How you take care of your skin at home is essential for its vitality and function. Self-care is important for your mind's well-being - and when you look good, you feel good! Whether your regimen is as basic as cleansing or you are a product junkie, let's talk about how to give yourself an at-home facial. This will be an enhancement to your daily skincare routine and can be done as often as once a week, given you'll be using at-home strength products, not professional grade products like you get with in-spa tretments.
It is important to note that before you begin any at-home regimen (facial or regular routine) you should know what your skin type is and choose products accordingly. If you are unsure of what skin type you have or what products you should be using, you can schedule a virtual consultation (contact info at bottom of blog) and I will provide you with a skin analysis and treatment plan based on your skin type, conditions and goals.
For your at-home facial, you'll first want to start with freshly cleansed skin. An oil cleanser is extremely effective to remove all traces of makeup and natural oils. A gentle cleanser free of sulfates and parabens can also be used following the oil cleanse or by itself. Known as a 'double cleanse', this method has become quite popular in recent times.
Your freshly cleansed skin is now ready for exfoliation. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells which will smooth the surface and allow your skin to absorb the next product - a serum or ampoule.
Serums and ampoules both treat a variety of skin conditions. They should be chosen to specifically address your unique skincare needs and conditions. Apply a serum after the exfoliation step in your facial and massage into your skin until completely absorbed. Tip: use gloves if handy so the product is soaked into your facial skin vs. your fingertips.
For an even more intense treatment, I recommend an ampoule (in place of a serum). The active ingredients are highly concentrated in comparison to a serum and although used in professional treatments, are also sold for at home use. Again, take a little time to massage the product into the skin. Facial massage assists in blood flow, removal of toxins, product absorption and relaxation.
Next choose a mask that will help treat any conditions you are trying to alleviate. In most instances 15-20 minutes is a sufficient amount of time for the full effects of the mask to work its magic. It will also help seal in your serum or ampoule from the previous step. For true relaxation, lay down or take a nice bath with soothing music and candles.
Once you have removed your mask, use a toner to restore the pH balance of your skin and prep it for the next steps. Some regimens may not require this step depending on the other products used.
Complete your treatment with a skin-specific moisturizer and eye cream.
Here is one of my personal favorite at-home regimens (please reference as sample only, as this would vary depending on your specific skin type):
• Cleanser - Babor Hy Oil and Phytoactive Reactive
• Exfoliator - Cosmedix Purity Detox Scrub
• Serum - Babor Collagen Concentrate or Oxygen Plus
• Mask - Cosmedix Detox Activated Charcoal or Babor Silver Foil
• Toner - Babor Rose Toner
• Moisturizer - Babor Lifting Rx Collagen Cream
• Eye Cream - Cosmedix Eye Doctor
At home facials will improve your skin's health and contribute to your mental well-being. Take the time for yourself. And given 2020 so far, YOU DESERVE IT!
To order any of the above mentioned products or to schedule a virtual consultation, email nvieskincare@yahoo.com
