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Self facial practice at home

Written by Reema Shamim

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Posted on July 04 2019

self facial home

We dream of that occasional facial, massage, or pamper session (all highly beneficial, by the way) but sometimes forget that the regular skincare routine at home is the key to healthy, glowing skin.

Facials are a great way to rejuvenate your skin, although a professional one does require time and money. There is a convenient alternative, however.

I’ll guide you through a self-facial routine you can practice at home that will help maintain healthy skin all year round. It is simple and can be done as a short practice or a long self-pampering session.

THE BEAUTY OF THE SELF-FACIAL
The benefits of a facial are manifold and extend beyond merely cleaning and moisturising your skin. It is a perfect blend of self-love and self-care in one ritual.

A few of the benefits are:

  • Helps reduce stress
  • Detoxifies the skin
  • Provides a deep cleanse
  • Promotes circulation
  • Makes the skin more receptive to active compounds in products
  • Helps firm and tone the skin


BEFORE STARTING YOUR FACIAL

  1. Relax and prepare yourself to focus on this routine. Set this time for yourself. Take a few deep breaths and let all the stress melt away.
  2. Wash your hands
  3. Remove make up*
  4. Have a face cloth ready to wipe the face
  5. Do not massage on broken or irritated skin
  6. Practise caution if you have any medical condition

* If you have make up on, remove the make up with our make up remover and wipe your face clean. Perform the massage as usual.

 

STEPS OF THE SELF-FACIAL

  1. CLEANSE
  2. EXFOLIATE
  3. STEAM (OPTIONAL)
  4. MASK
  5. TONER
  6. SERUM / SPECIALTY TREATMENTS
  7. MOISTURISE

A massage can be performed during any of the steps above but preferably in the cleanse or moisturise stage.

The basic rule of a facial massage is to move against gravity and along muscle lines. Upward and outward strokes and circular motion around the eyes and mouth (this is different from a lymphatic massage).

1. CLEANSE
Cleansing is a non-negotiable when it comes to skincare. No matter how tired, how late (or how drunk), always go to bed with a clean skin and you’ll thank yourself in your later years.

It is important to have a cleanser that is gentle yet effective and doesn’t leave your skin dry. I’m a fan of cleansing oils. They are a one-step deep cleansing system that removes all dirt, grime and make up without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

It is also an opportunity to massage your skin so it is supple and ready to receive the luxurious moisturiser you‘ll put on after.

Cleansing can be performed in one or two steps. When you cleanse in two steps, it’s called double cleansing.

Double cleansing need not be performed every single night. It can be reserved for nights when you’ve had heavy make up on or have been out in the elements longer than usual.

Spend 2-3 minutes cleaning your face. Massage gently yet thoroughly.
Rinse with warm water or wipe your face with a warm cloth.

2. EXFOLIATE
When it comes to exfoliation, most of us are either doing too less or too much. Once a week exfoliation is enough to reveal fresh, new skin without stripping the skin of its protective layers.

Insufficient exfoliation leads to dull looking skin and also hinders absorption of moisturisers.

Over-exfoliation, on the other hand, strips the skin over its protective layers and causes micro tears in the skin. This in turn may lead to inflammation and infection of the skin. It also makes the skin more vulnerable to environmental damage.

It is also important consider the type of exfoliation suited to your skin. We don’t need hard and intense exfoliants for our face. Physical exfoliants like jojoba beads exfoliate without scratching and stripping the skin.

Mild chemical exfoliation can be performed at home but Intense chemical exfoliation should be done only after a consultation with an aesthetician.

Massage your face with a scrub for 1-2 minutes. Use gentle yet firm strokes in a circular motion.

If you are using chemical exfoliant, follow the instructions on the product.

Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

3. STEAM (OPTIONAL)
Steaming helps open pores and delivers nutrients to the skin through the steam. It can be done with plain water or with herbs. It also helps to relax and rejuvenate the skin.

  • Boil a pot of water.
  • Place it on the table and lean over it so your face is directly over the steam.
  • Cover your head with a towel.
  • Take breaks if needed.
  • Do it for around 10 minutes.
  • You can add 1-2 drops of your favourite essential oil, dried flowers, petals or herbs like mint.

 

4. MASK
Masks are a great way of firming up the skin following a massage and cleanse.

The best way to absorb the nutrients from a mask is to spray your skin with a face mist just prior to applying it.

Make a paste of your mask (or use a pre-made mask paste). Spritz your face with a face mist. Apply the mask on your face and neck. Leave it on as per the instructions on the product.

(Note: With our face masks, I love to make a paste with the face mist I’m using. Our face mists have some really lovely botanicals which the skin soaks up beautifully as the mask dries.)

5. TONER
Toners help to balance and tighten your skin. They also help close the pores that we opened with steaming.

Spray a face mist or toner suited to your skin type.

Pat your skin gently and let it soak in.

6. SERUM
Serums and specialised treatment products are packed with nutrients. They deliver skin actives to the deeper layers of the skin and help soothe and heal the skin.

Any serums or special treatments should be applied before moisturising.

7. MOISTURISE
Moisturising is crucial in nourishing and maintaining the hydration levels of the skin. Choosing the right moisturiser is important.

Moisturisers can be loaded with harmful chemicals, so, it is important to look into what you are putting on your face.

Face oils are the go-to for radiant, beautiful skin. They are free of preservatives, harmful chemicals and are rich in plant actives. They are also great to massage with.

It is also a good time to massage your (freshly cleaned) face so it can take in all the goodness you are putting on your skin.

Feel good about what you've just done

Relax and reflect on what you just did. Feel proud. Self massage can make you emotional too. Allow yourself to feel the emotion.

Good skin is a commitment but it needn’t be a luxury.

Doing a self-facial regularly will make you more self aware and will give you glowing skin.

Keep doing it regularly and reap the benefits.

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