Sometimes, especially in winter, our skin can begin to look dull, spotty, tired, and grey. When this happens, some people try to cover it with makeup, only to make their skin worse due to the ingredients. The truth is, there’s only one thing that can really make an impact on problem skin; a facial. The only problem is, that facials can cost a bomb load in the salon – so what can you do? One thing you can try is giving yourself a facial at home. Once you know the things you need and the steps to take it’s actually really easy, not to mention a nice relaxing experience to help you unwind and chill out. To give you a hand, here are the expert tips to giving yourself a relaxing home facial:
Select The Right Kinds of Products
First of all, you need to determine what skin type you have and then choose products according to your skin type. If you just go and choose products willy nilly, you could end up making your skin even worse due to using ‘dry’ products on ‘oily’ skin, for example. The most popular skin types are as follows:
- Oily skin – if you always seem to have a bit of a shine, maybe with spots and open pores.
- Dry skin – dry, flaky skin.
- Combination – a mixture, for example; oily on the T-zone and dry on your cheeks.
- Normal – fairly normal skin with no huge problems.
- Mature – if you have noticeable lines and wrinkles.
You might already know what kind of skin type you have, but if you’re not sure make sure you ask a professional. You can then purchase products to suit your skin type. You’ll need:
- A cleanser.
- A toner.
- A moisturiser.
- A face mask.
- An eye mask (optional).
- A facial exfoliant.
- Eye cream (if desired).
- A mask brush (optional).
- A handful of clean facial cloths.
- Cotton pads.
You can find many of these great products available from DermalSense!
Now you can begin your facial:
1. Protect your hair by tying it up with a hair elastic and headband, or wrap it up in a towel.
2. Take a penny sized amount of cleanser, rub it in your hands to warm the product, and then smooth over your face. Start from the neck and work your way up over the face, using sweeping motions to make sure you cover the whole surface.
3. Work in the cleanser with your fingers, concentrating on the forehead, nose, and chin. Remove the cleanser with cotton pads dampened in warm water, and then repeat the process to make sure your skin is totally clean.
4. Take your facial exfoliator and use a small amount to rid your face of dead skin cells, using gentle circular motions as before. Take time over the same areas as before; the forehead, nose, and chin. Remove the product with warm water.
5. Once your face is totally clean and dry, you can apply your chosen face mask. It’s best if you do this with a mask brush, as you get a more even application, however; you can do this with your fingers. Apply the mask from the neck (never neglect your neck) upwards, always using upwards strokes. Be careful around the eyes, mouth, and nose, and avoid your eyebrows to make life easier. Relax for half an hour, using a soothing eye mask at the same time if needed.
6. Remove the mask thoroughly with warm water and a clean cloth. You can now use cotton pads to carefully apply the toner, and then your fingers to massage in your face cream and eye cream (if using). Always use upward strokes and never miss out your neck. Take as long as you like on this part, smoothing out wrinkles and other imperfections with your fingers.
7. You’re all done. Your skin should now look and feel refreshed and revitalised! Repeat once a week/fortnight for the best results.
The skin is always on show, so it’s important that we take good care of it before it’s too late. Have fun with your facial!