removes the dry, dead skin cells and helps reduce the size of the pores. It smooths the skin and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. My favorite exfoliator is also by Peter Thomas Roth, Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Peeling Gel . I had gotten it in a gift set, really liked it and then realized they were using it it in the NYC spa I go to on occasion. Again use gentle upward circles when applying for about two minutes, never drag down on your skin. Rinse well with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a soft towel.
Steam
Steaming opens up the pores to help release impurities from the skin. You can fill up your sink with hot tap water, add some essential oils (optional) like lavender or rosehips and place a towel over your head while leaning over the sink, to create a tent for about ten minutes. Or you can save your back and just wet a washcloth with really hot tap water and drape it over your face. Do this for five minutes. In both cases be careful that the water is not too hot and that you do not burn yourself. When finished rinse face with cool water. Sidenote: I admit to using herbs from the kitchen cabinet when I was out of oils, a girl has to do what she has to do.
Mask Time
Depending on your individual needs, Clay Mask for oily skin, Hydrating mask for dry skin. Or if your like me and have combination skin, I do both. Clay mask first, Hydrating second. I’ve been using Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask and Fresh Rose Face Mask . Follow the instructions on the product. This step usually takes me about twenty minutes.
Moisturize
Last but certainly not least moisturize. Using your normal daily moisturizer is fine. For oily skin us a water based product, dry skin a heavier oil based product and for sensitive skin it’s a good idea to use something fragrance free. My preferred daily moisturizer is Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer 2 oz
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There you have it, the steps to give yourself an at home facial. In total usually takes about thirty minutes, once a week. If your lucky enough to go for a spa facial this is a great way to extend the benefits in the weeks after. All steps are much more enjoyable with a friend.
Suggested link to view/purchase: Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask. Remember FunToBeAGirl.com will never suggest products we don’t use ourselves.
