Washing your face is something that you should do at least twice a day, even if you don’t plan on giving yourself a full facial.
Use your regular makeup remover to clear your face of any products.
As a general rule, gel and foam cleansers are more suited for combination/oily skin, while cream cleansers are more suited for normal/dry skin types because they add a little extra hydration to the face. If you have mild acne, you might want to try a cleanser with salicylic acid in it. Salicylic acid helps unclog pores to resolve and prevent lesions on the skin. One good option are Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream or Power-Foam washes. [2] X Research source
Mix together 3 tbsp fresh apple juice, 6 tbsp whole milk and 2 tbsp honey. If you want the cleanser to be more of a warming cleanser, then pop the honey in the microwave for 10 seconds before you add it to the other ingredients. Place 1/2 tablespoon of oats in a food processor and pulse until powdered. Then add 1 tablespoon almonds and pulse until powdered. Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of honey and 1/4 spoon of soy milk. [3] X Research source
Once washed, rinse your face clean with warm water and pat it dry. Rubbing the skin vigorously on a towel will only redden and irritate your facial skin.
Some recommended spot treatments include Malin+Goetz Acne Treatment with active sulfur and salicylic acid and Clean and Clear Persa-Gel 10, which is a 10% benzoyl peroxide solution. [5] X Research source For a DIY spot treatment, apply either tea tree oil or toothpaste to the affected area. Tea tree oil, which is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil, is a great home remedy for people with sensitive skin, because it doesn’t typically dry out or redden the skin like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid do. [6] X Research source Dermatologists, however, recommend applying spot treatments conservatively to avoid overusing these products which can result in redness, dryness and flaking of the skin. Make sure that you’re only using a pea-sized amount of any spot treatment. [7] X Research source
Proper and regular exfoliation can also make you look younger because it exposes the new, fresh layers of skin beneath the old ones. [9] X Research source
You can also buy products with gentle abrasive ingredients, such as jojoba beans, rice grains or corneal. These help with the “scrubbing action”. Some products can have sharper particles, such as apricot pits and shells. If you have sensitive skin that is easily irritated, it’s best to avoid these type of exfoliators. [10] X Research source
Mix together 1 mashed banana, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup soft brown sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 tsp vitamin E. The sugar is the exfoliating agent, as it acts like little microbeads that clear off dead skin cells. Blend a half dozen fresh strawberries with 1/4 cup of milk. The enzymes in the strawberries dissolve dead skin cells and the milk helps to soothe the area afterward. [11] X Research source Combine 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Separately, prepare a package of plain oatmeal. Use less water than the instructions call for so the oatmeal turns into a thick paste. Then add the honey-olive oil mixture to the oatmeal. The oatmeal exfoliates, while the honey-olive oil mix hydrates. [12] X Research source
Once you’ve scrubbed the lips apply a lip balm to seal in the moisture. You can even make your own lip balm right at home.
If you use a bowl, make sure it can handle boiling hot liquids.
For normal or dry skin: Mix together 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 cup honey, 3 tbsp cream, and 3 tbsp oats. For normal to oily skin: Mix together 1/2 cup pureed raspberries, 1/2 oats, and 1/4 cup honey.
If you feel any burning or warming sensations while the mask is setting, remove it. Your skin may be getting irritated. When removing the mask, don’t abrasively scrub it off, but instead let the warm water do its work to flush the mask out and off of your skin.
Moisturizing also has long-term benefits. Hydration is what enables skin to function at peak performance, meaning that skin cells can repair themselves quickly and turn-over fresh cells. This has huge anti-aging advantages in the long term. Studies have shown that people who use moisturizer develop wrinkles at a fraction of the rate of those with dry skin.
Avoid choosing a very light moisturizer for after a facial. Your skin has just been deep cleaned and will need to be replenished with moisture. Otherwise, the lack of moisture in the skin will cause it to begin to overproduce oil and clog your pores, which in turn will lead to break-outs.
Try getting a moisturizer with a 15-30 SPF (sun protection factor). Recent studies have shown that higher SPF products are not any more effective and, moreover, that they may not be as high an SPF as advertised. [21] X Research source One option is Neutrogena’s Oil Free Facial Moisturizer with a 15 sunblock or Clinique’s Superdefense Daily Dense Moisturizer SPF 25.
Be sure as well to moisturize your neck - the skin there also deserves attention!
