How to Give Yourself a Hydrating Facial at Home
I always feel that my skin needs a little pick me up when the seasons start to change. Maybe you notice that your once sun-kissed glowing skin is starting to look a bit dull and dry as Fall gets into full swing. If you like to pamper yourself at home, this at home hydrating facial will give you the little boost your skin is craving.
What time of day is best to give yourself an at home hydrating facial?
NIGHT. It’s a well known fact that UV rays are damaging to the skin on a cellular level. Whether you want to boost hydration or you want to use products designed to repair those damaged cells, the best time to apply them is before you go to bed.
While you sleep, your body is in the process of repairing its damaged cells. You can read more about how your circadian rhythm can effect your skin here: https://jcadonline.com/circadian-rythm-skin/
HYDRATING FACIAL IN 5 EASY STEPS
If you have ever had a facial there are certain steps that your aesthetician performs so that when you leave the spa your skin feels rejuvenated. Not all the treatments can be done at home such as massage and extraction, but you can still have great results with the right products in the comfort of your own home.
CLEANSE
Cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine. Our goal is to hydrate, smooth, and brighten the skin, so you should be using a cleanser that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils.
Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser by The Inkey List
Gel cleanser that is suitable for all skin types.
Contains Nordic Peat which is high in Fulvic Acid (antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties), Kakadu Plum Complex that is high in Vitamin C, and Licorice Root (an antioxidant with brightening properties).
WHY I LOVE IT! This gentle cleanser has a light foaming action that makes me feel like it’s really working. After repeated us my skin looks less blotchy and feels soft after cleansing.
HOW TO USE? Using only a pea sized amount, gently wash your face using circular motions. Cleanse for at least 30 seconds, rinse and pat dry with a clean towel.
EXFOLIATE
Exfoliation is a key step in removing dead skin cells and giving your skin a smooth appearance. According to the article “How to Safely Exfoliate at Home” there are a few main things to consider when choosing which type of exfoliant is right for your skin. You can read the article here: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/safely-exfoliate-at-home
- Consider medications or other products you are already using to avoid any complications.
- Oily/Thicker Skin Types – May be able to use a stronger chemical exfoliant or mechanical exfoliant.
- Dry/Sensitive/Acne Prone/Darker Skin Tones – Choose a mild chemical exfoliant.
Powerglow Peel Pads by M-61
Easy to use 1 minute exfoliation pad. Contains Glycolic and Salicylic Acid, Vitamin K, Bilberry extract (antioxidant), and Chamomile and Lavender to help soothe the skin.
WHY I LOVE IT! I can’t say enough about this product. Because my skin tends to be a little more reactive I only use this product once or twice a week. My skin is noticeably smoother and glowing the next morning.
HOW TO USE? At night, after cleansing, remove the individually wrapped pad and gently apply to the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Do not rinse and wait a few minutes before moving on to the next step.
MASK
A treatment mask can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine. Since you leave a mask on for a longer period of time the active ingredients have a higher chance of penetrating.
Since our skin is in the process of transitioning from summer to fall we want a mask that targets our key concerns, dryness, uneven skin texture, redness and blotchiness.
Rose Face Mask by Fresh
A cooling hydrating gel mask with rosewater, aloe vera, cucumber, and a hydrating algae extract.
WHY I LOVE IT! This is my go to mask when my skin is irritated and dry. It has an instant cooling effect right out of the jar. My skin feels supple and less blotchy after use.
HOW TO USE? Apply the mask all over the face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 5-10 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.
SERUM
A serum may seem like an expensive extra step in your skincare routine, why not just buy a fancy moisturizer that claims to deliver the same results? Serums are designed to be more concentrated with active ingredients to help target specific skincare concerns.
There are many different serums on the market to choose from (Retinoids, AHA’s, and Vitamin C) but since our focus is on hydrating and locking in moisture the key ingredient we should be looking for is Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a very common ingredient in skincare, when applied to the skin it has the ability to lock in moisture. It is found in many hydrating creams, lotions, serums and masks.
Hydraboost HA Serum Pads by M-61
M-61 uses a triple action Hyaluronic acid complex, peptides, and antioxidants to help lock in moisture and provide firming benefits.
WHY I LOVE IT! This product is perfect when you need an extra boost of moisture. I typically use these pads in the evening after cleansing and/or exfoliating and in the morning my is skin is noticeably more plump and glowing. Also, each pad is nicely saturated so there is enough left on the pad to apply to other areas of your body, try it on your neck, chest and tops of hands.
HOW TO USE? After cleansing, gently use the pre-packaged pad all over your face, neck and decolletage, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for at least 10-15 minutes before applying your moisturizer.
HYDRATE
Moisturizing should always be the last step in your skincare regimen. Think of your moisturizer as a barrier against the outside elements that dry and irritate your skin.
There are so many different moisturizers on the market today that it can be very confusing to know which one will work for your skin and your budget. Here are some things to take into consideration when choosing a moisturizer.
Skin type (oily, dry, combination, acne-prone)
Skincare concerns (hydration, anti-aging, radiance, pigmentation)
Budget (more expensive doesn’t always mean better)
Beware of heavily perfumed or fragranced products!
FACE
Ultra Facial Cream by Kiehl's
A lightweight non greasy cream that contains Squalane (an oil derived from olives) and Glycerin (a humectant that helps keep moisture in the skin).
WHY I LOVE IT! Sometimes with all the other products in my repertoire I like to use a basic moisturizer that does what it says without all the fancy ingredients. I have been using the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream for years and what I love most is that it keeps my skin feeling hydrated all day.
HOW TO USE? A small amount goes a long way, all you need is a pea to dime sized amount. Apply to the face and neck in a gentle sweeping motion.
EYE
Avocado Eye Cream by Kiehl's
A ultra hydrating eye cream with Avocado oil, Beta-Carotene (antioxidant) and Shea Butter
WHY I LOVE IT! When the area around my eyes is dry I notice all the fine lines, especially when I wear makeup. This cream really hydrates and helps with softening the appearance of those lines. It’s a great basic hydrating eye cream.
HOW TO USE? With the pad of your ring finger use a small pea sized amount (this amount will be plenty for both eyes) and lightly tap the product along your orbital bone.
