Once a week at-home facials can take your skin care to the next level and deliver tremendous results. While I rely on professional facials for physical extractions, I maintain my skin with a weekly facial to help keep my pores clear and my complexion radiant. I use these five key steps.
Cleanse:
Start by giving your skin a thorough ‘double cleansing’. First, remove makeup with a product intended to do just that. Follow up by using your favorite cleanser to completely cleanse the skin.
Exfoliate:
Use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells. My preference is one in a powdered form containing enzymes for an added chemical exfoliation, like Brand New Day from One Love Organics. Using your fingertips gently buff away, using small circular motions. Pay attention to areas that are more prone to dryness, and continue down your neck. Exfoliation is a key step in achieving a glowing complexion.
Steam:
Steaming your skin is a necessary, if often overlooked, step to detoxify the skin and open pores. By opening the pores, your skin will gain the maximum benefits for the next step, when you apply a facial mask. For a ‘no frills’ steam, position yourself over a pot of boiling water (not too close) and place a towel over your head to collect the steam. For extra benefits add in some herbs and essential oils.
Mask:
Directly after steaming, apply a deep-cleansing face mask, suitable for your skin type. I am a firm believer in the deep-cleansing benefits of clays and activated bamboo charcoal. These two ingredients will help draw out dirt and impurities, and tighten pores. The May Lindstrom’s The Problem Solver and Osmia Organics Detox Exfoliating Mask receive my highest recommendations.
Facial Massage:
A Facial Massage boosts circulation and stimulates the muscles and lymphatic system. By stimulating the facial muscles, you relieve tension and work to literally iron out fine lines. As you stimulate the lymphatic system you drain out toxins, reliving puffiness, which is incredibly beneficial for the eye area. The result is instant as your skin will appear smoother with a youthful radiance. All you need is a few minutes and your favorite face oil. Into the Gloss posted a how-to video that best shows how to perform a personal facial massage.
If you take the time to love your skin, your skin will love you back. By performing a ritual of pampering yourself, you promote feelings of self-love. Taking time to care for yourself is never selfish, but an integral part of our well-being. If a 5-step facial doesn’t agree with your schedule, break up the routine. Apply a mask post-shower or perform a facial massage in the evenings at bedtime. Whatever you can do, is better than nothing. Commit to skin-care.
