When it comes to making your skin look and feel amazing, there are some steps for a facial that you do not want to miss!
Facials can be incredibly relaxing, giving you some time to just focus on yourself and take care of your body. But what exactly needs to be done for an effective facial? Today I’ll cover all the necessary steps that need to be taken in order for you to enjoy a completely satisfying experience!
The essential steps for a facial at home:
In a rush? Here are the basic steps for a facial at home:
- Step 1: Wash your face
- Step 2: Steam your face
- Step 3: Exfoliate
- Step 4: Apply a face mask
- Step 5: Apply a toner
- Step 6: Moisturize your face
- Step 7: Massage
Here’s my step-by-step video sharing how to do an at-home facial for glowing skin:
Supplies you’ll need for a home facial:
When it comes to an at-home facial, you can go as fancy or as basic as you would like! However, there are a few things you will need for a facial, as well as nice add-ons.
Here is a list of things you’ll need for a facial and nice-to-haves for your facial:
Facial cleanser
A facial cleanser is an important step in any at-home facial routine. It removes dirt, oil, and other impurities from the skin’s surface, prepping your skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers.
If you don’t cleanse your face properly before applying other products, there’s a chance that they won’t work as effectively. A facial cleanser also balances the skin’s pH levels, which can help reduce redness and inflammation.
It’s important to choose a facial cleanser that’s designed specifically for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, opt for a cleanser that’s labeled as “oil-free.” If you have dry skin, look for a cleanser with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or even aloe vera.
Shop: Face wash | More face washes
Soft washcloth/ eco-friendly paper towel
A washcloth is an essential part of any facial because it helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Additionally, you’ll need it to dry your face once you’ve washed your face.
I personally prefer eco-friendly paper towels as washcloths can carry bacteria if not washed properly.
Shop: Towels
Exfoliating scrub
Exfoliating scrubs are an important part of any facial. They help to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your face, leaving it looking soft, smooth and glowing. Scrubs can also help to stimulate the circulation of the skin and increase cell turnover, which may lead to a brighter, more even skin tone.
Shop: Facial scrub | More face scrubs
Moisturizer
A moisturizer is an essential part of any facial, as it helps to hydrate and nourish the skin. Moisturizers help to seal in moisture and keep the skin looking healthy while also helping to reduce signs of aging.
A good moisturizer can help protect skin from environmental damage, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and prevent dryness. When choosing a moisturizer for your facial, make sure to select one that is specifically formulated for your skin type and needs.
Shop: Face moisturizer | More face moisturizers
Face serum
Facial serums are a great addition to an at-home facial due to the concentrated levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants they contain. These ingredients help to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin, reducing signs of aging and leaving your complexion looking brighter and more radiant.
Shop: Face serum | More face serums
Facial mask
Facemasks are an essential part of any facial experience. They help to deeply cleanse, moisturize and nourish the skin. In addition, masks can also help to minimize pores, reduce inflammation, and draw out deep-seated impurities. Depending on the type of mask you choose, you can also benefit from antioxidant and anti-aging properties. With the right mask, you can create a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home.
Shop: Face mask | More face masks
Toner
Toner is an important part of a facial because it helps to even out the complexion and balance pH levels in the skin. The toner helps to remove any remaining product (like facial scrub!) from the previous steps. It also helps to prepare the skin for the next step in skin care, such as serums or moisturizers. Additionally, toner can help to reduce the look of pores and remove excess oil from the face.
Shop: Face toner | More face toners
Extraction tools (optional)
Extraction tools are an important part of any at-home facial. Proper extraction is key to helping reduce the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and other common skin issues. When done correctly, extraction can help improve the appearance of your skin without causing any damage or unnecessary irritation.
Shop: Face tools
Facial Steamer
A facial steamer is a great addition to your at-home facial treatment because it helps open up your pores, allowing for the products and treatments you use to penetrate deeper and be more effective. Facial steamers also help to soften the skin and loosen up any dirt, oil, or debris that may be clogged in your pores.
Additionally, the steam itself helps to hydrate and nourish your skin, leaving it looking softer and smoother.
Shop: Face steamer | More face steamers
If you don’t have a steamer, no worries! Taking a shower has the same benefits as a steamer since a shower creates steam, or you can place your face in front of freshly-boiled water, which I show in my video above!
Facial massage (optional)
Using a facial massager can help to improve your overall complexion and give you glowing, healthier skin. It helps to increase blood flow to the skin, reduce puffiness and wrinkles, and improve the absorption of skincare products. It also helps to stimulate collagen production and lift sagging skin, giving you a more youthful look. Additionally, facial massagers can help to soften and smooth out your skin for a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance.
Shop: Face massage tool | More face massage tools
Hair clips or headband (optional)
There is nothing worst than trying to give yourself an amazing at-home facial, and your hair keeps getting in your face (true story!), so I recommend having hair clips or a headband to hold your hair in place!
Shop: Hairbands
How to do an at-home facial step-by-step
Get your supplies ready
Before you start your facial, it’s important to get all of your supplies together and have them ready. Supplies such as your facial wash, a towel, face mask, and even hair clips to prevent hair from getting in your face.
If you want a luxurious spa-like facial at home, opt for some relaxing music and a glass of wine (or any beverage!) to make you truly feel like you’re at the spa.
Once all of your supplies are in place, it’s time to start the facial.
Cleanse your skin
The first step to an at-home facial is thoroughly cleaning your skin. You want to wash your face with a simple cleanser that will remove dirt, gunk, and makeup.
I like to use Simple Fash wash since it’s gentle, extremely refreshing, and great for sensitive skin. However, apply any cleaner of your choice.
