Our Simple Guide to an At-Home Facial
By: Fola Onifade
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Last Sunday, season 4 of Insecure premiered, and much to our delight, Issa and Molly are all in on self care! |
At Skin by Ame, self care is the epitome of what we do, so we couldn’t think of a better time to share our simple at-home facial with you. In six easy steps, you can experience one of our favorite self care practices from the comfort of your home.
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Step 1. Set the mood
First things first: mood is everything. So, light some candles, check out Skin by Ame’s Self Care Playlist on Spotify and get ready to treat yourself.
Step2. Double cleanse
Now to get to business, you always want to begin a facial with a fresh slate and clean skin. |
Skin by Ame's Love Potion Candle
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First, start with an oil-based cleanser to remove any makeup or dead skin cells. Next, use a water-based cleanser to get any remaining particles.
Step 3. Exfoliate
Now that you have a clean slate, the next critical step is to exfoliate and prep your skin to absorb moisture and nutrients from your masks. We recommend either of the phsyical exfoliants pictured below if your skin is dull or dry, and be careful not to scratch too hard on your skin.
Use a chemical exfoliant like Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant if you’re experiencing breakouts and oiliness and make sure to follow the instructions. Stay away from sugar scrubs which tend to overemphasize the pores, especially in the colder months.
Now that you have a clean slate, the next critical step is to exfoliate and prep your skin to absorb moisture and nutrients from your masks. We recommend either of the phsyical exfoliants pictured below if your skin is dull or dry, and be careful not to scratch too hard on your skin.
Use a chemical exfoliant like Paula's Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant if you’re experiencing breakouts and oiliness and make sure to follow the instructions. Stay away from sugar scrubs which tend to overemphasize the pores, especially in the colder months.
OleHenriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub
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Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub
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Step 4. Steam
For this phase, we highly recommend you snag a facial steamer from Amazon, but if you’re in a pinch or want to go full DIY, you can simply fill an empty bowl with hot water (and maybe some orange slices) and cover your head with a towel. Allow the steam to open and penetrate your pores for 10 minutes.
Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask
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Step 5. Apply Masks
That's right - plural. You need two masks for this step. With skin clean and pores ready to absorb all the goodies from your face mask, choose one based on what your skin needs at the moment.
If you’ve been oily lately or prone to breakouts, try a clay mask like the Aztec Secret or Kiehl's Rare Earth.
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If your skin is dull or dry, try a hydrating mask like our current favorite turmeric and cranberry mask from Kiehl's. Once you've removed your first mask, apply one of the sheet masks below to allow your skin to absorb healthy nutrients.
Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask
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Dermal Korea Collagen Essence
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Step 6. Moisturize & Massage
Finally, finish off your facial with a moisturizer, like our Hydrating Face Cream, and a massage. We recommend starting with a serum or, you can choose to use our 100% Sweet Almond Oil as a sealant once you’ve applied a good moisturizer.
To massage, you can use our Jade Facial Roller, but your fingers will work just as well. Begin to massage your face by starting at the center of your chin and stroking up and outwards towards your cheekbones. Continue in this circular motion, massaging the center of your forehead and your nostrils. Don’t forget to give behind your ears a good rub.
Finally, finish off your facial with a moisturizer, like our Hydrating Face Cream, and a massage. We recommend starting with a serum or, you can choose to use our 100% Sweet Almond Oil as a sealant once you’ve applied a good moisturizer.
To massage, you can use our Jade Facial Roller, but your fingers will work just as well. Begin to massage your face by starting at the center of your chin and stroking up and outwards towards your cheekbones. Continue in this circular motion, massaging the center of your forehead and your nostrils. Don’t forget to give behind your ears a good rub.
While your mask is on (and during your self care sesh), give yourself permission to use this time mindfully. If you can, lie down, close your eyes and let the mask penetrate your skin. De-stress with some light reading or meditation. Self care isn’t just about the products, it’s about taking care of your whole body - from the outside in. Happy indulging!
Did you try our guide? Take a pic and tag @skinbyame to show us how you're using your favorite products!
Did you try our guide? Take a pic and tag @skinbyame to show us how you're using your favorite products!