Easy 5 Step Facial for a Smoother, Healthier Face

The purpose of a facial is to perform deep cleansing, massage, steam, exfoliate and moisturize your face to help rejuvenate skin cells. You can do this at home or visit a day spa. However you choose to do a facial, the benefits can be considered as good preventative care against the signs of aging and keeping your skin healthy looking, smooth and clear.

It has been said that many men look younger than their female counterparts. They believe it is due to men exfoliating every day by shaving. Exfoliating is simply the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells from the surface. This alone can make your face look smoother because in reality it is, once you have removed the dead skin cells.

Step 1 - Wash
Wash your face with a clean wash cloth using a gentle face cleanser, gently moving over your face in small circular motions, then rinse well two or three times. For normal to oily skin, you can use a gentle scrub.

Step 2 - Massage
Apply a light moisturizer or oil (you can use lavender, olive or massage oil, but it should be right for your skin type) and gently massage your face using small circular movements with your fingertips for 5 to 15 minutes. The moisturizer or oil reduces stretching of the skin during your massage. This brings more oxygen to your skin, releases tension and relaxes the facial muscles. If you have oily skin, massage only a short time as you do not want to over stimulate the oil glands in your face. Rinse your face well.

Step 3 – Steam
Use a facial steamer if you have one. If you do not, boil some water and pour into a bowl (add some lavender or herbs to make it more luxurious), put a towel over your head and let the steam soften your skin for 5 to 8 minutes. Steaming stimulates your circulation and sweat glands. It helps to bring impurities to the surface and releases toxins. Be careful not to use water that is too hot or it may break the tender capillaries on your face. You can tell if it is too hot if it is uncomfortable.

Step 4 – Cleansing Mask
Apply your favorite cleansing mask and leave on for 5 minutes or until the mask dries. Rinse well with cool water. For oily or aging skin, you may want to follow the cleansing mask with a clay based tightening mask. Make sure you rinse well after any type of mask.

Step 5 – Moisturize
Apply moisturizer thoroughly to your face, neck and chest area, and you are done!

If you are new to facials, it is a good idea to get them a few days before a special event as they can sometimes make your skin appear a little red. This is not uncommon and is just temporary. The basic rules are to use products that feel right for your skin type and accomplish the goals of a facial. Remember the goals of a good facial are deep cleansing, stimulation, exfoliation and hydration. Try to treat yourself to a facial weekly or at the very least once a month.

If you are pressed for time you can skip some of the steps above. Just wash your face, apply a cleansing mask, either lie down for 5 minutes or soak in a bath (a lavender oil bath is wonderfully relaxing), rinse and apply your moisturizer. Even this quick method can help rejuvenate your face and make you feel more beautiful!

You can find all of the items mentioned above for a complete home facial including masks, essential oils, herbs, and moisturizers here. Just do a search for each item on your list once you reach their website. It makes the process so much easier if you don't already have what you need! Good luck!

--Carla