How To Do A Facial At Home (4 Easy Steps), Precautions, & Tips

 You Will Need

• Moisturizing cream or facial oil
• Gua sha scraper or jade/quartz rollers (optional)

Process

1. Apply cream or oil to your face. Gently massage in a circular motion. Ensure to use enough product for a slip. Massage in soft, rolling swipes and increase the pressure gradually for a relaxing experience,
2. Keep your strokes outward and upward. Repeat them 5-7 times for best results. Keep changing the motions. Use your fingertips, knuckles, Gua sha scrapers, or jade or quartz rollers. Pat your skin lightly from time to time.
3. Knead the skin between your eyebrows with your knuckles and move them towards the hairline.
4. Massage your chin with the knuckles, moving them upward and along the jawline. Contour your nose using your index and middle finger.
5. Focus on your laugh lines and gently massage the area around the upper lip and lower nose.
6. Place your palms underneath your cheekbones and massage towards the hairline.
7. Finish with the neck. Massage in vertical strokes from the collarbone towards your face in an upward direction.

Why? 

A facial massage stimulates the muscles and improves blood circulation. It boosts skin elasticity and firmness. There are many massaging techniques that have relaxing benefits and provide better penetration of skin care treatments and products, improving skin hydration levels.  This makes your skin soft and supple. Massaging also promotes lymphatic drainage, minimizing puffiness and fluid retention.

Step 4: Face Mask 

You Will Need 

• Face mask (according to your skin type or issue)
• Lukewarm water
• Chilled cucumber slices or rose water-soaked cotton pads (Optional)

Process

1. Apply the mask to your face. You can use peel-off masks, sheet masks, DIY masks, or bubble masks.
2. Place the chilled cucumber slices or rose water-soaked cotton pads on your eyes.
3. Leave on the mask for 20 minutes and wipe your face with a damp washcloth. If using sheet masks, avoid wiping. Let the serum dry on your face.
4. Rinse off with water (avoid if using sheet masks).
5. You may use a toner or rose water for toning your skin afterwards.

Why?

Face masks contain ingredients to fight specific skin concerns like acne, fine lines, dark spots, and pigmentation. They may contain ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acidⁱ  XA natural compound in the skin that retains moisture. keeps the skin supple, and increases skin flexibility. , niacinamideⁱ  XAnother name for vitamin B3 that promotes cell production while protecting the skin against environmental stresses , and ceramidesⁱ  XA fat molecule that makes the skin firmer by holding the cells of the uppermost skin layer together. to nourish, hydrate, tone, and brighten your skin.

Step 5: Treatments And Moisturizer

Finish off with treatment serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (if going out). Use serums containing retinolⁱ  XA type of vitamin A that helps in skin cell production, skin exfoliation, and unclogging skin pores , resveratrolⁱ  XA natural polyphenol, particularly found in red wine, which has antioxidant properties and protects the skin from free radical damage. , and lactic acidⁱ  XA organic acid that eliminates accumulated dead skin cells from the uppermost skin layer and increases cell turnover. You may also apply hydrating lip masks and under-eye patches in this step and use microneedle rollers and LED light therapy masks. However, avoid dermabrasion rollers if you have never used them.

At-home facials are the easiest way to pamper your skin. However, you need to take precautions and follow the aftercare tips and tricks to avoid any damage.

Precautions And Aftercare Tips To Follow 

• Always be gentle with your skin.
• Follow the instructions properly. Never leave the products on your skin for longer than the recommended duration.
• Try to allot 1-2 hours for a facial.
• Secure the hair with a headband before starting the facial treatment.
• You can wear an old T-shirt or a bathrobe to avoid any mess.
• Do not go outside for at least an hour after the facial. Ingredients like vitamin C and retinol make the skin photosensitive.
• Let your skin breathe and avoid applying makeup for at least an hour.
• Go for facials once or twice a month. The frequency depends on your skin type and concerns.
• Follow a dedicated skin care regimen to maintain your skin health.