Anyone who has been to salon to have facial knows how amazing they are.If you havn’t had 1 already …YOU NEED TO!! Not only do you come out feeling super relaxed but your skin looks amazing! Its fresher, clearer and glowing. If you have ever had micro-dermabrasion you will totally understand when I say it takes years off! The only problem is, its another expense to add to all the little things we like to treat ourselves to every month. Don’t worry.Its all totally achievable at home. You may have the products or might find them in the kitchen cupboard. I’ve also added my favorite products that are easily accessible if your looking for good products on a budget.

I give my self a facial once a week. It helps to maintain a healthy glowing complexion and will ease acne. It will also alleviate the tension build up which can help to cause fine lines and wrinkles. However,  it can also have a negative effect if you do them to often. Stripping the natural oils from your skin can increase sebum production and dehydrate your skin. Dehydrated skin can be itchy and can cause problems when applying make up.

So firstly, you need to remove all your make up. I would use a face wipe then use the wash to ensure all oil and make up remover residue is not sitting on the surface of you skin.

.Facial Wash/Cleanser

Boots Tea Tree and Witch HazelFoam Face Wash

I’ve been using this face wash a while now. Its quick and easy to use and ideal for using daily. Its not going to remove your make up, but I would use after I have used a face wipe/makeup remover.

Lush 9-5 is a great cleanser to use if you would prefer.Again this is not the best product to use to remove make up but its amazing. Massage into skin and remove with cotton pads.

 

Steaming

Facial steamers are cheap and easy to pick up they usually come with an attachment which you would use to concentrate on your nose. Facial steamers are great but they are not necessary. You can do the same with a bowl filled with hot water (needs to be hot enough to have steam) and a towel. Half fill your bowl with water (I boil the kettle and use that) lean over and put towel over you and the bowl. Just chill for 10 mins or as long as you can manage. If your leaning over a bowl rather then having your face in the steamer I would recommend you pop into Lush and pick up a Tea Tree Tab. They are only £1 and a skincare must have. Its perfect for acne. Tea Tree is a natural antiseptic so will help to fight the bacteria that can cause acne. Read my  little review here.

Gently steaming your face helps to soften the layer of dead skin cells which is clogging your skin.It  will open the pores which in turn will help release toxins, enhance blood circulation and allow other products to become absorbed and do their job properly.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating the skin is another important essential with skincare. Gently scrubbing your face aids desquamation. It removes the dead skin cells that are making your skin look dull and tired. If you have angry, sore acne I would not advise exfoliating or avoid the area if its limited.

One of my favourite Face scrubs is Lush Dark Angels. Read about it Here.

Rolled oats are perfect as a Natural alternative and are ideal for mild acne or sensitive skin. Mix you oats with Manuka Honey ,  Raspberries ,  Blueberries the list is endless or even add a few drops of TeaTree to help it fight the acne causing bacteria like I said earlier.

As with all scrubs apply to skin and massage in circular movements. Don’t for get lips aswel! Rinse off with plenty of warm water.

 

Steam

I know we have already done it, and it really is not necessary to steam again but I do for a few minutes. If you have sensitive skin maybe skip this part.

If you want to use Pore Clearing strips to remove blackheads (mostly common on your nose) now would be the time. You skin, well your nose really has been steamed and scrubbed so they will remove much easier now. Follow the instructions on the strips.

Face Mask

Now that the skin has been cleaned, steamed and scrubbed we can now relax a little with a face mask.

I do like sheet masks but I prefer face mask you leave on for facials. I feel they work better at removing any impurities.

As with all masks apply even amount, sit back and relax…

There are so many masks you can choose from. If you don’t have a favorite I would recommend

L’oreal Clay Mask (read about it here )

Or read my Lush Fresh Mask Review.

For Natural and Organic Masks you can make your self, have a read through my previous blog posts. My favourite Oraganic DIY mask is Manuka Honey

Once you’ve rinsed your mask off gently pat dry.

 

Moisturise

Its important to keep your skin hydrated. Moisturiser is something you should be using daily. Cream or oil based does not matter as long as you are using the best for your skin type. When you apply you should be massaging it in. It takes a few minutes but massaging will not only improve blood circulation but the massage will relax tightened muscles in your face. Tense muscles lead to more deeper lines and wrinkles.

Spend about 5 minutes using a combination of light tapping and small circular movements. I’m using BioOil at the moment. Using Daily can help to reduce acne scars, and fine lines and wrinkles.

 

They you are.  The same process as you would get in the salon but obviously not as relaxing as your having to do it yourself.  You skin will look fresher and more radiant as you have removed all the dead skin cells and impurities and re hydrated your skin. To maintain a weekly facial can be hard with our busy lives but it is essential to skin care. The more you do it the more you will benefit.

There are plenty of skin care recommendations on my other blog posts, check them out or late me know any products you think are essential.

xx