How to Give Yourself a DIY Facial at Home

Is your skin looking a bit lacklustre? You’re not alone! It’s been a stressful year, and our complexions are often the first things to show the effects. When you’re suffering from stressed or tired-looking skin, or the dreaded maskne [insert link to maskne blog], it can take a real toll on our confidence, and the way we feel. If you think a pro salon facial is the only way to care for troubled skin, read on, because we have the perfect way to give your skin some TLC, at home. And even if your skin is looking good, (lucky you!) a DIY home facial is the perfect way to relax and give yourself some me-time. Goodness knows, we deserve it!

So, if you’re missing your regular salon facial, or want to give yourself a DIY facial at home, we have all the advice you need in our expert guide to DIY facials at home.

What do you need for your home facial?

So let’s start with your home facial kit. To give your skin a DIY facial at home you’ll need:

• a large bowl
• boiling water
• towel
• dampened cotton wool pads, or cucumber slices if you have them
• tissues
• cleanser
• exfoliator
• a face mask
• toner (optional)
• serum or face oil
• eye cream
• moisturiser

Even if you don’t have everything on our DIY facial list, you can still follow the steps using the products you do have. You can always treat yourself to any extras another time.

DIY home facial step 1: cleanse

Give your face a thorough cleanse to get rid of any make-up, oil or dirt. Dampen your skin with lukewarm water and then work the cleanser over your skin in upward, circular motions. Rinse with lukewarm water and gently pat skin dry. Repeat if necessary.

DIY home facial step 2: exfoliate

Exfoliating makes your skin look fresher, brighter and smoother, but it also has a little-known benefit: removing the dead skin cells helps the next products you use absorb better. Follow the instructions on your facial scrub for best results.

DIY home facial step 3: steam

Unless you have very sensitive skin or rosacea, steaming can be a great way of boosting circulation and opening pores to help loosen any build-up of dirt. Pour some boiling water in to a large bowl, drape a towel over your head like a little tent, and slowly lean over the bowl (be careful not to get too close!)

For a more indulgent, relaxing steam treatment, try adding some herbs or essential oils. Steam your face for five to ten minutes, and take breaks if you need to.

DIY home facial step 4: face mask

You face mask is the most important step of your DIY facial at home, giving skin much-needed nutrients.

Smooth your face mask over your face and leave for the time shown on the tube. Because you’ve steamed your face, your skin is ready to receive the mask’s nutrients, so pop the dampened cotton pads or cucumber slices over your eyes, lay back and relax.

You could practice some deep breathing to soothe away any stress, or just let your mind wander.

Rinse your mask off according to the instructions and splash your face with some cool water.

DIY home facial step 5: tone

If desired, apply toner to a cotton wool pad and sweep over your face and neck with upward movements. Blot dry with a tissue.

DIY home facial step 6: eye cream

Warm a small dot of eye cream between your ring fingers - the size of a small pea is the perfect amount. Apply to the bone around the eyes in a gentle outward pressing or patting motion until absorbed.

DIY home facial step 7: serum

Use your hands to gently press your serum or facial oil over the face. Using your fingertips, tap over the face quickly, until the serum has completely absorbed. This will help to stimulate your circulation and bring fresh oxygen and nutrients to the upper layers of your skin.

DIY home facial step 8: moisturise

Smooth your moisturiser over your face and neck in sweeping upward motions. We like to use night cream as it tends to be richer and more nourishing for your skin. Make sure to use enough so you don’t ‘drag’ your skin. Use a relatively firm pressure to massage it over the face for around three minutes to tone and lift skin’s appearance, relieve tension and support product absorption.

Follow these eight expert steps to treat your skin to a DIY home facial, and take some time for yourself. Before you go to bed is the perfect time, as you’ll be all relaxed, ready to drop into bed for a good night’s sleep. If you’ve had enough of your own company, why not have a spa date with a friend on a video call? Afterall, pampering is better with friends!