 A day at the spa is definitely a treat, but with parents tightening their belts and you using the money from your part time job to spend on a hot night out with your friends, a trip to the spa for a facial is probably pretty low on your list of priorities. Don't worry though, you're not condemned to a life of clogged pores and flaky skin; it's easier than you think to bring the spa to your home. Whether you're looking to make a party of it with some friends, or engage in some much needed alone time, grab a few key products, head to your bathroom, and your face, and your spirit, will be refreshed in no time.
Step 1: Cleanse
Since you'll be using a slew of different products for your at-home facial, it's best to choose a basic, but effective cleanser that won't strip skin. Cetaphil is a great cleanser that will remove impurities without drying skin. Choose the Gentle Skin Cleanser formula if you're dry, and the Daily Facial Cleanser if you're normal to oily.
Step 2: Tone/Exfoliate
Contrary to popular belief you should not be using a scrub to exfoliate flakes and dead skin cells. According to top LA facialist Marc Edward, using a scrub will actually cause skin to break out, break capillaries, and spread bacteria. To exfoliate the right way, choose a liquid exfoliant such as Clinique Clarifying Lotion. It's available in five strengths, plus a formula specifically for acne-prone skin. Simply choose which one is right for you (Mild Clarifying Lotion for very dry skin, up to Clarifying Lotion 4 for very oily skin), sweep over skin with a cotton ball and allow to dry.
Step 3: Clear Clogged Pores
This is usually the step in a professional facial where the facialist will perform what are called extractions, meaning the removal of clogged pores and blackheads. Since this is something that should only be done by a professional, a quick way to cheat at home is to use a pore strip, such as the ones from Biore. You can choose the nose strips or both the forehead and chin strips, depending on where your problem areas are. Simply wet the strip, stick on your face and chill out for 10-15 minutes and peel off. You can even use the wait time to give yourself a mini manicure by filing nails and applying one to two coats of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure. This one bottle contains all five steps of a salon manicure so you'll be polished to perfection in no time.
Step 4: Mask
Once you've removed your pore strip, it's time for the really fun part - applying a mask!If you're on the dry side check out Freeman Beauty Chocolate and Strawberry Detoxifying Mask, which contains Shea and Cocoa butters to moisturizer and soften. (Just try not to eat it!) If you're oily or acne prone, reach for Kinerase Clear Skin Regulating Mask, a deep cleansing clay mask that removes impurities and minimizes the appearance of pores. Leave your mask on skin according to package directions, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 5: Moisturize
No matter what your skin type, it's key to use a moisturizer everyday, just make sure it's oil free if you're oily or acne prone. A great, all purpose moisturizer for any skin type is Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture. It's water-based and non greasy so it won't cause shine, yet it effectively moisturizes drier skin types.
Now that you're armed with everything you need to create a spa-like facial at home, get out there and get glowing! Photo credit: Webmd
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