The Art of the Facial
- Aug 9, 2024
- 9 min read
I used to be a devotee of getting facials every four to six weeks
until the cost just got to be too much.
Here in Colorado a good facial can start at a low $80 and upwards to over $300! And when you add a tip, things start to get pricey. Besides having the right facialist, consistency is the key to getting facials. Ideally, they should be every 4 to 6 weeks. This is because it takes four weeks for new skin cells to regenerate, and facials help that process along. Now I do agree. There is nothing like going to your favorite spa, breathe in the fragrance of the aromatherapy candles and listen to the soft sounds of a babbling brook, but is there a way to do something on our own either between appointments or to supplement these costly trips? Is there a way to give ourselves a "spa level" facial at home? Turns out the answer is yes!
One of the first things to do is to make sure you have everything you need for your personal home spa. Just like cooking a recipe, read through this post and make sure you have all the ingredients on hand to deliver a perfect spa experience!
Now to begin. First thing that has to be done is to clear an hour for yourself. This may sound impossible with a busy work schedule and family responsibilities but remember, if you were going to a spa, you would need more time than that because of travel time, not to mention some stress in driving back and forth. So, carve out 60 minutes for yourself. If your retired like myself, doing it in-between those pickleball games is a perfect time to pamper and relax! Just remember. Whatever the circumstances, you're worth it!
Next, set up the spa experience. From the moment we step into a spa we know we are going to be pampered. We're given a key to locker where we change into spa attire, a pristine white robe and spa slippers. As we leave the locker area, we are ushered to a room with calming music, the scent of aromatherapy, overstuffed chairs, healthy treats and what I call, "spa water", those big pitchers of water infused with lemon slices or strawberries or cucumbers. So, here's where you begin your own at home spa experience. First, change into your spa robe and slip on those slippers. Make a big pitcher of your own spa water with lemons or cucumber or whatever you like and pour yourself a tall glass. Put together some healthy treats if you like. Then find a comfy place to do your facial. Maybe it's your bathroom. Maybe your bedroom. Maybe even on your deck or patio. Remember seeing massages on the beach? So, a facial outside is not so farfetched:) Next, light your aromatherapy candles or a diffuser with a calming scent and put together a custom "spa playlist" of soothing sounds like babbling brooks or rain drops or whatever you like or just ask Alexa. Make sure you have a several soft facecloths or washcloths. And some cotton pads. and of course, your spa headband. Now you're ready to start!
There are 7 simple steps for giving yourself a basic facial at home. We're not talking about things like dermabrasion or microneedling or heavy-duty extractions. We are talking about a facial that will cleanse, exfoliate, nourish and moisturize your skin, which in turn will promote a clear, well-hydrated complexion. Here are the 7 steps. Don't let the number of steps frighten you. You will accomplish this in less than an hour!
Create a relaxing atmosphere.
Cleanse you skin thoroughly
Exfoliate dullness
Pamper your skin with a mask
Get Steamy
Simple facial massage
Lock in moisture
Step one has already been achieved. You're in your spa attire, you have your determined space, the candles are lit, and spa music is on. Oh, and you have your glass of spa water within arm's reach. So here we go!
2. Clean your skin thoroughly.
One more thing before you start the cleansing process. Slip on your spa headband.
Now we're ready to begin!
I did a post a couple of weeks back on "Don't Use Soap". If you haven't read that post, now's a good time to take a look at it. Just follow this link to get there. Don't use soap! (lizsbeautyandthecook.com). Basically, I haven't used soap on my face for over 50 years. It's just too harsh. This is also a good time to look at my post What's a pre cleanse? (lizsbeautyandthecook.com), because we are going to do a thorough face cleansing. No exfoliating yet. The goal in the first step is to get the skin super clean with a pre cleanse and then a gentle cleanser. For the pre cleanse we use an oil cleanser. Oil based cleansers break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, by dissolving them. I'm just going to list the ones I've used as well as ones I've suggested in my post. Follow this link to What's a pre cleanse? (lizsbeautyandthecook.com) and you can read about each one of these cleansers in detail. All of them work great! It's a personal preference. Just choose the one that resonates with you!
After you have done the pre-cleanse with the oil cleanser, use a warm soft face cloth to remove it and then you are ready for the second cleanse with a gentle cleanser. Again, if you check my post on, Don't use soap! (lizsbeautyandthecook.com) you'll find some great choices of cleansers. You'll also find all the detail on each cleanser, so here I'm just going to list them for quick reference. I've also added a couple more that I just discovered and are worth a try!
After your second cleanse, repeat the warm rinse off. Now that you've thoroughly cleansed your face, it's time for the next step, exfoliation! But before that, do two things. First, take your cotton pad and gently go over your face with your favorite toner. Check my post on toners to choose. Just click this link to view You need a toner and no, not for your printer! (lizsbeautyandthecook.com). Secondly, it may be time to refill your glass with some "spa water" So do that too!
3. Get rid of the dullness! 'Time to exfoliate! I did a previous post on this topic, and I would encourage you to visit that post, 2,4,6,8, why we should exfoliate! (lizsbeautyandthecook.com) Why is it important to exfoliate? Exfoliating gets rid of the dead skin cells which, in turn, makes way for new fresh cells, resulting in skin looking and feeling healthier. It can help us achieve a more even looking skin tone and help with the reduction of dark spots and fine lines. It helps moisturizing products penetrate deeper, making them more effective. It can unclog pores, which can help prevent the formation of blackheads and white heads. And it can stimulate the blood flow to the skin, resulting in a more radiant complexion. So, what can we use?
