My Favorite At-Home Facial

It may surprise some of you to know that I am not a big fan of facials. I’m not sure what happens when I get them, but despite looking amazing when I walk out, I always breakout a few day later. I look good for three days, but I suffer for two weeks while waiting for my skin to clear up. As a result, I have taken to doing my own facials. If you are eagerly awaiting your spa to open so you can get your facial, I understand. It’s wonderfully relaxing. In the interim, consider giving my favorite at-home facial a try.

Double Cleanse

Any good facial starts with cleaning the skin. I like to start with a cleansing oil or oil balm cleanser. I apply the cleanser in a circular motion all over my face starting on the cheeks and moving onto the forehead, then down the nose and onto the chin. I massage the balm all over my face and then remove with a warm, damp cloth.  The next step is to cleanse again with a cream, gel, or foam cleanser. I prefer a gel cleanser. Using upward strokes and beginning on the chin and moving toward the forehead, then in circular motion all over the face adding a bit of water to emulsify. After massaging into the skin, I remove the cleanser with a warm damp cloth. 

Exfoliate

The next step is to exfoliate. I prefer a chemical exfoliator to a physical one (one with grains or beads). I generally use a peel pad like that from Dr. Gross or Cane and Austin. Again, moving in upward strokes from the chin to the forehead, swiping the pad over the entire face. Let sit for two minutes.

Steam

I like to follow the exfoliation with steam. I steam for five minutes to open my pores.   

Mask

At this point, I apply a mask all over my face. I choose the mask depending on the particular needs of my skin at the time. Lately, I’ve been loving the brightening and hydrating masks. Leave the mask on for five minutes and remove with a warm damp cloth. 

Moisturize

My last step is to moisturize. I apply a few drops of oil and then follow with a cream moisturizer to lock in.