How to Perform an at Home Facial - Tips from an Aesthetician
Being stuck indoors for the foreseeable future doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be caring for your complexion. Although a much-needed facial may seem like an unimaginable luxury, now is the best time to bring a sense of spa into your home.
Sure, your bathroom has a very different feel than our tranquil treatment rooms but consider turning it into your own temporary oasis! Light some candles, sprinkle a few drops of your favorite essential oil, pour a glass of cucumber water (or wine), and get ready for some serious self-love.
How to perform an at home facial, let’s dive in!
Double cleanse - regardless of your skin condition, always start with a double cleanse. The first cleanse should be performed with an oil-based cleanser to melt away makeup, dirt, and sunscreen. Depending on your skin condition choose either a foaming, or cream-based cleanser for your second cleanse. Foaming cleansers are best for oily/combination skin while cream-based cleansers are a terrific option for dry/dehydrated skin. Focus extra attention on areas of congestion like the chin, sides of the nose, and forehead.
Exfoliate - exfoliating sloughs off the outer layers of skin revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. Depending on your skin condition you can choose either a chemical, physical, or enzymatic exfoliator. Enzymatic exfoliation is great for all skin types, especially sensitive/reactive conditions. Physical exfoliation (think scrubs) is best suited for normal/combination skin conditions and shouldn’t be used over active acne lesions. Chemical exfoliation (AHA’s & BHA’s) are also a great option for most skin conditions unless you have rosacea or extreme skin sensitivity. If your skin is pretty tough you could even opt for a combo of two or more.! Just be mindful not to over-exfoliate as this can lead to redness and irritation.
Masks - we LOVE masks for their versatility and high percentage of active ingredients. Masks can address all sorts of skin challenges such as breakouts, dehydration, dryness, oiliness, and pigmentation. Choosing the appropriate face mask depends on the current condition of your skin. If your skin is oily and prone to congestion look for masks that contain ingredients like Sulphur and clay. If your skin feels dry or rough textured, look for masks that contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin-C. Is redness and sensitivity your issue? Look for masks with plant-derived botanical ingredients that soothe and nourish.
Use Some Steam - steaming is a terrific way to soften the skin and allow the active ingredients in your mask to penetrate more deeply. If you don’t have an at-home-steamer no problem! Just fill a large bowl with hot water and position your face over the bowl with a towel over your head. It’s old-school but works like a charm! If you want a little more of a spa-like-experience toss a few slices of lemon in the water for an aromatherapy boost.
Treat, Massage, and Moisturize - once you’ve removed your mask it’s time to bathe your skin with your favorite serums and hydrators. The overall goal is to nourish and hydrate those newly surfaced skin cells. Choose 1-2 of your favorite serums and apply a small amount (about the size of a pea) to your face, neck, and décolletage. Use upward, feather-like-strokes then press any remaining serum into the skin. Following your serum application apply a generous layer (more than you’d normally use) of your favorite moisturizer. You’ll want your skin to feel a little over-moisturized before performing facial massage. Spend as long as you’d like (at least five minutes) massaging your facial skin to stimulate lymphatic drainage and boost circulation. Remember not to pull or tug on the skin and always massage in long, fluid, upward motions.
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To learn more, contact our San Francisco office and call us at 415.409.6500.