A good facial can do wonders for your skin and stress level, but if you don't have the time to visit the spa on a regular basis, not to worry: You can get the same rejuvenating benefits with an at-home facial done once or twice weekly. Here's how to give your face the star treatment in your own home:
Set up
Up the spa factor by playing relaxing music. Pull your hair back with a head band.
1
Cleanse
The key to cleansing is not to rush through the process. Dampen skin then take your time to work and massage a luxurious cleanser into skin in upward, circular motion to dissolve grime and stimulate circulation. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a towel.
2
Steam
A facialist uses steam machine to help prep and soften skin prior to exfoliation. You can do the same at home by dipping a washcloth in warm water, wringing it out and draping it over your face for a few minutes.
3
Exfoliate
Although extractions are performed by trained aestheticians, don't try this yourself or you could risk injuring your skin. Instead, just exfoliate using a gentle scrub to clean pores and slough off the dead skin cells to enhance skin's absorption of the active ingredients in a serum or mask.
4
Rehydrate
Skin can get a tad tight after exfoliation, so add moisture by choosing a hydrating mask. Look for sheet masks infused with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or try this DIY hydrating mask: Soak cotton pads with an alcohol-free toner and place them over your face for 15 to 20 minutes.
5
Nourish
Now that your skin's cleansed, exfoliated and hydrated, smooth on your favorite antioxidant or anti-aging serum, followed by a moisturizer, and you're done!