When was the last time you had a spa facial — or even a facial at home? If it’s been a minute, it’s okay. You don’t necessarily have to break the bank on expensive professional facials at a spa every time or invest in fancy tools or steamers. At-home DIY facials can keep your skin health on track and give you a sense of the spa at home.
Lucky you… You’re about to learn how to do a great at-home facial! Want to make it feel like you’re at a real spa or aesthetician’s appointment? Dim the lights, put some soothing music on, throw on a cozy robe and a spa headband and start with a relaxing bath if you’d like.
And now, how to do an incredibly effective facial at home.
Step 0: Remove makeup
This step is primarily for people who wear makeup, but it can also help to use dedicated products to remove comedogenic sunscreen and other oil-based products as well. Why do you need to remove makeup and grime before you cleanse?
Traditional face washes help cleanse light makeup, dirt and oil. But heavy makeup typically requires some oil to remove. Makeup removers don’t deep cleanse your pores – but they can help melt away waterproof makeup and grime from your skin. So if you want to go the extra mile to thoroughly cleanse your skin in an at-home facial, makeup remover is a fantastic place to start.
Step 1: Cleanse + exfoliate
Before you do anything else, you’ll want to wash your face to remove excess oil, dirt and other impurities.
Products to choose from + directions:
a.) The Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, step 1 in the Proactiv +®Acne Treatment System removes excess oil, dirt and other impurities as it prepares your skin for hydration and the acne-fighting treatment. Bonus? This face wash exfoliates away the excess dead skin cells to help clear your pores.
Directions: Apply a small amount to dampened skin and gently massage it in with your fingertips for 1 to 2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
b.) The Ultra Gentle Cleanser, part of the ProactivMD® 3-Piece System, helps wash away dirt, oil, and debris while leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Infused with soothing, antioxidant-rich green tea, it will leave your skin feeling clean, not stripped or dry. And, it’s ideal for all skin types.
Directions: Apply a generous amount to dampened skin and gently massage it in with your fingertips for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, rinse it off with warm water and pat dry with a soft washcloth.
Step 2: Steam
Whether you purchased an at-home steamer, plan to boil water and tea in a pot or take a hot bath, steaming will help soften the skin so you can effectively receive the benefits of the products you’ll apply next. Steaming also helps loosen dead skin cell and sebum buildup (and often bacteria buildup.)
Not sure how to steam? Here are a couple ways to try:
a.) Steam your face over the sink or over a large bowl of warm water: Feel free to add a few drops of essential oils, herbs or teabags. Put a towel over your head so the steam can be directed towards your face and keep your head about 6 inches from the water for 5-10 minutes.
b.) Use a hot towel compress to help open your pores: Soak a clean towel in clean hot water then wring it out a little so it’s not dripping too much. Allow it to cool to a tolerable temperature for your skin. Apply it onto your face while lying down and relax for 5 minutes. If the towel gets too cold fast, you can wet it again with hot water for the remainder of the 5 minutes.
Ready for the next step in your at-home facial?
Step 3: Apply a face mask
Now that your pores are cleansed, it’s time for your skincare extra credit – a mask. An at-home facial is the perfect time to bring out the face mask as you’ll leave it on your skin for a period of time to work its magic. And, whether your skin needs a hydration boost, a deep cleanse of impurities, or a combination of both, it helps to know what mask(s) to choose.
Here are some key ingredients to look for in a face mask:
Clay: Usually bentonite or kaolin clay, clay masks can help detoxify your skin and reduce the appearance of redness.Charcoal: Charcoal can help soak up the extra oil your skin doesn’t need.
Benzoyl Peroxide or Sulfur: These antibacterial ingredients are ideal for fighting papules and pustules.
Salicylic Acid: This acne-fighting ingredient works by helping chemically exfoliate dead skin cells to help keep your pores clean.
Glycolic Acid: This superstar ingredient has exfoliating properties, moisturizing effects and even helps break the bonds between dead and outer layers of skin cells to help keep your pores clear.
You can apply masks with your hands or with a clean paint or mask brush. Make sure to leave the mask on only for the amount of time specified as longer isn’t always better. When removing the mask, remember to be gentle. You may need to rework some cleanser onto your skin to get all of it off your face.
Step 4: Help treat pimples
Once you’ve thoroughly removed your face mask, it’s time to treat areas on your skin with acne.
Products to choose from + directions:
a.) Pore Targeting Treatment in Proactiv +®Acne Treatment System delivers blemish-fighting medicine directly into your pores.
Directions: Cover your entire affected area with a thin layer of product and do not wash it off. Let it sink in and dry for a minute before the next step.
b.) Adapalene Gel, part of our ProactivMD® 3-Piece System contains adapalene, a retinoid previously available only by prescription, that works at the cellular level to attack your acne and prevent future breakouts. If you struggle with stubborn acne, this is going to be one of your favorite products. It helps restore a more even skin tone and texture by clearing acne.
Directions: Apply a pea-sized amount of product to affected areas and do not rinse it off. Let it sink in and dry for a minute before the next step.Step 5: Moisturize
No at-home facial is complete without moisturizer! Yes, it’s important to moisturize even if you have oily skin. Why? If you strip your skin of moisture (washing, exfoliating, treating) without replenishing it, you’re body will overproduce oil to compensate, starting the acne formation cycle all over again. So, as the last step in your at-home facial, make sure you nourish your skin by hydrating it.
Products to choose from + directions:
a.) Complexion Perfecting Hydrator from Proactiv +Acne Treatment System is a medicated moisturizer that hydrates, brightens, tones and helps fade the appearance of post-acne marks – without clogging pores.
Directions: Apply a large coin-sized amount to dry skin, smooth over your entire face, and follow with oil-free, non-comedogenic SPF 30 or higher if you plan on going outside.
b.) Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizer, part of the ProactivMD 3-Piece System helps smooth, soften and restore your skin’s moisture barrier. Plus, it combats dryness for up to 8 hours, contains a skin brightening complex to help fade the appearance of post-acne marks, and hydrates with hyaluronic acid. You’ll even notice that your skin looks more mattified as it’s formulated to absorb excess oil, too.
Directions: It applies like a gel but hydrates like a cream. Apply a large coin-sized amount to your entire face. It can be worn alone or under makeup. And of course, make sure to apply a non-comedogenic SPF 30 or higher after if you plan to go outside during the day.
The bottom line
At-home facials are a great way to pamper yourself and take care of your skin. Remember, it’s about what you do for your skin routinely with the right products that gets the best results.
