How to Give Yourself a Facial at Home

Facials, put simply, are multi-step multi-purpose skin treatments aimed at keeping your skin clean, hydrated and healthy. A spa facial usually includes cleansing, steaming, exfoliating, extracting, masking, massaging, and moisturizing. While it may not be possible to recreate every aspect of a spa facial with a licensed aesthetician by yourself, experts say you can still treat yourself and your skin in the comfort of your own home.

Step 1: Set the Ambience

You may not be able to recreate a relaxing and soothing spa-like environment in your home, but lighting a couple candles, putting on a relaxing playlist, and adding your favorite aromatherapy scents to a diffuser can work wonders. Also: try to find a quiet room in your house where you’ll be undisturbed to treat yourself to a refreshing break. If you have a bathtub and the time, try soaking in some lavender scented Epsom salts before you begin your facial. Shop our Of the Forest candles.

Step 2: The Double Cleanse

Aestheticians recommend you start with an oil based cleanser to break down any residual makeup, oil, or grime. Next go for a foam or water based cleanser which will clean your face without stripping it. Make sure to spend a full 60 seconds massaging each cleanser into your face. Learn more about the double cleanse ritual here. We recommend our MARULA BLOOM Cleansing Oil paired with our AHA Cleansing Milk.

Step 3: Steam

You can purchase a face steamer online, or you can boil water, let it cool slightly, pour it into a bowl and let the steam rise across your face. Try covering your head with a towel that drapes down around the sides of the bowl so you don’t lose any of the steam. You can also place a washcloth or towel into warm water and place it directly on your face. Make sure the water isn’t too hot to touch and be careful not to oversteam your face which can lead to dryness.

Step 4: Exfoliate 

Exfoliate with a gentle exfoliant, like an alpha or beta hydroxy acid or a jojoba bead physical exfoliant. We recommend our RENEW Buffing Cream and leaving it on for a couple minutes, and then gently wiping off with a damp washcloth.

Step 5: Serum

Apply a serum to give your skin an extra boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Select the serum that is right for you and then press gently into your face to allow it to sink in. 

Step 6: Moisturize and Massage

After masking, aestheticians recommend adding in your favorite serums and moisturizers with a goal of deep hydration. Then give your face a gentle massage using your fingers, a roller, or a gua sha tool. Make sure not to press too hard and try moving your fingers from your chin outwards and continue up across your entire face. Discover our moisturizers here.