Facial Treatment Techniques

Facial Treatment Techniques
Photo Credit spa cosmetic image by Wojciech Gajda from Fotolia.com

A facial, whether at home or at a spa, can deeply cleanse your skin to avoid future breakouts and reveal fresher cells. Clinical facials at facilities with medical supervision might include stronger treatments, such as chemical peels or botox injections. Some spa facials may aim for deep relaxation with an emphasis on providing pampering in a soothing environment. Do-it-yourself facials can give you time to relax and leave your skin refreshed.

Step 1

Fasten your hair back, away from your face. Wash your hands. Moisten your face with lukewarm water. Gently apply a facial cleanser to your skin with circular motions. Use a cleanser suited to your skin type. Try a cleansing cream for dry skin or a gel for oily skin. Splash warm water onto your face to rinse away the cleanser. If you are wearing eye makeup, use cotton pads soaked in eye makeup remover to carefully remove any eyeliner or mascara. Apply an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells; be careful to keep the exfoliant away from your eyes. Splash with warm water again to remove the exfoliant.

Step 2

Soak a cotton ball with toner and sweep the toner across your forehead to remove cleanser or exfoliant residue and rebalance the pH of your skin. Apply toner to your temples and nose, avoiding your eye area. Sweep the toner upwards from your jawline to your cheekbone. Apply toner under your chin, behind your ears and to your neck. Rub the cotton ball from the base of your neck, upward to your chin to avoid pulling your skin downward.

Step 3

Boil 1 qt. of distilled water. You can include a few drops of lavendar or other essential oil for fragrance. Massage a light layer of oil, such as almond or sesame, into your skin. Carefully pour the hot water into a closed sink basin. Lay a towel over your head. Bend over the sink to let the steam collect on your face under the towel. Let your skin steam for three to five minutes to open your pores.

Step 4

Apply a mask to your skin, avoiding your eye area. You may choose to use a spoon to remove the mask product from its packaging to prevent any transfer of bacteria from your fingers. Use a clay mask if you wish to remove impurities and cleanse your skin. Choose a cream-based mask for deep moisturizing. Lie down and let your mask set for its recommended period of time. Wet your mask with a few splashes of water before removing it. Use facial sponges or a washcloth to wipe away the mask.

Step 5

Massage a generous amount of moisturizer into the skin of your face and throat. Use gentle upward motions. Apply a rich lip balm. Pat eye cream onto your eyelid and beneath your eyes.

Tips and Warnings

  • Give yourself a facial at home once a week to once a month. You can use many household ingredients, such as avocado or oatmeal and honey, to make your own masks. Consult an aesthetician or dermatologist for customized skin-care recommendations.
  • Do not exfoliate your skin if your skin is irritated or broken out. Be mindful of any allergies and check the ingredients of your facial products.

Things You'll Need

  • Facial cleanser
  • Exfoliant
  • Sink
  • Toner
  • Pot
  • Facial mask
  • Moisturizer

References

Article reviewed by Allen Cone Last updated on: Sep 2, 2010

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