The beauty and skin care industry is growing year on year as more and more consumers spend time and money on their skin and appearance. For many people their aim is to keep their skin healthy while reducing the effects of aging. Among the most popular treatments that give fast results and instant youthful glow to your skin is getting a facial, but there is no need to run off to the salon, it is totally possible to create the feel of a professional spa-like salon at home.
If you think this is a super-daunting task, then this guide is going to change your mind. With the right products and techniques, it's easily possible to get a salon-like facial at home using our step-by-step guide for that ultra-radiant glow, so light some scented candles, put on soothing music, and make sure the room is warm and comfortable.…
Step 1: Have Your Supplies At Hand
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary supplies on hand. You'll need a cleanser, exfoliator, facial steamer or hot towels, face mask, serum, moisturiser and any additional products tailored to your skin type and specific concerns (e.g., eye cream, spot treatment).
Step 2: Cleanse
Start by removing any makeup, dirt, and impurities from your skin. Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser suitable for your skin type. Wet your face with lukewarm water, massage the cleanser into your skin using circular motions, and rinse thoroughly.
Step 3: Exfoliate
Any self-respecting facial needs to start with exfoliation, this helps to rid the skin of dead cells and unblock the pores, leaving your face smoother, brighter and more radiant. It could be any basic exfoliating agent, either alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids or BHAs for oily skin, or even a gentle scrub for the very sensitive skin. Avoiding the sensitive area around your eyes, gently massage the exfoliant over your face. Then, rinse with warm water.
Step 4: Steam
To make sure your skin fully receives the benefits from the products you use, the first step is to steam your face. Use your facial steamer at home according to manufacturer's instructions. A similar effect may be achieved by covering your face with a fresh, heated towel for a few minutes.
Step 5: Extract
If you have any stubborn blackheads or whiteheads, now is the time to extract them gently. Use a clear and sterile extraction tool to remove them, or a wrapped cotton swab. Apply light pressure around the blemish and avoid squeezing too hard to prevent scarring or further irritation.
The skin is a delicate organ so remember to…
- Be gentle
- Wipe any debris onto a cotton pad
- Dispose of the used pad and blot the blemish with astringent
- Repeat the extraction process again on any other required areas
- Once you’ve extracted all blackheads or whiteheads apply toner to the area
Step 6: Mask
Apply a nourishing mask after opening your pores. Select a face mask that suits your skin problem symptoms, like brightening masks for dull skin, moisturising masks for dry skin, and clay masks for oily or acne-prone skin. Do not cover the area around the eyes and apply the mask on your face evenly. Let it set for the time period given.
Step 7: Massage
While the mask does its magic give yourself a soothing facial massage - with light fingertips or a facial massage tool, go over your whole face in soft, upward, and outward movements, following the natural lines of your face. This phase facilitates the absorption of the substance, enhances circulation, and releases stress.
Step 8: Remove Mask and Tone
After the appropriate amount of, take the mask off by using a clean, soft washcloth with lukewarm water. Follow with an appropriate toner to return the pH balance of the skin for the remaining steps in your at-home facial soothing.
Step 9: Serum
Serums are highly concentrated treatments for specific skin issues, including fine lines, skin darkening, or dullness. Select a serum that matches your problems, use a suitable amount, and apply on your face and neck, gently patting it into your skin until fully absorbed.
Step 10: Eye Cream
The delicate eye area requires special attention. Apply a small amount of eye cream using your ring finger, gently patting it around the orbital bone to hydrate and brighten the under-eye area. The skin around the eye is extremely delicate and should never ever be runned, gentle patting is more than sufficient as the delicateness of the skin ensure rapid absorption of any applied products.
Step 11: Moisturise
Finish your professional spa-style facial by applying a nourishing moisturising lotion or cream suitable for your skin type. Massage it generously into your face, neck and decolletage using brushing upward strokes, allowing it to fully absorb into the skin before adding any protective products.
Step 12: Protect
After facial skin care treatments, especially extraction, your face will be sensitive and very exposed. In this step, you will protect your delicate skin barrier by applying toners, serums, face oils etc. First, apply eye cream using tapping movements around the eyes. Start at the inner corner and move outwards. After, apply serum, moisturiser and sun protection over the chest area, neck and face, it is always recommend that you use SPF 30 or higher.
It is important to remember that maintaining a glowing complexion needs consistency. Try giving yourself a spa facial at home once a week, or as frequently as your routine and commitments dictate, don’t rush a facial when you have a spare few minutes, make it a ritual that needs your full attention. By practicing and using the appropriate products, you just might get the advantages of a spa-quality face without ever having to leave the comforts of your own home.