Treating yourself to a facial at home is a great way to unwind after a long or difficult day. Although pampering is only a small part of self care, a good pamper day helps to soothe, comfort, and revive when you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed. Even if you simply feel like giving yourself an added boost, a DIY facial will always do the trick.
If you’re longing to give your skin some TLC but you don’t feel up to visiting your local spa or salon, you can give yourself a pampering session without leaving the house. Keep reading how to plan a facial at home.
Easy Ways to do a Facial at Home
You can enjoy a facial at home with just a few supplies. For the basics, you will need a good cleanser, toner, and moisturiser. You will also need an exfoliator (make your own scrub or use your favourite store-bought scrub), some relaxing essential oils, a face mask or clay powder, and a face roller (this one is optional). A bowl for hot water and a towel or two will also come in hand. And, of course, some you-time to enjoy your session without interruption.
Step 1: Cleanse
To begin, it’s time to do a cleanse. I have made my own natural cleansers using honey and natural oils. I’ve also tried a number of different cleansers. My favourite for the last few years is the Esse cleanser range. I am currently using the gentle milk cleanser for sensitive skin and it always leaves my skin feeling great. You can use any cleanser that you already use or you can spoil yourself and find one that is suited to your skin type.
Step 2: Steam
Once you have done your cleanse, it’s time to do a steam. I do a steam every night at bedtime, mostly to help me relax and to help clear my sinuses. One thing I noticed once I started this ritual was that my skin LOVED steams. Steaming opens up the pores and hydrates the skin on a deeper level. It also leaves you feeling calm and refreshed. You can use any essential oil you love – rose, lavender, chamomile, and tea tree are all good choices.
Step 3: Exfoliate
The next step is to exfoliate and remove any dead skin cells that may have loosened during the cleansing and steaming process. You can do a manual scrub using a gentle sponge made especially for the face. You can also make your own scrub from oatmeal, sugar or ground rice. I love to use a sugar, all-in-one wash, argan oil, and tea tree scrub in the bath, for hair, face, and body. I also have a great Esse chocolate exfoliator that I adore.
Step 4: Mask
Next, it’s time for a mask. Few things make me feel more pampered than a good face mask. There is something hugely nurturing about the process. You can make your own using natural rose clay or bentonite clay, or mashed banana and honey. Try some of these face mask recipes to get started. Or, you can try a store-bought mask.
Step 5: Tone
After rinsing the mask off, the next step in your facial at home is to tone. There are many different toners out there – natural and otherwise. Many women love natural toners such as apple cider vinegar. I sometimes use witch hazel and rose water. I find that most conventional brands dry out my skin too much so I stick to naturally derived toners. My Esse sensitive skin toner is my favourite, as it helps to boost the skin’s probiotics. And, just in case you are wondering, I am not an Esse affiliate or advertising them for any reason other than the fact that I have been loving this skincare brand for the last three or so years. 😉
Step 6: Massage
Almost done! Next up, it’s time for a face massage. You can do a manual massage using mild oil such as argan or almond. You can also try a face roller. Face massages help to stimulate cell generation and leave the skin feeling firmer and plumper. This step is optional – great if you need a little more indulgence but not essential.
Step 7: Moisturise
Finally, it’s time to moisturise. Although I love Esse for cleansing and toning, I’m not as wild about their moisturisers. I discovered SKOON. earlier this year and have never looked back. I use the Phytolight moisturiser along with their Glow Drops serum. I also use a leave-on hydrating mask at night. You can use the same oils you used for your face massage or any other moisturiser that works for your skin type.
Treat yourself and give yourself the down-time you need. Try a facial at home, and you’re sure to feel better.
