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How to do a spa-worthy facial at home

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Escaping from reality every now and again, in my opinion, is very healthy. Yet, before you go the hallucinogenic route, let's consider the bright future you have and rather opt for a Sunday pamper session. Cool?

Here's what you do: put on a bit of Peruvian pipe music (or rather Adele?), set the mood with a dimly lit bathroom (that half broken candle left in your loadshedding kit), a glass of bubbly (sparking water with added single strawberry in case of end-of-month lack of monetary resources) and ensure you have some peace and quiet (use a towel to cover that small opening under the door to drown out your roommate's incessant watching of The Bachelor).

Then start.

Step 1: Cleanse twice

Start by cleansing away makeup, dirt and excess oils. Use cotton pads and makeup remover, like a micellar water or an oil-based cleanser, these will remove superficial build-up on the skin. Then go in for the big, deep cleanse.

Cleanse using a face wash suited to your skin type and some warm water. After washing, pat your face dry using a clean hand towel.

Read: Are you washing your face with the correct product? 

For a good cleanse, try: La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Gel, R180.

Step 2: Exfoliate – use an enzyme or a scrub

I love an enzyme exfoliant as you don't have to scrub your skin. It contains alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid and citric acid which gently remove dead skin cells.

Yet many people feel they need an actual scrub with micro particles that scrub away dead skin cells. However, be sure to stay away from products containing plastic microbeads.

Cnet.com notes that 8 million metric tons of plastic pollutes the ocean every year and synthesisplastic microbeads found in face wash, body wash and other products can be very harmful to the zooplankton that ends up feeding on it - disturbing its ecosystem.

Try these fab scrubs: Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Skin Brightening Exfoliator, 125ml, R 650.

Kiehl's notes that when applying this product one should be utilising the fingertips - gently apply to clean, damp skin in an upward and outward circular motion, avoiding the eye area.

We also love Woolworths Exfoliating Cleanser, R89,95 (now with biodegradable microbeads)

OR make your own exfoliator at home

Tip: Be wary of harsh exfoliants if you have sensitive skin or acne as this might disturb the skin.

Step 3: Mask

Mask just after exfoliating. Vogue suggests using different masks at once to target different skin concerns, e.g. a clay mask for your T-zone, i.e. for pulling out impurities and a hydrating one for your eye and lip area – this is often a very neglected area says Refinery29.

Read more: Masks for congested skin

Remove the mask using a warm washcloth.

Step 4: Serum and massage

Apply a serum after cleansing and before moisturising. Let it rest on your clean skin for a few minutes for it to have an optimal effect as serums deliver key ingredients to the skin.

This is a good time to incorporate some facial massage!

Self.com suggests pressing your fingers between your brows, sliding it up your forehead and repeating it several times. Then take your fingertips from either side of your nose and drag it past your cheeks a few times. Repeat this motion on your jawline and finish off with your neck. Finally end by using vertical strokes from the collarbone upwards. 

By this time you should be feeling lank chilled. 

Intothegloss.com notes that "(Serums)... deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients. This makes them a great tool for targeting specific skincare concerns, like wrinkles. Goodbye, signs of aging!"

Try: Filorga Time-Zero Multi-Correction Wrinkles Serum, R1090.00 for 30ml.

Feel free to tone after the serum has been sitting on your skin for a while.

Step 5: Moisturise

Crucial and non-negotiable, the final step is to apply a hydrating product that will leave your skin softer than a Japanese silk weaver's hands.

Read more:

Body moisturisers to drench your skin in 

Is urine the next miracle skin cure?


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