How to Maintain Your Skins Health— At Home!
Whether you just can’t find the time to make it into the spa, are working with a tight budget at the moment, or maybe you’re quarantined like the rest of the world (so weird typing that!), an at-home-facial can help maintain your skin health until you can get back in to see your esthetician. But what’s the best, most effective way to go about doing this?
An at home facial can be as simple as just pampering yourself in ways you normally wouldn’t, and taking the time to focus on how each step makes you feel.
Since we’re stuck at home and therefore not having to get all made-up for work or social gatherings, now is as good a time as ever to take a break from the makeup (yes, even if you’re only using clean/green/non-toxic products!) and let your skin breathe. Your tinted moisturizers are still okay to use since the majority of them contain sunscreen (and if you’re spending a substantial amount of time outdoors, they’re necessary) but trying to steer clear of any make up items for the time being will be a great way to allow your skin to rest.
The Facial:
Gently cleanse your skin (even if you’re already make up free) to make sure that any residual dirt/oil/make up won't be lingering and preventing your products from properly sinking in. Make sure to take your time with this and massage the cleanser into your skin before rinsing! (Tip: Using a warm towel infused with essential oils to remove the cleanser will ramp up the relaxation level!)
Exfoliate with something gentle yet effective, such as the Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant from Eminence, or an enzyme mask like this one from Herbivore. (Enzymes offer exfoliation without the physical feeling of one, which is great for sensitive skin!)
Apply a mask that will target any skin concerns you might be dealing with. Look for something with Vitamin C if your skin needs brightening, something with Chamomile or Blue Tansy if you’re dealing with acne/inflammation, or Hyaluronic Acid if you’re feeling dry or dehydrated. (Tip: Use a clean foundation brush to apply your mask to make sure everything is evenly distributed, and for extra pampering.)
Once you’ve washed off your mask, you can proceed with some facial massaging (if you wish!) using either a Gua Sha tool or a facial roller like this one. Totally not necessary, but it can help give you that spa experience you’re missing and help to relax any tension you might be holding in your face and neck area.
Finish off by applying an oil or cream-based moisturizer to hydrate and lock in all of the good stuff you just put into your skin! Don’t forget your lip and eye area, as well! 😉
For those of you who can’t stay away from picking at your face— which you really, really shouldn’t do, but we get it, it’s hard to resist!— We have a few tips on how to safely perform extractions at home. 👇
Only attempt to extract a breakout or blackhead when your skin is clean. It also helps to do this after a hot, steamy shower as this helps open up the pores and allows for an easier extraction process.
Never use your barehands! Your nails (no matter how short) have the potential to tear or damage delicate tissue, causing longterm damage and scarring, and can also spread bacteria if your nails aren’t clean!
Wrap a piece of toilet paper around your two index fingers, or grab two Q-tips (Caci’s favorite), and gently apply pressure on each side of the breakout in an upwards motion. If doing this once or twice doesn’t result in any sort of substance coming out that means it’s not ready! (a.k.a: leave it alone!!!)
Always follow-up extractions by cleansing the skin and applying a mask. This will make sure any bacteria is removed and the mask will help to calm down any redness or inflammation that may occur! You can also apply ice too!
Not sure if the products you have at home are what’s best for your current skin situation? Schedule a virtual skin consultation with one of our esthetician’s and let them guide you!
Warmly,
Team Toccare