beauty.imnotobsessed.com » How To: Do the Best At-Home Facial

How To: Do the Best At-Home Facial

February 27th, 2008 at 8:13 pm

I have a list. It’s called the “When I am a Millionaire, I will have… a massage and a facial everyday, plus a steam room in my house”. There are a few other daily extravagances on that Millionaire list, but until that day comes, I guess I’ll just have to be satisfied with my favorite pampering products and create a little at-home spa of my own.

For best results, start your facial in the evening, just before going to bed. Complete this facial process at least once a week, but no more than three times per week.

Step #1: Facial Steamer
It’s imperative that every at-home facial start with steam. Steam helps to unlock the pores of your skin, in preparation for a deep clean. Pollutants, sweat, make-up residue, dirt and grime build up each and every day. Steam will detoxify your skin, prevent ache flare-ups, and serve a foundation for a radiant complexion. Adding an organic essential oil will help you to relax: try Eucalyptus or Geranium. Do not steam more than 10 minutes (or until your face breaks a small sweat).

Wide Mouth Steamer
Wide-Mask Sauna
at Cachebeauty.com, $29.99

Step #2: Facial Mask
Follow the steam with a gentle face mask. I prefer a ‘mud’-based mask for it’s cooling and refreshing effect. As a rule, wash away the mask after about 10 minutes (or when it looks just about dry). Any longer than this is probably not necessary and can even cause irritation. Rinse away thoroughly. A face mask is the deep cleansing portion of your facial and will extract any remaining dirt and oil build-up.

Nars Mud Mask (with kaolin, sea silt, algae and white lily)
at Sephora, $45

Step #3: Facial Toner
The toner is a very important part of your facial process. It helps to sooth and balance the pH of your skin. Almost all skin pH values fall in the acidic range (high pH). Skin that is more alkaline (lower pH) has a better barrier function and greater moisturization. Alkaline skin with a lower pH level will also maintain the necessary skin bacteria, which helps protect the integrity of skin. Always use a clean cotton ball or cotton pad to apply the toner (never use a wash cloth or bathroom towel, as they may carry contaminants).

Kiehl’s Toner
Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner
At Kiehls.com, $15

Step #4: Facial Night-Time Lotion/Cream
A cream or lotion designed to work on your skin overnight will help off-set regular day-time damage, address fine lines and wrinkles and certainly make your skin feel firmer. You’re never too young to start adding this to your nightly regime. Be sure to cleanse face in the morning.

Elizabeth Arden Night Cream
Elizabeth Arden Good Night’s Sleep Restoring Cream
at Elisabetharden.com, $38