Pamper yourself with an at-home facial
While nipping off for a weekly facial may be the stuff dreams are made of, it’s unlikely to be a possibility for the majority of us. Treating your skin, however, can be done (and done well) at home. Not only is a regular at home facial a great way to manage any complexion concerns, it’s also a great chance to unwind while you pamper yourself. Follow our easy guide for a beautiful, relaxing experience in the comfort of your own home.
1. Set the scene
While you don’t have to whip out the scented candles, creating a relaxed environment can go a long way in creating a home spa experience. Something as simple as dimming the lights can instantly soften your mood and help you unwind. Candles, your favourite chill out tunes and even burning some essential oils like lavender can also help set the scene and make you feel as if you’re “properly” indulging.
2. Start with a deep cleanse
While the majority of us cleanse our faces once or twice daily, it can sometimes be a haphazard scrub and rinse at best. Spending a few extra minutes deep cleaning our skin creates the perfect foundation for the treatment products you’ll apply next. The best way to deep cleanse is by running a face washer under the hot tap to create a warm compress. Apply to your face to open pores. Follow with your favourite cleanser and really work it in, using your fingers or a cleansing brush to create small circles from your forehead all the way down your neck. Remove your cleanser using warm water then apply the warm compress again to ensure your skin is completely clean and pores are primed.
3. Follow with a scrub
Using heat and massage will help dislodge dirt from your pores but for a really deep clean, a gentle scrub is ideal. Physical scrubs, or products with a grainy texture aren’t generally recommended for mature skin and can be quite harsh and irritating. Try a chemical product that uses AHAs or BHAs to lift away dead skin cells and reveal a fresh, smooth complexion. Apply to your deep cleansed skin, massage in then remove thoroughly.
4. Apply a face mask
Most skin types would benefit from weekly face masks but with our busy lives, that’s not always an option. Choosing and applying a mask specific to your skin type during your facial is a great way to treat and pamper your complexion. There are a huge variety of masks available for all kinds of skin concerns. Consider what your primary skin issue is to help you choose. Generally, you can’t go wrong with a soothing, moisturising formula though a brightening treatment can also be great for mature skin types. While gel/cream formulations are popular, a cloth facial mask can really bump up nutrients for your skin. These masks are simply sheets infused with specific ingredients that you lie over clean skin. Check out your local Priceline or pharmacy to find one to suit. Apply to clean, slightly damp skin for best results and sit back and relax for at least 10 minutes to experience the full effects.
5. Seal in the results
Depending on your chosen mask, you’ll either need to rinse of or massage in excess product. Gel/cream masks need to be thoroughly removed before treatment products are applied while cloth masks can be taken off and the leftover serum gently worked into skin. Once you’ve removed your mask, apply your favourite skincare serum or moisturiser. Skin is primed to absorb nutrients after a facial so it’s the perfect time to apply your treatment products. Massage in well and allow it to absorb. It’s always best to do a DIY facial of an evening or at a time when you don’t need to go out or apply makeup/other products. Being able to head to bed or relax at home gives all the goodness you’ve applied to your skin plenty of time to absorb and work its magic.
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