In a world of tight schedules, harmful pollution, chemically-laden products, high anxiety, and environmental toxin overload, it is nearly impossible for our skin not to feel and show the effects of it all! Thankfully, with a little commitment, you can maintain your skin's natural beauty in the comfort of your own home! Yesterday we learned best ways to cleanse your skin. Today we're discussing Facials
A facial is the quickest way of cleansing, reviving, and brightening faded skin, leaving the skin light, soft and glowing. A facial also does a thorough job of relaxing frazzled nerves so that you emerge not only looking younger but also feeling fresher and more relaxed! A facial once or twice each month will ensure rejuvenated and fresh skin for a long time to come!
If it is in your budget, seek out a spa or professional for your facial. Find someone who uses natural products, preferably organic and plant based and pays attention to your skin type. However, if you do not have the time or cannot afford the luxury of regular salon treatments, you can give yourself a facial at home! Choose a time when you can be undisturbed and quiet, and get everything ready before you start so that you can relax and really enjoy it!
Follow the routine below for a quick, at-home facial:
- Tie your hair away from your face and neck, using a headband to pull any remaining hair away from your forehead.
- Begin by removing your makeup either using makeup remover wipes, coconut oil or another method to remove all residue from the face. Cleanse your face and neck with a good cleanser and thoroughly remove.
- The next step is a gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria allowing the skin to best absorb the other products. We love using a simple, DIY exfoliant of organic coffee grounds, hot water, and warmed organic coconut oil but you can also find wonderful store-bought products to use.
- Prepare a face mask suited to your skin type. On a thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated face, spread a fairly thick layer avoiding the mouth area and creating large circles round the eyes. Then, lie on your back and keep the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes or until dry. There are many options for creating an amazing mask at home but the one we love the most is a simple concoction of organic coconut oil, honey and fresh avocado.
- 1 tbsp of fresh turmeric/ turmeric powder (juiced or pressed)
- 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
- add water to make to paste
- 1 tbsp of honey or 1/2 a beaten avocado if you've used juiced turmeric
- Simply mix up, apply to specific areas (wear gloves to protect your hands) and leave on for 3 minutes before rinsing off. Repeat at least twice a week for five weeks to see results.
Try this for red irritated skin
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- ¼ ripe avocado
- 2 drops of lavender oil
- This is a great mask for moisture and to calm the skin. It heals, moisturizes and reduces redness. Leave on for up to 15 minutes.
Try this for moisture and hydration
- 1/2 Avocado
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- A handful of oats or oat bran
Honey is an excellent humectant as well as an antioxidant that adds moisture without oiliness and adding essential fatty acids of avocado is super for the skin as well. Oatmeal is nourishing, calming and soothing to skin.
Try this for dull lifeless complexion
- 1 tablespoon of cacao powder
- 1/4 papaya
- A squeeze of Aloe Vera gel
Aloe vera is bursting with vitamins and papaya has exfoliating enzymes to reveal fresh glowing skin. Cacao brightens and plumps by naturally boosting circulation.
To improve skin tone and texture try this
- 1 tablespoon of organic coconut yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
The lactic acid in the yogurt makes a visible difference to skin by lifting away rough and lacklustre surface cells to uncover much newer, brighter ones. The honey is a super moisturizer and the turmeric evens out hyperpigmentation.
Try this for acne and blemishes
- 1 tablespoon of manuka honey
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of Dead Sea salt
Manuka honey is great for both healing and as an anti-bacterial. Turmeric is a great option for raw, acne prone, angry skin. It works as an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Incorporating Dead Sea salt will also help to clean, reduce inflammation and infection.
Try this for oily skin
- Half an avocado
- 1/4 cucumber, blended
Cucumber mainly contains water which will hydrate (if skin is dehydrated, it sometimes produces more oil to compensate) but it also contains Vitamin C and this will help reduce any break out activity. Avocado regulates oil production, it is rich in Oleic Acid which helps reduce inflammation.
Most masks can be left on till dry or up to 15 min, unless otherwise noted. Wash your face and neck with lukewarm water, keeping your eyes closed. Dry your skin and apply your favorite toner that is best for your skin type.
Lastly, now that the skin is thoroughly cleansed, exfoliated, and the pores are open, it is time to apply skin serum and/or moisturizer to the face. Spend some time massaging it in using upward, circular motions.
Join us tomorrow for Part 4 - Massaging Your Skin
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