I find that wetting your skin prior to applying your cleanser will help it lather up better and be easier to apply across your skin. You’ll want to take a dime-size amount and apply it to your face using small circular motions, ensuring that you’re covering your entire face. Massage the cleanser into your skin for an extra spa-like level.
Once your face is covered, rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry with a paper towel. Regular towels can be full of bacteria, so I prefer to try my face with an eco-friendly paper towel. Be sure to lightly pat your face instead of rubbing or wiping your face, which can tug at your skin.
Steam your skin
What are some benefits of steaming your skin? It gives your pores a deep clean, removes toxins, enhances circulation, and helps other products work better (which thus saves you money!).
You can purchase a steamer such as this one (a top seller on Amazon), or you steam your face at home in the shower or with a bowl!
How to steam your skin with hot water and a bowl:
To steam for that at-home facial, you want to bring a small pot of water to boil (no more than 4 cups). Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat.
1. Boil some water in a pot on the stove and pour into a bowl. Make sure the water is not too hot, as this could burn your skin.
2. Place the bowl of hot water onto a flat surface.
3. Position yourself in front of the bowl, making sure your face is at least six inches away from the water.
4. Drape a towel over your head, creating a makeshift tent that will trap the heat and steam around your face.
5. When finished, gently pat your face dry with a clean towel.
If you want a spa-like facial, you can add some tea bags or flowers to your water. It’s best to use loose-leaf tea, but tea bags work perfectly fine as well. One of my favorite teas to steam my face with is Chamomile Flowers Herbal Tea.
I recommend steaming your face for a minute or two and then taking a 1-minute break for a few minutes. You can repeat this process as much as you want. You should feel like your face is sweating a little. This means it’s working!
Exfoliate your skin
Exfoliating is one of my FAVORITEEEEEE things to do because it helps to get rid of dead and dull skin cells revealing beautiful skin!
You can make your own DIY facial scrub using simple ingredients like baking soda and honey or sugar and coconut oil.
When I’m not using my own DIY facial scrub, I like to use NeedCrystals Microdermabrasion Crystals. What’s the difference? Microdermabrasion scrubs use aluminum oxide crystals to scrub away dead skin, which is a much finer crystal. This scrub works great to even out your skin tone and smooth skin and can help make you look younger.
You want to wet your skin and then apply a small amount of facial scrub. For NeedCrystals Microdermabrasion Crystals, I apply it with a little water or facial cleanser.
Apply your scrub in circular motions, but please be gentle! You don’t want to over-scrub your face (which can irritate your skin). Once your entire face is covered, rinse off with warm water and dry with a paper towel.
Apply a face mask
Face masks help improves the overall appearance of your skin as well as soothe it. You can make your own face mask and face wraps or purchase one. They’re pretty inexpensive, and the options are endless for one that fits your needs the best.
I purchased the SpaLife Pink Spa Set, which includes a face mask, feet mask, and hand mask. It’s not the best facial mask I’ve ever used, but it’s decent for a spa-like experience at a low price.
Be sure to follow the directions for your face wrap or face mask. Add cucumbers to your eyes for an extra spa life experience (plus, cucumbers on your eyes help reduce puffiness!)
Tone your skin
Toning your skin helps to restore your natural PH balance and get rid of any traces of the face scrub/face mask we previously used.
You can use either an alcohol-free toner or witch hazel as an alternative. Pour a small amount on a cotton pad, then swipe it all over the face in upward motions for even coverage. Let the toner dry naturally – this should take a minute or two.
One of my favorites is Simple micellar water. It’s not harsh and great for sensitive skin, which is why I love it! I use it every day.
Shop: Micellar Water
Moisturize your skin
The last step to getting glowing skin with your at-home facial is to moisturize your skin! I like to use both a serum and a moisturizer!
Serums are great because they’re able to pack in beneficial ingredients such as more antioxidants and skin-restoring ingredients without needing other ingredients such as SPF, emollients, or texture-enhancing ingredients that general moisturizers need (which is why serums also tend to be more expensive).
Look for serums with active ingredients in high concentrations. How can you figure this out? The higher the active ingredient is placed on the ingredient list, the higher the concentrations within the product.
Retinol is great at helping to fight acne, even out skin tone, reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and promote cellular turnover. I tend to use retinol during seasonal changes when my skin needs a little extra.
For active ingredients like retinol, too little of it and it’s a waste (real-life experience talking here), so make sure you’re choosing a serum with more than .000000001%. of active ingredients.
You only need a tiny amount of serum. Apply it to your fingertips and gently massage it into your face and neck!
Massage your skin
After cleaning your skin and applying a face mask, it’s time to massage your serum and moisturizer into your skin for ultimate penetration!
Gently massage the product into your skin using circular motions, paying extra attention to areas of tension like the jawline and around the eyes. This will help your skin absorb the products and make you feel relaxed. Remember to be gentle on your skin, as too much pressure can damage delicate facial tissue.
So this is how to do your own at-home facial for clean, glowing skin (without the expensive spa bill or even leaving the house!). You should notice your skin feeling softer, smoother, and more hydrated than before!
Conclusion
Taking a break for yourself isn’t always easy to do, but aside from being a truly rewarding experience, taking time for a facial can really make a difference in how you look and feel.
The best part? You don’t have to visit an elegant spa with expensive treatments to have the facial of your dreams. By following the steps listed above, you can create the ideal environment and treat yourself to amazing results right in the comfort of your own home!
So why not give it a try? A few hours of care dedicated to your skin can go a long way toward making sure you look and feel confident every single day.
In my next article, I’m sharing how to create your body skincare routine