Ordinary's AHA 30% +BHA 2% Peeling solution. will leave your skin looking like glass. Follow the directions and leave on for only 10 minutes. If you use this, it's a good time to lie down for a Mico nap and let this solution do its work! Remember, it's only on for 10 minutes and then rinse off. Another good alternative and a quicker one is Dr. Gross universal peel for normal to combination skin . This literally takes two minutes and its very effective. I use the daily peels daily. There are different strengths you can get but for our basic facial I would stick with the one I forementioned. Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant is another favorite and would fit in well as would Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. A real favorite of mine in this category is Lancer's Skincare Caviar Lime Acid Peel. After the first time I used this, I knew I could never be without it! It's a little pricey but it's sooo good! What's important here is to exfoliate so pick your favorite one and then rinse off. On to the next steps, mask and steam!
4. Apply a nourishing mask. First, determine what you need in a mask. Are you dry? Are you oily? Is it dullness, lack of firmness or dark spots? There are different masks to address each of these issues and you want to get the right one on your face!
Bliss Mighty Marshmallow Bright & Radiant Whipped Mask is for all skin types. Bliss products are really great and very reasonably priced. This mask is no different. It's hydrating, brightening and only needs to be on for 15 minutes. And did I tell you it smells divine! You cannot miss with this one. Remember the benefit of rose hips? Mario Badescu Rose Hips Mask is soothing and revitalizing. It moisturizes and with the inclusion of Vitamin C, is sooths, brightens and softens. It's a clear winner. LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask is not just for sleeping. This is Korean product and its great. It's a gel formula that hydrates and brightens. And when you are not using it for your facial, put it over your moisturizer at night and let it do its magic! Farmacy Hydrating Face Mask is an intense hydrating mask that promises to give you a "spa experience" at home That's exactly what we're after! The reviews are over the top and I already put it in my cart! If you love sheet masks, then try LAPCOS Milk Sheet Mask . The reviews give it high marks and I love Korean brands. Price is reasonable considering you get 5 masks in a pack. If you're oily, consider a clay mask. Lancer Skincare Clarifying Detox Mask, Green Clay Mask. I'm not oily but I love Lancer products, and this one has rave reviews. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Clay Face Mask for Oily Skin is another good bet as this line always delivers!
Now that you have your mask in hand, apply according to directions. And while your mask is doing its work there is something else to do at the same time, and that is to STEAM!
5.Steaming is one of my favorite parts of a facial. Just lying there with a gentle mist enveloping your face feels oh so good! So, while masking, you are going to steam.
Steam helps to hydrate and soften the skin. There is no reason to skip this step if you are doing this at home. There are several home facial steamers out there and these are the two I would recommend. Dr. Dennis Gross Home Facial Steamer is great and it's the one I have. Vanity Planet Aira Ionic Facial Steamer is another one that gets high marks. Both are easy to use. Both give you that wonderful "spa experience". Or you can do it the old fashion way by filling a bowl with hot water and positioning your face over the bowl with a towel over your head and let your skin "open up " while masking. Use one of these methods but don't skip this step. Once done, clean off the mask and get ready for a simple face massage!
6. Simple face massage. While your skin is still dewy, it's time to start locking in moisture. This is the perfect time to apply the 'Ordinary' Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Support Formula. This serum works best when your skin is slightly damp so take advantage of the moment! Massage in with circular motions, beginning at the chin and working upwards. Don't neglect around the nose and forehead. And before you leave, give your earlobes a little love too!
7. Lock in all the moisture.
This is your last but important step. After all your work, it's important to lock in the moisture with a good and effective moisturizer. I have a couple that are my favorites. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 is lightweight and full of ceramides to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier or try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Both are very reasonably priced, and both are solid bets. Farmacy Ceramide Face Moisturizer is a favorite of mine. It plumps, moisturizers and also contains those important ceramides. Clinique Moisture Surge is oil free, lightweight, sinks in and hydrates. L’Oréal Paris Collagen Daily Face Moisturizer gives a dose of intense hydration and is good for all skin types, plus reasonably priced. I have used Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream for years and the reviews are true. It gives long-lasting hydration and leaves the skin feeling super soft and supple. And lastly, e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! facial moisturizer. I have come to a whole new appreciation for e.l.f. products and this one is no different. It's affordable and delivers! The reviews are off the chart and for the price, it's not to be passed up!
Well, you did it! Take a look in the mirror. Your skin should be glowing! And in all under an hour (I timed it:). So, before you hang up that spa robe and put away those slippers, have a sip of your spa water, get into a comfortable position and close your eyes for ten to fifteen minutes. Take some deep breathes and relax. Now slip into something comfortable and enjoy the rest of your day!
Facials are not just for us gals. Surprise your significant other or husband with this relaxing gift. And with all the money you saved, book a great place for dinner! After all, don't we deserve it!
Liz❤️
(As an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small compensation for any purchases you make while shopping on Amazon as a result of coming to Amazon through one of my links)
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