How To Do The Basic At-Home Facial

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 25-30 minutes

Here's How:

1.   Cleanse the skin
You¡¯ll want to wash the face to remove any grime or dirt. If you have oily or combination skin, try a foaming (but soap-free) cleanser like Eucerin Pure Purifying Foaming Wash or Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash. For dry skin, try a cream or milky cleanser such as Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser.

2.   Exfoliate
Using your fingers, rub a gentle exfoliating scrub in a circular motion on your face. Concentrate on the areas around your nose and forehead or if you have combo skin, work harder on the areas that tend to be ¡®greasy.¡¯ Rinse your face well since exfoliating scrubs tend to be drying.

3.    Steam
Fill your sink with warm water, dip a washcloth in and press to your face. Repeat 2-3 times.

4.   The mask
For oily skin, use a clay-based face mask. For dry skin, go for a hydrating gel or cream mask.
Apply the mask, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Keep it on for 10-20 minutes (or, according to the directions on the product). Rinse completely. Want to go all out and make your own natural face masks? , I show you how.

5.   Moisturize
Smooth on a soothing, basic moisturizer such as Cr¨¨me de La Mer Moisturizing Cream or the less expensive Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.
Tip: Stay away from strong moisturizers containing retinols or acids. These will over-exfoliate your skin.