These are strange, stressful days. If we are lucky enough to be able to work from home, we aren’t going anywhere for at least a few more weeks. It’s understandable wanting to keep busy, it’s our default mode. It is another matter altogether how productive we are.
But, now more than ever, it’s important to take some time to practice self-care. Booking a facial is not on the cards for the time being. Let’s try and recreate the zen-like spa experience in the comfort of our own homes.
Cleanse
Nothing beats a good double cleanse. Massage your favourite cleansing oil or balm into the dry face using medium pressure. The impulse might be to whizz through it but take your time. Use a damp face cloth to remove and follow up with your favourite second cleanser (it could be a gel, milk, or a cream). Massage in and then remove with a damp face cloth.
Make sure to take the cleanser below your jawline, all the way to the hairline and your ears.
Treatments
Now that your skin has been thoroughly cleansed, it’s time to go in with the treatments. It might be tempting to try an at-home peel. But, some things are best left to the professional. Something straightforward and simple would be to apply an exfoliating treatment serum like our Ultralase 10 Mandelic acid serum. Mandelic acid stimulates deep cell renewal without causing stress to the skin.
Alternatively, give our Cleansing Clay a try (this can also serve as the second step during the double cleanse). Our Cleansing Clay combines Kaolin Clay with Pineapple extract, Honey, and Coconut to gently exfoliate and brighten. It is designed to work for sensitive skin prone to breakouts. Drier skin types can use it as a weekly exfoliating treat.
For some, steam is an essential part of any facial. Well… that and extractions (but we’ll get to that in a minute). Steam is ok if a) your skin is normal, and b) you don’t overdo it. If you find it relaxing and your skin doesn’t mind, by all means, go ahead. Boil some water, drape a towel over your head and lean in over the pot. Again, just for a few minutes and make sure not to let steam blast you full in the face.
That said – if your skin is prone to redness, sensitivity, rosacea, breakouts, acne, or all of them, we would leave the steaming to the professionals.
As far as extractions go, again, leave that to the professionals. When done incorrectly, extractions can lead to inflammation and scarring. Sebaceous filaments are another matter. Some people call them blackheads, but blackheads are open comedones. More often than not, it is just a mixture of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria that have oxidised and turned dark in the pore.
To tackle sebaceous filaments, you can try the Fiddy Snails method to clear out the pores and minimise their appearance.
Mask
It is time to sit back and let a mask do its thing. For dry and dehydrated skin, a hydrating mask is a no-brainer. To make the skin extra soft and plump, we like to layer our favourite hydrating toner or an essence first.
For oily skin, clay mask works wonders (but do not let it dry off completely, as this can dehydrate the skin). If you have combination skin (oily and congested T-zone with dry cheeks, for example), try multimasking. Clay mask goes to the T-zone, while a hydrating mask is applied to any dry areas. Leave the mask on for about 15 to 20 minutes, or as directed on the product.
Final steps
To finish off your at-home facial, use your favourite moisturiser as the final step. If you like facial oils, you can also apply a light layer of oil. Give yourself a massage to tone the skin, ease any tension, and get your skin glowing.
Have you tried to do at-home facial? Any tips and tricks you would like to share?
