Here’s How To Give Yourself An At-Home Facial, According to Experts
In what feels like day 5,370 of self-quarantine, spa days don’t quite look like they used to. While most spas are up and running again, the experience is nothing like it once was, thanks to COVID-19 restrictions. If you can actually get an appointment booked, you might find that it’s not quite as soothing to get your face massaged while wearing a mask or worse, being exposed to the actual virus. And since we at WH know that spa time is essential and can make the world of a difference when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, we’re here to share exactly how you can perform a facial in the comfort of your own home, no mask needed (except for the one you're about to apply, of course).
Besides being luxurious, there are many benefits to routine facials. According to board-certified dermatologist, Hadley King, MD, facials are a great way to practice self-care and can really make a difference with our mental health, too. And of course, it’s great for your skin, most importantly.
“In terms of skincare benefits, facials help with deep cleaning and unclogging pores, rebalancing the pH of your skin and targeting specific concerns,” says Patty Hung, Master Esthetician of the Seattle-based spa Penelope & The Beauty Bar.
While there are certain steps you should follow (more on that below), the best part of giving yourself a facial at home is that you can customize it to whatever you’re in the mood for at that moment. Of course, Hung doesn’t suggest skipping the three main steps: cleansing, exfoliating and toning. But there are tons of other options to customize your treatment to your needs, including massage type, tools and even masks. As far as things you should avoid, well, we highly recommend saving your extractions for the pros. There’s no reason to risk infection or scarring just to get rid of that little pimple. Hung also recommends not overdoing it with exfoliators and active ingredients. You don’t want to reach the end of your facial only to have an irritated, inflamed complexion. Plus, this is supposed to be an enjoyable, relaxing experience. So take your time, slow down, and enjoy the process.
To help you nail your next at-home facial, we tapped three skincare experts to get a step-by-step guide on how to give yourself a spa-worthy facial anywhere, anytime.
Step 1: Cleanse
This step seems like a no-brainer, but it’s super important to start off any facial with a proper cleanse. Each of the experts we talked to agreed that this cleanser should be gentle on the skin. This isn’t the time to use a cleanser that has exfoliating beads or harsh ingredients. Dr. King’s go-to is the Carter and Jane’s The Everything Oil Neroli No 19 Cleanser. It’s 100% USDA-certified organic and contains a slew of organic oils that cleanse and hydrate the skin.
If you’re a heavy makeup wearer, feel free to double-cleanse to ensure all traces of cosmetics, dirt, and debris have been removed.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Now that your skin is a clean surface, it’s time to slough away dead skin. Hung suggests skipping harsh exfoliants and using products with AHAs and BHAs, like the cult-favorite Biologique Recherche Lotion P50. “It’s a do-it-all product that provides light exfoliation and helps to rebalance the pH of the skin,” Hung says.
If you’re looking for a more accessible option, try the Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask. It’s formulated with pineapple enzyme and lactic acid. “Some people like to do fruit acid peels, but I’m more of a fan of scrubs,” says celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care Joanna Vargas. “They’re easier to use, they bring everything out of your pores, and they don’t cause as much redness or patchiness in the skin.”
A few other WH favorites include the SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, SkinButtr Cocoa Vanilla Scrub and the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser.
Step 3: Tone
Facial toner is one of those steps that most of us either love or skip over entirely. But it’s a step that can boost the effectiveness of your skincare products, since it erases any grime or dirt that's still hanging out on the skin. Plus, it’s known to help tighten the appearance of pores and gives skin a healthy dose of hydration. If you don’t currently own a toner, it won’t ruin your facial to omit this step. But, if you do have a favorite formula stashed in your beauty cabinet, we certainly recommend reaching for it at this point.
Step 4: Mask
Here’s where at home facials get really fun. Dr. King says your skin should already look and feel softer and clearer at this point and applying the mask will only make matters better. You’ll want to customize your mask to your specific skin needs, and your mood at the moment. There’s no one-option-fits-all with this step. If you’re looking for intense hydration, reach for the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask. For acne-prone and oily skin, try the Golde Papaya Bright Exfoliating Face Mask. And for anti-aging, our top pick is Lancer Skincare Younger Revealing Mask Intense.
Step 5: Rinse
Now that you’ve cleansed, exfoliated, toned and applied a mask of your choice, it’s time to rinse your skin clean. If you used a sheet mask, Hung says to make sure you massage the product into the skin. All other masks you can remove by rinsing them off with water.
Step 6: Products, Products, Products
For the final step of your at-home facial, you’ll want to grab your go-to products. Think serums, creams, and of course, sun protection. Like your mask choice, your serum and moisturizer preference should address your specific skin concerns. And yes, it’s totally okay to apply more than one. But, don’t worry about purchasing new products solely for this at-home facial. You can use your usual favorites and still get great results.
After each of the previous steps, your skin will be soaking up all these active skincare ingredients for your most luminous skin yet. Both King and Hung agree that SPF should not be skipped after a facial, unless you’re headed straight to bed. After all, it’s one of the most important steps in a daytime skincare routine and puts the perfect finishing touch on everything you just accomplished in your at-home facial.
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