Pre-Facial
The best time for a facial is right after a shower! The steam in the room will open up your pores and make it easier to get the dirt out while also letting your skin absorb everything you’re going to put in it. Also, make sure your hair is tied up and out of the way! You don’t want any fly-aways getting in the way, so make sure to use a headband or hair-tie.
- Cleanse
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The first step in any facial is to cleanse! Cleansing is responsible for removing the dirt and makeup from your face, so make sure to be thorough! It’s even recommended to double-cleanse by starting with an oil-based cleanser, then using either a foam- or cream-based cleanser. Be sure to rinse off using a warm washcloth and leave some moisture on your face for the next step! Do not pat dry!
- Exfoliator
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After cleansing, it’s time to exfoliate! Exfoliants are responsible for removing dead skin cells and excess oils from your skin. Smooth the scrub onto your entire face and buff away dead skin cells using circular motions for 1-2 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
- Extraction
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You can extract any whiteheads and blackheads with either your hands or through tools.
Using hands: Wrap your fingers in gauze or cotton and apply gentle pressure around the pore.
Using an extraction tool: Center the loop of the extractor over the pimple, and apply pressure while moving the tool gently from side to side.
Note: *If the blackhead does not come out with gentle pressure, then do NOT force it. Otherwise, you can get an infection or scarring!*
- Mask
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Masks are intended to target certain issues, so choose one based on what your skin needs. There are two main types of masks; sheet and clay. Choose your mask based on your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature) and condition.
For clay masks: Remove the clay by rinsing it off with warm water and patting it dry with a clean towel.
For sheet masks: Simply apply over your face for 10-20 minutes, then carefully pull off. Don’t rinse your face afterward so that your face can absorb the extra moisture!
- Toner
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Toners (also known as tonics, essence, or exfoliating acids) are meant to help restore the natural skin’s pH after cleansing. Use a gentle toner on a cotton pad (sprays work too) to wipe away any remaining traces of the clay mask and exfoliator.
- Serum
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Serums help solve specific skincare concerns, making them great for attacking things like redness, wrinkles, or blemishes! Simply tap your skin gently for 30-60 seconds until the serum is absorbed.
- Moisturizer
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Serums can tend to dry out the face, so always make sure to end with a hydrating moisturizer! To apply, put dabs of moisturizer onto your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and neck. Start at the neck and spread the moisturizer upwards and outwards so as not to cause unnecessary tugging on the skin. Massage it into the skin for 1-2 minutes until it is absorbed!
Post-Facial
If you plan on leaving your house, apply a minimum of SPF 15 after you moisturize! Also, give your skin at least an hour before you apply any makeup to allow your face time to absorb and treat itself after all the hard work you put in!