So as I mentioned in last weeks post (link here) I would detail my at home facial routine. It has been 5 weeks since I started my skincare challenge, Bringing The Glow Back To My Skin. Overall I wouldn't say that the results have been amazing but I am happy that I have managed to keep up my skincare routine. This is have the battle because going for facials are not beneficial if you are not looking after your skin in between.
As
relaxing and enjoyable as facials can be they also serve an important purpose.
Ideally they should be performed once per month only and preferably 2
weeks prior to your wedding date or special occasion.
The main purpose, of a facial, is to encourage cell renewal and regeneration. This is done through the improvement of circulation thus increasing the flow of oxygen-enriched blood to skin cells. This gives your skin a healthy glow and plumps skin cells with vital nutrients and water, reducing the appearance of wrinkled and dry skin.
It
is natural after a facial to have a breakout or two, and it’s for that reason
that you should not have a facial the week of your special occasion. The reason
for this is that our skin is getting rid of any impurities hidden in its lower
layers and it brings it out in the form of nasty blemishes. It takes the skin 1
full month to naturally exfoliate old cells and to produce new cells so it is
for this reason that we only have a facial once per month.
Home
Facial Routine:
I have devised my own at-home facial routine. I just use my regular skincare products. I don't think that I need to buy specific products for the facial. Its up to yourself what products you would like to use. Below
I have detailed my At-Home Facial Routine.
1. Cleanse – Apply
your cleanser and work over the skin on the face and neck, ensure that you do
not forget the corners of the nose, and use upward motions (Using downwards
motions will drag the skin downwards and seeing as the facial muscles are the
most receptive muscles in the body, using downward strokes is not a good idea!)
2. Tone – We tone
at this stage in order to remove any excess cleanser from the skin
3. Scrub – You can
make your own homemade scrub by adding some sugar to your facial wash or
alternatively you can buy a scrub in any pharmacy, salon or supermarket. Again
use upward motions and avoid the skin around the eyes as this area is very
sensitive.
4. Tone - We tone
at this stage in order to remove the scrub from the skin. I love Garnier Micellular Water.
5. Steam – This is
a lovely part of the facial routine. Facial steamers can be bought from time to
time in Lidl or Aldi or for under €20 in Boots but if you do not have a steamer
you can simply use a pot of boiling water with a towel over your head. I like
to add a drop of lavender oil into the water and the fragrance is so relaxing.
Keep your face approx 10 inches from the pot and allow the steam to soothe your
skin for approx 10 mins. The steam will open up your pores.
6. Face Mask –
Apply your mask using upward strokes avoiding the eye area. Now that your pores
have been opened by the steam the mask can draw the impurities out. After 10
mins remove your mask with a hot damp towel. I love love love love Tescos "Pro Formula Purifying Thermal Face Mask" as it has a lovely warming effect on the skin when applied with damp hands!
7. Massage –A
little massage with a little oil is lovely (Almond, grapeseed or jojoba seed
oils are all good but if you do not want to use oil on your skin then your
moisturiser is fine). Apply a little bit of oil and massage using upwards
motions
8. Tone – Using 2
pieces of cotton wool apply some toner all over the face and neck. Ensure that
you have removed any residue of the product. The steam will have opened your
pores so the toner will close your pores, preventing infection.
9. Moisturise/Eye
Cream – Apply eye cream by lightly dabbing the skin around your eye with your
ring finger (The pressure of your index and middle fingers would be too much in
this area). Finish off by applying your moisturiser, using upward strokes, to
the face and neck. At the moment I am using the Lidl Skin care range and I find it great.
Homecare
advice
After
any type of facial, salon or home based, there are a number of steps that you should follow so as to reduce
any damaging effects. These include:
·
Avoid makeup for 12 hours
·
Avoid sunlight for 12 hours
·
Avoid any harsh or heavily fragranced products
·
Follow your daily skincare routine
·
Drink 1.5-2L of water each day
·
Get 7-8 hours sleep each night
·
Avoid smoking, alcohol or greasy/fatty foods
·
Eat plenty of fruit and veg
·
Wear an SPF
I am running a half marathon in limerick this weekend so I will be doing the At-Home Facial following the run. It's a great way of relaxing and getting some well deserved "Me-Time". It can be a nice idea to do the facial routine with a friend and make a girly night out of it!
I
hope you enjoy my easy At-Home Facial Routine.
Until the next time, always remember to be:
Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow
Dee x
Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow
Dee x
