8 Step Home Facial For Glowing Skin
Are you neglecting your skin during lockdown?
If your skin is looking dull and feeling rough I have the perfect pick-me-up for you.
Your skin might not be one of your biggest concerns right now with everything going on in the world. But, neglected skin leads to wrinkles. And seeing as your skincare routine has probably gone out the window with the rest of normality, now's the perfect time for a DIY facial.
If done correctly an at-home facial will deep cleanse your pores and perk up tired, dull skin giving you radiant, glowing results. It's also surprisingly uplifting.
These directions include how to do a facial step by step for all skin types. You can even create your own home-spa vibes by getting yourself a portable facial steamer like the KINGA Nano Ionic Facial Steamer.
Or, you can put your head over a bowl of boiled water and it will work just as well. But, a facial steamer is easier and may also encourage you to give yourself a facial more often!
8 STEP-AT-HOME FACIAL
*This post may contain affiliate links. You can read our Affiliate Policy here.
1. CLEANSE
The first step is the most important. Because not cleansing your skin properly allows a buildup of pollutants, microbes, dirt, and other debris like sweat and dead skin cells to lay on the surface of the skin.
This buildup causes skin problems like clogged pores and dull skin. It also prevents all of your other pricey skincare products from working effectively because they can't penetrate through this layer of impurities.
Cleansing properly creates a 'clean slate' for all of your skincare products to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin to do their job!
Cleansers by skin type:
Dry/Normal: Kari Gran - Essential Cleansing Oil
Oily/Combination: Leland Francis - Black Rose Cleansing Gel
Technique: The way you cleanse your face matters. Massage your cleanser into your face and neck (never forget your neck, it will age before your face!) using small circular motions. This step should be performed for at least 1-2 minutes —especially during a facial.
2. EXFOLIATE
Now that your face is clean it’s time to exfoliate. Exfoliation is key to healthy, glowing skin. And you've got two options —physical exfoliation (face scrub) or exfoliating acids (glycolic acid, salicylic acid etc).
I'm a big fan of the latter because with regular use exfoliating acids can totally transform your skin from the inside out. But, face scrub works great too.
All skin types: M3 Naturals Himalayan Scrub
Technique: Use circular motions to massage cleansing cream to the face, neck, and chest with light pressure for 1-2 minutes.
3. STEAM
Steaming is an essential part of the facial because it softens and relaxes the pores —hence the deep cleanse effect your skin gets from a professional treatment.
Step 3 is your 10-minute steam session. UNLESS your skin is sensitive, you suffer from rosacea or have broken capillaries. Then just steam for 4-5 minutes keeping an eye on the redness of your skin.
How to steam: If you're not using an at-home facial steamer then the easiest way to steam your face is;
boil the kettle
pour the water into a large glass bowl (you can add a drop of organic essential oil)
drape a large towel over your head and shoulders
carefully lower your face directly over the steam
don't get too close, it should feel warm but not burn
4. EXTRACTION
Extracting blackheads should only take place after steaming the skin because the steam helps to relax the pores, softening the oxidized oil inside them (blackheads). This is an optional step but should be done with great care to avoid damaging your skin.
How to extract like a professional: Wrap a tissue around each index finger, place one finger on each side of the blackhead, gently push down, together, and under the blemish in a slight “squeeze.” The blackheads should come out easily. If they do not, leave them alone to avoid damaging the skin.
5. MASK
Now your skin is well and truly deep cleansed, steamed, and exfoliated it’s time to hydrate and replenish. Your treatment mask is the heart and soul of your facial. Apply your chosen mask for the recommended time.
Mask for all skin types: Karuna Age-Defying+ Face Sheet Mask
*You can also use a peel that contains exfoliating acids instead of a mask. But skip step 3 as you don't need to exfoliate twice.
6. TONER
After removing your mask, or allowing it to absorb if using a sheet mask, apply your toner just as you would in your daily facial routine. Choose a toner that is not only hydrating but also anti-aging. These ones contain all-natural antioxidant ingredients to protect the skin. The most important thing to look for when buying a toner is an 'alcohol-free' formula.
All skin types: Ere Perez - Herbal Face Tonic
7. SERUM
Now apply an anti-aging/night serum. The best night serum consists of at least one active ingredient or even a blend of three or four. Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a must to keep your skin hydrated. Add it to either your morning or night routine or both! Retinol, a form of Vitamin A is a key anti-aging ingredient that addresses both acne and uneven skin tone. It causes the top layer of skin to turn over faster, reducing the appearance of acne scars, pigmentation marks, fine lines, and wrinkles.
8. NIGHT CREAM
Because Beauty Sleep is Real!
It's true, while you are sleeping skin cell regeneration is at its peak. This is prime time for your anti-aging ingredients to get to work.
This renewal mode is the optimal time for active ingredients to do their job. Hence the importance of night creams and overnight masks. Heavy hitters like retinol and glycolic acid do their best work at night.
Another activity that occurs while you sleep is Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). The process of water evaporating from the surface of the skin.
Night creams are richer than day creams and can create a protective layer that prevents the skin from losing too much moisture and becoming dehydrated.
Combination and oily skin types can become dehydrated too. Just choose balancing, lightweight night creams.
Night cream for all skin types: 100% Pure - Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm
