Set the mood
Just because you aren’t dishing out money for a professional treatment that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a relaxing experience at home. Set the mood with scented candles and soft music. Take time to prepare all of your equipment and products before hand so you won’t have to stop your facial mid-treatment to rummage through your cupboards. Now all you have to do is take the phone off the hook and lock the door!
Cleanse the skin
Work a gentle cleanser into your skin with your finger tips and massage in circles to remove any dirt, bacteria and makeup. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Get steamy
Open your pores with a little steam. A simple option is to hold a warm washcloth over the skin, but for a spa like steam, you can use a slow cooker. Just pour a little water into the unit and turn it on. Lean over the cooker and place a towel over your head to trap the steam. You can even add essential oils to the water for a complete sensory experience.
Pore extraction
To safely open any clogged pores use your fingertips and a clean tissue or cotton pad and press gently. If the debris is not removed easily, then leave it alone; further attempted extraction can result in scars or infection.
Tone
Remove any excess cleanser and oil with an oil and alcohol free toner.
Try on a mask
Apply a clay or mud based mask if you have oily skin and a hydrating cream mask if you have dry skin. Leave the mask on for at least 10 minutes and then wipe off with a warm washcloth.
Mist and moisturize
Use a spray mist to close your pores then follow up with a moisturizer and voila! Glowing, healthy looking skin!
By Erica Salyi-Pannozzo, fashion and beauty writer/editor. Check out her online column, Celebrity Fashion, at http://celebrityfashion.contentquake.com/