#FaceFlawlessFacial: How to Do an At-home Facial
If you told me a couple of months ago that the only option to get a facial today would be the DIY option, I would have laughed in your face. (Now I can't even see your face in person.) Before the Corona lockdown, Felicia and I were planning a trip to Mario Badescu to get facials with four girlfriends. Now, with social distancing, everything is virtual. While we are on lockdown, facials seem more crucial than ever — they are calming, soothing and help us to feel normal. The side effect just happens to be skin that looks and feels great.
Here Are 7 Steps to Help You Master the At-home Facial:
Step 1. Cleanse
Even though we are at home, we are still wearing a bit of making because the video calls and virtual happy hours are non-stop! If you are wearing makeup, we recommend a double cleanse. Start with a cleansing oil, cleansing balm, or a makeup remover. Be sure to follow the directions on the packaging. Cleansing oils and balms are usually applied to dry skin. If you are not wearing makeup, start with a cleanser of your choice. To get a deeper clean, consider using a facial brush, sponge, or muslin cloth. Use gentle circular motions and rinse with warm water. Follow with a toner to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean.
Step 2. Steam
My favorite part of my at-home facial is steaming. It gives me a chance to chill and focus on my breathing. In addition to the skin benefits listed below, steam can also help to clear your sinuses (something I desperately need during allergy season.) Here are some reasons to steam your face.
Water vapor loosens dirt, debris and other contaminants that can clog pores
Steam opens pores making extractions easier
Steam prepares the skin for treatments that follow
Steam helps to improve circulation, which can boost your natural glow
While steaming is excellent, you don't want to overdo it. Limit steaming sessions to once or twice per week for about 10-15 minutes. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to steam for shorter periods and limit to only one per week.
Don't have a portable facial steamer at home? Fill a bowl with hot water and place your face over it. Be careful not to burn yourself.
Step 3: Extractions (Optional)
I'm not going to lie — I generally leave this up to the pros. I'll do extractions gently around my nose and occasionally use a skin scrubber. Do as much as you are comfortable doing without bruising your skin. Hyperpigmentation may happen if you get too aggressive and break the skin.
Step 4: Treatment
There are so many options for this step, and all of them depend on what your skin needs. For those with oilier skin, there's the option of a detoxifying clay mask such as Sun Meets Moon Earth Mud. Applying a light layer can help pull out impurities and balance oil production. I like to apply my masks with this tool from ELF — Though I’m doing my own facial it makes me feel like a pro. Using The Ordinary AHA Peel or exfoliating with a tool like the Silk’n Revit Microderm Device are good options for skin that needs a bit of refining. If you are all about boosting moisture, you can go right to a hydrating sheet mask.
I love a combination of clay mask in my t-zone and the exfoliating mask on the outer areas of my face. I ALWAYS follow with a sheet mask to moisturize and plump my skin. This combination boosts glow AND moisture -- how could it be wrong? :)
Step 5: Apply a Serum
Use the serum of your choice, depending on what your skin needs and what you did in step 4. If you used a peel or microdermabrasion, use a calming, soothing, and hydrating serum such as Botanics Simply Calm Hydrating Serum. It includes aloe, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. It helps improve the skin's barrier function as well as help to reduce redness. If you opted for a gentler treatment such as an hydrating mask, a more active serum, such as Vitamin C may be a good option.
Step 6: Apply an Eye Cream
The eye area has thin skin the can wrinkle and crease prematurely if it's not properly moisturized. If you used a sheet mask in step 4, you likely got a bit of under-eye hydration from your mask. Boost that even more by applying an under-eye product targeted to your specific needs. Dark circles? Click here! Fine lines and wrinkles? We got you! Under-eye bags? This way! Click here to learn how to properly apply your eye cream.
P.S. It's ok to use a basic face moisturizer under your eye.
Step 7: Apply a Moisturizer
Opt for your favorite nourishing moisturizer, face oil, or both. You made it to the final step — give yourself a facial massage! I love to finish my facials with an oil like the Arch Glow Face Oil. It contains rose absolute oil, which smells phenomenal. Two drops, warmed up between my hands and pressed into my skin, bring me joy, and makes my skin feel amazing (It’s the little things). Extend the feel-good vibes and boost your glow by giving yourself a face massage with your fingers, a jade, or rose quartz roller. Follow with sunscreen if you plan to venture out after your facial.
Be gentle with your face and yourself as you navigate this new way of life and let’s meet on Instagram Live the first Sunday of every month for #FaceFlawlessFacial. We go live at 5 pm EST.