The ultimate home facial

At home facials are a great way to help improve the look and feel of your skin without having to pay a fortune for a facialist or leave the comfort of your own home.

They are a chance for you to have some ‘me time’ and practice rituals of mindfulness, all while getting the radiant glow that everyone longs for. A facial is a multi-step skin treatment that is designed to help improve the health and appearance of your skin, with the premise to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, smooth, firm and nourish.
First of all let’s gather all of the items you will need for your treatment.

What you will need:

• Cleanser 
• Muslin cloth or soft flannel
• Exfoliator
• Steamer (If you don’t have one to hand, fill a large bowl with hot water and grab a towel)
• Face mask (suitable for your skin type)
• Toner
• Facial oil or moisturiser
• Cotton wool

Optional, for an added sense of luxury:

• A few drops of your favourite essential oil (I use lavender or eucalyptus)
• Eye cream or eye serum 
• A spa playlist

The method:

1. Create the spa experience – with your products all laid out, set play on your favourite spa playlist, remember this time is for you.
2. Cleanse – begin by applying your natural cleanser to your face and neck. 

Start from the neck moving upwards using your hand to work the cleanser into your skin in a circular motion, moving up the face as you go. 
If your cleanser is suitable to remove your eye make-up, then proceed to press lightly and work the cleanser gently around the eyes (if unsuitable and you have been wearing make-up, use ‘eye make-up remover’ to remove any stubborn mascara or eyeliner with cotton wool).
Remove cleanser with a warm muslin cloth, flannel or cotton wool.

3. Double cleanse – the first step of the cleanse is designed to help remove any superficial make-up and oil, while this second cleanse allows for a deeper clean of the skin removing any dirt, grime and pollution from the pores. 
4. Exfoliate – using your exfoliator, work this into the skin, ensuring you get into all of the curves of your face, particularly the corners of your nose. 

To get really stuck in, naturally stretch your skin by folding your lips which will allow you to better exfoliate your chin and above your upper lip, removing any dead skin cells. 
Exfoliators are great for all skin types and they are particularly beneficial for those with very dry skin and oily-blemish prone skin types. 

5. Steam – this is one of the most satisfying steps of your facial. If using a bowl of hot water for your steam, add 3-4 drops of your chosen essential oil for that added spa experience. The scent of essential oils can help to open your airways and work on your mind to help you feel relaxed and soothed. 

Hover your head over your bowl of hot water and place a towel over the back of your head, helping to trap the steam and to target your face. Steam for 10 minutes allowing your pores to enlarge to facilitate the removal of any stubborn dirt.

6. Mask – lightly and evenly apply the mask to your face using clean fingers or a fan brush, avoiding the eye area. If you have combination skin you may even decide to mask map. For example, applying a clay-based mask targeting any oily skin in your T-Zone and a hydrating mask to target any dry remaining areas of your face.

Sit back and relax, leaving the mask on for 10-15 minutes before removing with a warm damp muslin cloth or flannel and then patting dry.

7. Tone – pour your toner over two pads of cotton wool. Taking one pad in each hand,  swiftly sweep across the face, each hand mirroring the other working upwards and outwards. 

Toning is the quickest step in your treatment and is used to remove excess product from the previous step and to help revitalise and balance the pH of your skin.

8. Moisturise – using your moisturiser or facial oil, give yourself a little facial massage to facilitate deep-down moisturisation as well as stimulating lymphatic drainage and working on the acupressure points of your face. Take your time and enjoy the mindfulness aspect of this step.
9. Brighten the eyes  (Optional) – for the closing step of your treatment, take your eye cream or serum and gently press and pat the product into the skin around your eye area. Start with near the lower inner corner working outwards to around your eyebrows and back around toward the upper inner corner.

You should come away with skin feeling glowing, revitalised and re-nourished.

After treatment care:
Try and refrain from applying any make-up for the rest of the day to allow the products you applied to really soak in and nourish your skin.
Your skin can also be a little sensitive post-treatment and therefore it is best to avoid direct sunlight where possible for the following 24 hours and ensure you apply suncream if you do venture outdoors.

Three nutrition tips to get the glow 
By Clarissa Lenherr

1. Omega-3
Omega3 fatty acids found in oily fish and nuts and seeds can contribute to the supple appearance of skin and help it keep moisturised. Aim for two portions of oily fish per week such as salmon, mackerel, sardines or consume three plant based sources per week such as walnuts, chia seeds or flax seeds.

2. Get in those antioxidants  
Antioxidants, found in fruits and veg, can help to fight off oxidative stress and free radicals, which can contribute to the damage of skin cells and collagen. Blueberries are a potent source of antioxidants and also contain vitamin A which plays a valuable role in balancing out oil production.

3. Try Turmeric
The active component of Turmeric is Curcumin which contributes to its vivid colour and has many health benefits when consumed. When it comes to skin health, Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, which may help to reduce redness, break-outs and rashes.