The At-Home Facial

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Experts recommend booking a facial every four to six weeks and while that’s sound advice – regular facials promote happier, healthier skin – sometimes it’s just not practical. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Treating yourself to regular at-home facials can be just as beneficial and can help you get to know your skin better. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to pamper like a pro and enjoy a video tutorial from our friends at Omorovicza.

Step 1: Set the tone

Consider this a sacred moment. Take your energy levels right down, mimic the tranquil spa environment and make sure you’re comfortable and warm. If there are particular fragrances you find soothing, diffuse essential oils or burn a scented candle. If music helps you to relax, search Spotify for a chill-out playlist and press Play.

Step 2: Cleanse

If you’re coming at this with a full face of makeup, use a gentle micellar cleansing water such as By Terry Cellularose Hydra-Toner or Nuxe Micellar Cleansing Water and sweep over skin with a cotton pad.

Step 3: Double cleanse

“Cleansing is one of the most important steps when performing an at-home facial” explains Omorovicza therapist Gwen, “as it prepares the skin for oncoming products.” Opt for a luxurious balm cleanser, such as Omoroviza Thermal Cleansing Balm or Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm – both glide onto the skin and smell divine so offer a real therapeutic spa-like experience.

Warm an almond-sized amount between your fingers before massaging into face, neck and eye area using small, circular motions. To remove, soak a cloth in hand warm water, wring out and place over your face – leave the cloth here for a few minutes allowing the steam to open the pores then gently remove the cleanser taking care around the delicate eye area. If you prefer a more fluid formula massage a cleansing oil such as Caudalie Make-up Removing Cleansing Oil into your skin, emulsify with a little water and rinse thoroughly. Look for gentle formulas that can be used around the eyes to remove even the most stubborn mascara.

Step 4: Exfoliate

“Exfoliation is key” explains Gwen, “as it helps to remove dead skin cells which build up over time – revealing a smoother and brighter complexion.” We’re fans of layering dream duos and for even more effective results swear by using two pumps of Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser followed by an even layer of the Resurfacing Mask on top for 5 – 10 minutes for a really deep exfoliation treatment. Alternatively, for more sensitive skin types, use a gentle exfoliating balm or scrub like Oskia Micro Exfoliating Balm or Sisley’s Gentle Facial Buffing Cream.

Step 5: Mask

This step can be tailored to suit your skin type, but Gwen recommends having two types of face mask close to hand. A deep cleansing, clay-based mask to cleanse and brighten and a hydrating and anti-ageing mask to nourish and maintain the youthfulness of skin. For best results, layer the mask on to cleansed and exfoliated skin and leave to dry for 15-20 minutes, before rinsing off with warm water.

Step 6: Tone

A hydrating facial mist spritzed during your at-home facial will not only refresh your senses but hydrate and balance the pH of your skin, helping to refine pores. We love Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist and La Mer The Mist.

Step 7: Serum

Serums are highly concentrated formulas containing active ingredients to target specific skincare concerns, be it brightening, hydrating, balancing or anti-ageing. Take a prescriptive approach and select your serum according to your skin’s specific needs, but don’t be surprised if these change on a monthly or even weekly basis. Always apply a serum to slightly damp skin; simply dot over your face using your finger tips and gently press the formula into the skin – a tapping motion will help to encourage the product to sink in. Wait a few minutes until fully absorbed.

Step 8: Massage

There are around sixty facial muscles in our face and as we age these muscles start to tense up and lose their strength, resulting in frown lines, expression wrinkles and a lack of elasticity. Regular facial massage can help you increase circulation, lift and firm the face, release any tension and bring nutrients back into the skin. See below for Omorovicza’s tips on how to perform facial massage using either a lightweight facial oil or moisturiser.