Visiting a salon or spa to get a facial is a treat for most people. The beauty therapist may apply one or more treatments to your face to exfoliate dead cells, rejuvenate your skin, moisturize, tone and refresh it. While you won't get the same pampering at home, you can prepare your own facials to revitalize your skin. The best part is that a home facial is much cheaper than a salon or spa service. Design your facial to suit your skin's individual needs.
Exfoliation
Gently exfoliate dead skin cells by combining ½ cup of almond oil with ½ cup of oatmeal and 1 tbsp. of cornmeal. Lightly massage the paste into your skin and rinse with tepid water. The Washington Post recommends exfoliating no more than once or twice a month.
Steam Treatment
Fill a large pot with steaming water and add a handful of chamomile or lavender herbs. Place a large towel over your head and bend over the pot for five minutes, allowing the aromatic steam to warm your face and open your pores. If your skin is sensitive, apply a thin layer of almond oil before the treatment.
Revitalize
Treat yourself to a facial mask to increase circulation and to moisturize tender skin. Combine an egg yolk with ½ tsp. almond oil or jojoba oil and mix in 1 tbsp. of honey. Smooth over your face, avoiding eye areas and leave on for 30 minutes or longer, then rinse. You can move about during this time, but for a true spa effect, place a slice of freshly-cut cucumber on each eyelid to cool and relax the area.
For oily skin or skin prone to acne breakouts, add a teaspoon of dry clay powder, available from the cosmetic aisle of department stores, to the mix. The clay will draw out impurities, leaving your skin fresh and revived.
Health Recipes.com suggests using a blended salad dressing, such as Miracle Whip, as a facial mask. Apply liberally to your face, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse. Your skin should feel toned and renewed. This treatment also can be beneficial as an exfoliating masque. Note: If your skin becomes irritated, rinse the dressing off immediately.
Moisture Massage
Finish your at-home facial with a moisture-rich massage. Choose an inexpensive cold cream or your favorite moisturizing cream. Lie back on your bed or a recliner and place towels over your clothing and any upholstery to prevent spills.
Rub a glob of cold cream between your palms to warm it to body temperature, then apply a thick layer to your face. Use your fingertips to gently massage the cream into your face in circular patterns. Start at the outer edge of your face and jaw and work toward the center of your face. Massage for three to five minutes before using a tissue to remove the excess cream, leaving your face soft, moisturized and feeling refreshed.
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