Even though we may not be able to go out on the town and head to the spa, it doesn’t mean we can’t invest in some self-care from the comfort of our own couch. Despite popular thought, you don’t need to head to a professional esthetician to get the skin of your dreams; with all the high-quality moisturizers, serums, and face oils available nowadays, any beginner skincare enthusiast can give themselves a nice facial from home. Here are some tips to follow.
Step One: Determine Your Skin Type
Not all skin is created equal, and it is vitally important for you only to use products made for your skin and its moisture barrier. If you don’t know where to start, ask yourself these three questions:
- How does my face feel when I wake up?
- How does my face feel in the middle of the day?
- How does my face feel after I wash it?
Take some care to answer these questions honestly. Your face may feel dry and tight after washing and waking up during the day, or it may feel and look oily come lunchtime. Additionally, you will want to consider how much water you drink as being dehydrated can show in your skin. Use the answer to these questions to determine if your skin type is dry, oily, acne-prone, or normal. Also, take note if you have sensitive skin.
Step Two: Skincare Products
What makes a good facial is the quality of the skincare products used, and the number of products applied. You will want to stock up on items meant for your skin type to reap the benefits. To follow the steps an aesthetician would use, make sure to grab:
- A foam cleanser
- An oil-based cleanser
- A cleanser with exfoliation
- An eye cream
- A moisturizer for both day and night
- A serum to address any specific skin concerns like lack of elasticity and collagen, minimizing pores, or hydrating fine lines.
- A mask
- A facial oil
- A toner
- An acne treatment, if needed.
Step Three: Get in the Right Headspace
You want to be calm, cool, and collected before you start your facial. Getting in the right headspace is crucial so you can blow off some steam and be fully relaxed before you have your treatment. Do what is best for you, say, for example, learning how to read tarot cards. Becoming one with your subconscious mind and your inner wisdom is a great way to clear your head and help you practice self-care properly.
Step Four: Start With a Double Cleanse
Cleansing once isn’t enough to really get deep into your pores and prepare your skin for proper absorption. You’ll first want to cleanse with an oil-based cleanser to grab all the oil and grime on the top layer of your skin. Then, wash again with a foam face wash for that extra deep cleanse.
Step Five: Treat and Treat Some More
Once your skin is fresh and clean, you’ll take this time to apply treatments. First, put on your mask, let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash off. Follow up by using your toner, then with any acne spot treatments, if applicable. As soon as the skin is tacky, you’ll want to put it on your serum.
Step Six: Moisturize and Hydrate
You have to lock in your facial treatments for them to work properly. Apply your moisturizing treatments in terms of thickness, from lightest to thickest. So after your serum comes your eye cream, face oil, and everything is locked in with your moisturizer. And to keep the glowy feeling going, make sure to drink up a ton of water.
With these easy tips in mind, you will be on your way to having the complexion of your dreams, and you’ll be able to put a fresh face forward for the week to come.
