DIY SALON FACIAL
Want skin that glows to perfection? Start with an at-home facial! It's easier than you think to do a salon-style face treatment in the privacy of your own bathroom. Follow these tips from Myjellybean.com.
What You'll Need:
-Your regular facial cleanser
-Exfoliating scrub
-Face cloth
-Cotton pads
-Toner
-Moisturizer (for details, see "Treatment Time" below)
-Skin mask (ditto)
Clean Up Crew
To start your facial right, you've got to remove any lurking dirt and makeup in your skin. Use a mild cleanser in the right formula for your unique skin type (oil-free acne wash if you're prone to breakouts, or the creamy kind if your skin is normal to dry). Rinse face well with lukewarm water to remove all traces of the cleanser.
Scrub A Dub
While your face is still damp from cleansing, scrub away dead skin cells (which can get trapped in pores and cause blackheads) with a gentle exfoliating scrub. Try St. Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub.
Full Steam Ahead
Steaming releases dirt that's hiding deep in your pores, and hydrates your face with pure water. For the DIY version of a steam-clean, dampen a face cloth with very warm (but not too hot) water. Lie back and place the cloth lightly over your face. Relax for two minutes before removing the cloth.
High Tone
Got whiteheads or blackheads? Dab a cotton pad in a toner containing glycolic-acid (such as Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Astringent) and apply to your T-zone area (or wherever the blemishes have gathered).
Treatment Time
Now it's time to treat your face, by applying a two-step potion of moisture and mask. See below for product recommendations, depending on your skin. Whatever your skin type, leave the treatment combo on for 10 to 20 minutes, or as directed by the mask packaging. Then rinse face with lukewarm water and pat gently dry with a towel.
If skin is oily: Smooth on a moisturizer containing alpha-hydroxy acids or salicylic acid, such as Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer. Then on top of that, apply a purifying or deep-cleaning mask. Try Kiss My Face Organics Pore Shrink Deep Pore Cleansing Mask.
If skin is normal to dry: Start with your normal daily moisturizer, then top with a hydrating mask. Try Neutrogena Hydrating Facial Cloth Mask.
If skin is sensitive: Choose a moisturizer made for your skin type, such as Dove Sensitive Skin Day Cream. Top with a calming mask, such as Better Botanicals Nourishing Facial Mask.