How To Treat Yourself To A Facial At Home
The Skinsmith | 10th July 2023
Not everyone can make it to a spa or salon to enjoy a professional facial so a great alternative is to treat yourself to a facial at home! It is not the same as getting a professional facial treatment but it can still be quite relaxing and enjoyable and if you have all the products, you can still see some great results in a DIY facial too.
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First things first, if you can find somewhere quiet and comfortable where you won’t be disturbed as this would be the ideal setting, maybe your bedroom or lounge or even if you enjoy a bath this could be a relaxing location for your treat.
Next you want to make sure you have a good selection of products so you can do a complete treatment. If you have a therapist that you go to you can ask them which products they recommend for your at home facial, or alternatively you could see if your local salon or spa offers complimentary consultations they can advise you best on the products you should purchase for your facial at home and regular routine too.
Once you have your products and location you can then set the mood if you so wish, candles, music, draw the curtains or turn down the lights are all great ways to help you relax and really enjoy your at home treatment.
If you have a headband, it is a good idea to use it to keep your hair out of your face and products and you could try wearing a robe or slouchy top so you can treat the neck and maybe the shoulders too!
Your product list will ideally include:
Cleaner (1-2 cleansers), Tonique, Exfoliant, Masque, Serum, Eye Cream, Moisturiser.
You can also add an Essence, Facial Oil, Neck Cream and Lip Balm for the ultimate treat!
Here are the steps to follow for your at home facial:
Step By Step Guide:
Step 1. Cleanse… Twice! – a double cleanse is a very professional step that you can easily do at home. If you have only one cleanser, apply as directed, massage into face, neck and décolleté, then remove and repeat! If you have two different cleansers apply one first and remove, then apply the other for double the benefits and a superior cleansing experience. Apply the lightest cleanser first for example a gel before a cream before an oil cleanser. When you massage your cleanser into the skin take a little extra time than when you cleanse daily so you get a thorough cleanse.
Step 2. Tone – spritz your favourite tonique across the face and décolleté and let it absorb into the skin for a few seconds. Toning completes your cleanse and hydrates your skin nicely for the next steps of the treatment.
Step 3. Steam – this optional step can be done at home without a professional steamer, Eminence suggests using a bowl of boiled water as your “steamer.” Keep your face at a comfortable distance from the water, allowing the steam from the water to float over your face. You can put a towel over your head if you like to keep the steam from escaping too quickly. Keep your eyes closed and steam for about 2-3 minutes. Steaming helps to increase circulation and opens up your pores allowing for better absorption of all the other products you’ll be using.
Step 4. Exfoliate – Eminence has a great selection of exfoliants from gentle peels to physical scrubs. The idea is to be gentle though, especially if you are using a physical “gritty” scrub… use circular motions to gently massage the scrub into your face, neck and décolleté, be sure to avoid the eye area. Follow the directions for your exfoliator, but be sure to include this step in your DIY facial as it will smooth the texture of your skin and leave your complexion glowing.
Are You Feeling Relaxed Yet?
Step 5. Masque – another step you really want to include is a facial masque, it can be very relaxing and so beneficial to your skin. Masques are designed to treat and heal your skin. Apply your masque as directed then leave on for at least 5-10 minutes. Sit or lay back, close your eyes and tune out while your masque does it job.
Step 6. Massage – if you haven’t tried to massage your face, neck and shoulders then you’re in for a real treat! Using a facial oil or if you prefer a creamy masque, gently massage it into your skin, you can use a Gua Sha Stone or Jade Rollers as an alternative option if you prefer. Of course, a professional facial massage is the ultimate treat, but you can still help to relax your muscles and stimulate your skin with a DIY version at home.
Step 7. Serum and possibly an Essence – if you want to add extra hydration to your facial you could apply a few drops of a facial essence underneath your serum or concentrate. A serum will infuse your skin with vital nutrients, they are easily and deeply absorbed into the skin to work from the inside out! Apply your serum or concentrate as directed and don’t forget your neck!
Step 8. Eye Cream and maybe a Lip Balm – although many Eminence moisturisers can be used around the eye area, it is recommended to apply a cream specifically designed for application around the delicate eye area. Eye creams and serums are often lighter as the skin is thinner and more reactive than the skin on your cheeks for example. Eye creams will also contain ingredients to specifically targets concerns including dark circles, puffiness, crow’s feet, and tired eyes. You will need a tiny amount of product, use your ring finger, and gently pat the product around the eyes. Then apply a lip balm if you have one for the ultimate facial experience!
Step 9. Moisturiser – after all your previous steps you now need to lock in all the lovely hydration and nutrients from your treatment so far, you will also need to protect your skin which is where your moisturisers come in. They will keep your skin hydrated and protect it from external stressors. Moisturisers will also help to treat your concerns and maintain a healthy skin barrier function. Apply as directed with gentle massage movements and don’t forget to go down your neck and across your décolleté, unless of course you have a neck cream! Neck creams offer additional lifting and contouring to help reduce the visible signs of ageing in the neck area.
You're All Done
After you have completed your facial take a few minutes to just stay still, calm, and relaxed. If you have been lying down, don’t get up too quickly as the sudden rush of blood to the head can make you feel light headed.
How Often Should You Have A Facial?
Ideally you want to treat yourself to a facial at least once a month, although you can perform an at home facial more often than that if you wish… even once a week as long a you are gentle with your exfoliation!
We would always recommend you visit a professional therapist as often as you can, they will offer you their valued expert advice and will often have professional only products for enhanced results.
For more information and advice on best products for your at home facial you can contact a member of the Skinsmith team by using our quick and easy contact form below. You can also get in touch with a member of our team today on 01305 300950 or by emailing us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.