Facials are a relaxing and fantastic pick-me-up; they leave your skin bright and glowing. While it is great to be pampered and have the whole spa experience, why spend the money to pay somebody else to do it when you can do it yourself! At home facials are a quick and inexpensive way to feel refreshed. Follow these six simple steps to the new rejuvenated you: Cleanse, Exfoliate, Tone, Steam, Mask, Massage/Moisturize… (Happy face, happy you!) Before you start, make sure your hands are clean as you do not want to transfer bacteria to the sensitive skin of your face.P.S. This is great for men too!! We won’t make fun of you; we dig your masculine edge. But soft skin is always a plus, especially when you’re rockin’ the scruff!Step 1: CleanseCleansing is an essential part of a facial. The goal of cleansing (and of facials) is to remove as much gunk and dead cells off the surface of your skin. To do so, mix 2 tablespoons of warm milk with a couple drops of olive oil. Apply this mixture to your face in circular upward motions. Remove the cleanser with warm water by splashing your face several times. This combo removes dirt and makeup while moisturizing.Step 2: ExfoliateExfoliating removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells. An easy and extremely effective exfoliator can be made by mixing 2-3 tablespoons of oatmeal with a tablespoon of grapeseed oil. Gently rub this paste all over your face using circular motions (avoiding your eyes, mouth, and nostrils, of course). Be sure not to rub too hard, as it can irritate your skin and avoid exfoliating over broken skin. Rinse well, excess grains can scratch your face and be uncomfortable in following steps.Step 3: ToneToning removes residues left by the cleanser and exfoliator and also perks up the skin. Witch hazel is a great antiseptic. Apply a small amount to a cotton pad and lightly sweep the wet cotton over your face. Pay attention to the T-zone area, and don’t forget your jaw line and neck!Step 4: SteamSteaming is a step that many people tend to forget. It is important because the heat opens your pores and allows for a deep clean with the mask, plus it feels really awesome!! There are a few ways to go about the steaming process. A favorite of mine is to roll up a few hand towels and place them in a crock pot (you only really need one towel but I always do at least two and use one for my hands). Fill the bottom of the pot with a few inches or so of water so that the towels are not completely saturated yet swimming in a small puddle (you do not want the towels to become too wet since they will get so hot that they may burn your face). This takes some time, about twenty-thirty minutes, so you should prep the towels before you begin the whole process. Once the towels are heated, with caution, remove one from the heat and place it on a clean surface for it to settle for a minute or so. If and when the towel is at a safe temperature to place on your face (if it is too hot, you will know!), wrap the towel around your face so that all but your mouth is covered. Allow the towel to sit there for 2-3 minutes or until it becomes cool. Another way to steam is to boil water and turn off the heat once it comes to a boil. Place a towel into the pot and let it sit for a few minutes. Lean over the pot so that your face is above it and use a clean towel to place over your head as a tent for a few minutes, then pat dry. Again, do this with caution!! The last thing you want to do is burn your face. Be sure to do this in a safe area where nothing can catch on fire. For optimal relaxation, put in a few drops of essential oil, like lavender, into the water after it has boiled. If these options make you too nervous, you could purchase a facial steamer. Bed Bath & Beyond carries a great one that goes for about $25 (and you could finally use the 20% off coupon that always comes in the mail).Step 5: MaskNow for the fun part! Masks deep clean, hydrate, increase circulation, and exfoliate the skin. There are plenty of great home-made remedies that can found on-line, but here are a couple of my favorites:Aspirin Mask: The aspirin mask is very effective and frugal! Aspirin is a salicylic acid that doubles as a great acne/breakout treatment and exfoliant. Crush about 10 tablets of aspirin. Mix in one tablespoon of honey. Apply the paste to your face. Allow to settle for 10-15 minutes. Remove the mask from your face with a cloth dipped in warm water. (Depending on your skin type, the honey can be either substituted or mixed with other agents such as a fruit acid- lemon, orange, lime- for oily skin, or milk for dry skin. Honey is my all around favorite as it is a natural emollient and works wonders on any skin type!) This combination is like a scrub and mask in one- definitely worth a try!Honey Mask: A face mask could not get any easier than this one! Honey is an ancient home remedy used to for its emollient and anti-microbial properties. Apply 2 tablespoons of honey directly to your face. Leave on for at least 20 minutes. Rinse off. This is a great mask to apply before a bath because it does not run and washes off easily.Yogurt Mask: The thought of yogurt may freak some people out, but it is something many people have on hand and works incredibly. Mix 1 tablespoon of natural yogurt (regular yogurt, not low or non-fat, at room temperature) with 1 tablespoon honey. Apply to your face. Leave on for 15 minutes then wash off with warm water. (For oily skin, a fruit acid can be used instead of honey).Step 6: Massage and MoisturizeThe final step is to massage in a moisturizer. My favorite thing to use is a few drops of grapeseed oil. (You can also use a little olive oil or almond oil.) If you are weary of these options, use a basic moisturizer. Apply it generously in circular upward motions. Be sure not to forget your neck.Do keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different and results will vary from person to person. Using items found at home save money yet still have incredible results. I personally find these remedies to work better than store-bought products. However, if you feel uncomfortable, it is absolutely fine to use products you already have or plan to buy for some or all of the steps. Give at home facials a try. Your skin will glow and be super soft. I promise you will be pleased!
Cecilie Suggests… DIY Facials
By Cecilie Carroca
| February 28, 2010
| February 28, 2010