Buzz
A regular skincare routine can significantly enhance the health and radiance of your skin. While going to a spa or beauty clinic for professional treatments can be costly, you can achieve similar results at home by exfoliating, steaming, and applying a nourishing face mask. The key is understanding the correct order to follow for each step and using products suited for your skin type to achieve a bright and glowing complexion.
Steps
Cleanse and Exfoliate
Cleanse your face. It’s crucial to start with a clean face before exfoliating. Wet your face with warm water and gently massage a cleanser suited for your skin type onto your skin. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- You can dab your face with a clean towel to remove excess moisture but leave it slightly damp. This will help when exfoliating.
- For oily skin, choose a gel cleanser or foaming formula that removes excess oil and deeply cleanses pores.
- For dry skin, go for a cream-based or oil-based formula that cleanses without stripping moisture.
- For sensitive skin, select a fragrance-free cream formula that won’t irritate.
- For acne-prone skin, opt for a non-oil-based formula containing acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid.
Use a gentle exfoliating cream. After cleansing your face, apply a small amount of a gentle exfoliating cream all over your face. Massage into your skin with upward circular motions for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Focus on areas with dry, rough patches or clogged pores.
- Choose exfoliators with fine microbeads instead of crushed nut shells. These are gentler on your skin.
- If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can exfoliate 2-3 times a week.
- If you have normal or combination skin, limit exfoliation to a maximum of 2 times a week.
- If you have dry or sensitive skin, exfoliate no more than once a week.
Wash your face with water and pat it dry. After massaging the exfoliating cream into your skin, splash warm water onto your face to rinse it clean. Be sure to remove any remaining product before gently patting your face dry with a clean towel.
- If you want to exfoliate without steaming or using a mask, apply serum and/or moisturizer as usual.
Facial steaming
Boil a small amount of water in a saucepan. Pour 1-2 cups (240 ml - 480 ml) of water into a small saucepan and place it on the stove. Turn the heat up and wait about 5-10 minutes until the water reaches a boil.
- If preferred, you can boil water in a teapot instead.
Pour the water into a bowl and add a few drops of essential oil. Once the water has boiled, carefully pour it into a large bowl and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Wait about 1 minute for the water to absorb the oils.
- For dry or aging skin: Add rose and/or jasmine oil to soften your skin.
- For acne-prone skin: Add tea tree oil and/or rosemary to take advantage of their antibacterial properties.
- For combination skin: Add grapefruit oil to balance your complexion.
- For sensitive skin: Add geranium and/or lavender oil to calm your skin.
- If you have allergies or a cold, you can also add eucalyptus oil to help clear your sinuses.
Cover your head with a towel and position your face over the bowl of water. After soaking the oil in water for a few minutes, place a large bath towel over your head. Position your face about 15-25 cm away from the steam rising from the bowl.
- Be sure to cover your head and the bowl with the towel to keep the steam concentrated around your face.
- Be careful not to get too close to the steam to avoid burns.
Joanna Kula
Chief Aesthetician, Rescue Spa PA
Chief Aesthetician, Rescue Spa PA
Try combining facial cleansing with steaming for a deep facial cleanse. Joanna Kula, Head Aesthetician at Rescue Spa PA, explains: "Steaming is a fantastic way to deeply cleanse and detoxify your skin. First, gently wash your face with a cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, and oils. Then, steam your face and cleanse again, this time massaging the cleanser into your skin for a few minutes."
Steam your face in intervals. Hold your face over the steam for 90 seconds to 2 minutes. Take a 1-2 minute break, then continue steaming. Repeat the process for a total of 5 sessions, each lasting 2 minutes.
- If your skin becomes too hot or starts to sting, stop steaming immediately.
Wash your face and pat it dry. After finishing the steam treatment, splash warm water onto your face to cleanse. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel to prepare for applying a face mask.
- If you're applying a clay mask, you don't need to dry your skin completely.
Apply face mask
Select the right mask for your skin type. Just like with cleansers, it is important to choose a face mask suited to your skin. You can choose from clay, gel, cream, and sheet masks to absorb excess oil, treat acne, hydrate, brighten, or soothe the skin.
- Clay masks are most effective for oily or acne-prone skin as they absorb excess oil and deeply cleanse the pores. They also help tighten enlarged pores.
- Cream hydrating masks are ideal for dry, dehydrated, or aging skin. These typically contain oils that replenish moisture.
- Gel masks are great for most skin types, including sensitive skin. These masks usually don't contain oils but still provide hydration and soothing effects.
- Sheet masks are thin fabric or paper sheets soaked in liquid ingredients to treat skin concerns. You can find masks for hydration, exfoliation, and brightening.
Apply the mask evenly to your face and wait for it to dry. Once you’ve chosen the right mask, carefully apply it to your face with clean hands. You can also extend it to your neck and upper chest if you wish. Allow the mask to dry as per the instructions on the packaging, typically 10-20 minutes.
- If you prefer, you can use a brush to apply the mask. A flat foundation brush works well for this purpose.
- Follow the packaging directions for the recommended thickness of the mask layer.
- If using a sheet mask, simply remove it from the package and apply it to your face. Gently press it to ensure it adheres to the skin. The best way to keep the sheet mask in place is to lie down.
Rinse the mask off with water and pat your face dry. Once the mask is dry, splash warm water onto your face to rinse it off. You can moisten a washcloth with water to help remove the mask, especially if using a clay mask. Use a clean towel to gently pat your skin dry.
- Check the instructions on the packaging to ensure you’re following the proper steps for removing the mask.
- If you're using a sheet mask, no rinsing is necessary. Simply peel it off and massage any remaining liquid into your skin.
Apply moisturizer as usual. After rinsing off the mask, gently pat your face with cool water and dry it once more. Massage in serum and/or moisturizer to nourish your skin, leaving it healthy and glowing.
- If desired, you can apply toner before applying your moisturizer.
Advice
- You should only perform exfoliation, steaming, and mask application once a month. Doing them too frequently can irritate your skin.
- When exfoliating, steaming, and applying masks, try to create a spa-like atmosphere at home. Light scented candles if you enjoy fragrances, play relaxing music, and unwind while waiting for your mask to dry.
Warning
- Do not place your face too close to the steam when steaming. The hot steam can burn your skin, similar to boiling water.
- Avoid steaming your face if you have sensitive or damaged skin, such as severe acne, eczema, inflammation, swelling, or rosacea, to prevent further irritation.
- Be cautious when handling boiling water to avoid burns.
Things You Will Need
- Cleansing milk
- Clean towel
- Pot
- Water
- Large bowl
- Essential oils
- Large bath towel
- Facial mask
- Washcloth
- Moisturizing cream
