Seven steps for a spa-like facial at home, according to the experts
Sure, salon facials are brilliant, but most of us aren’t able to book in for these moments of professional pampering every week.
Luckily, however, there are some simple steps you can do to recreate the results of a spa facial at home, using the contents of the OK! Beauty Edit by Alesha Dixon. All that’s needed are the right products and a little expert know-how and fresh, smooth, glowing skin can be yours, without even needing to leave the house.
Here Natasha Suri, beauty expert at Herbal Essentials, shares her easy tips for creating a spa-like facial at home.
1) Start with a clean canvas
Ensure your skin is a clean canvas by starting with a double cleanse. Cleanse your face with an oil-based cleanser first to dissolve any makeup, oil or grime. Then use a water-based cleanser to keep your skin clean without drying it out. Gently massage the products in with your fingers to make sure no dirt is left behind – this should take around 60 seconds.
2) Steam your skin
This helps to open up your pores, soften the top layer of your skin so products can penetrate deeper. Take extra care during the process as over-steaming can lead to dryness. For 10 minutes, either close your eyes and hover your face over a bowl of hot water while covering your head with a towel, or soak a towel in hot water and put it over your face. Once steamed, rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a soft towel.
3) Massage your face
This helps to boost circulation and lymph flow. Massage your products into the skin in a circular motion and tap lightly with your fingers on delicate skin areas such as around your eyes. A jade roller helps to promote relaxation further by encouraging lymphatic drainage, boosting the skin’s natural detoxification process. Roll in an upwards and outward motion, avoiding dragging your skin down.
4) Apply a face mask
No facial would be complete without a face mask. Choose a mask which is based on your skin’s current needs, and instead of quickly applying the mask, take time to massage it in your skin thoroughly.
We love: Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial. This combines enzyme and chemical exfoliators with physical scrub particles for smooth, glowing skin when left on for just 10 minutes.
5) Create a relaxing ambience
To create the ultimate relaxing experience, your setting needs to evoke peace and serenity. Removing as much stress as possible will help you switch off and unwind. Soak your feet in the bath and fill it with Epsom salts. Heighten your senses with natural fragrances of essential oils such as peppermint, jasmine, lavender, or citrus. Light a few candles and play a relaxing playlist before starting your facial.
6) Spend time on your eyes
The areas around your eyes are the most delicate and become thinner with age, losing elasticity. Therefore it’s important to dedicate part of your facial to hydrate the under eyes. At the start of your facial, place your eye cream in the fridge. Once it’s time, gently press the cream lightly around the eyes for a cooling sensation.
We love: Avant Skincare Pro-Radiance Brightening Eye Final Touch. This lightweight eye cream contains hyaluronic acid and light-reflecting mica minerals to hydrate and refresh the delicate skin around the eyes.
7) Moisturise
To lock in your rejuvenated skin, it’s important to apply a hydrating moisturiser. This will be the final step in your process, so take the time to stimulate blood circulation. Tap lightly on your brow and jaw line to relieve muscle tension and leave your skin with a dewy finish.
We love: Able Skincare Prestige Anti-Ageing Retexturing and Resurfacing Duo Moisturiser. A luxurious face cream with a beautiful silky texture, this hydrates the skin while also helping to tackle fine lines and uneven skin tone.
We reckon Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon loves an at-home skincare session too, as she’s included full size tubes of these three products above inside her very own OK! Beauty Edit. The limited-edition box contains nine of the star’s all-time favourite beauty must-haves, worth a whopping £350 in total but available to buy for just £45.
No wonder Alesha’s skin always looks so flawless!