The Basic Home Facial Treatment
Going to a spa is nice, but we don't always have the time. And
doing a facial at home is not as expensive, nor is it
complicated. If you know the basic purposes- which are to
cleanse and soften the skin, and the procedures involved, all
you'll need are a few products and things that are already there
in your home.
The first step is to cleanse your face. How you do this is
really a matter of choice, and sometimes, budget. There are
literally hundreds of facial cleansers on the market, for every
type of skin, but the prices can get quite steep. If you're
going to invest in a commercial cleanser, do some surfing for
reports from magazines like "In Style", which do surveys and
performance comparisons of the leading sellers. Otherwise, go
with a basic soap that does not dry and tighten the skin. Many
women choose organic soaps that contain goats' milk, which is
less drying, and honey, which can help to retain moisture.
Next, you'll need to apply an exfoliating scrub specifically for
the face, and your skin type. Exfoliating the skin removes dead
cells, opening up black heads, bringing natural oils to the
surface, and allowing oxygen to reach the new skin. Depending on
your skin type, you may need to exfoliate once a week for dry
skin, twice for combination oily/normal, or three times for
oily. After you have rinsed off the exfoliating cleanser with
water, you're ready to steam your pores clean. Skip the
commercial machines, and use a low bowl of water that has
boiled, with a towel to create a tent over you head. Place your
face about one foot above the bowl and hold it there for 10
minutes. If it feels like your skin is burning, you're too
close. This will open up your pores and help get rid of
blackheads and pimples. Those with super oily skin, and
excessive blemishes, should try a ten minute steam treatment
every night. Splash your face with tepid water, and pat dry.
Never use hot or cold, as it can damage capillaries in your skin.
Apply your choice of moisturizer, while the skin is still
freshly damp. All skin types can benefit from moisturizers,
although they should be the kind meant for your specific skin
type. Moisturizer seals in moisture, and also attracts moisture
to the skin. If your face feels taut, the skin is not moist. But
overuse should be avoided as well, since it will clog pours and
cause blemishes.