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ADVICE:
How to get the most out of a home facial


Although we would all like to get professionally performed facials on a weekly basis, this is not always possible. A weekly mini facial, however, performed by yourself at home, will help exfoliate dead skin, deep-clean the pores, and lessen blackheads. This facial will take approximately 30 minutes to complete, but its benefits will be felt and seen immediately. The skin will also feel cleaner and softer.

The best time to perform this facial is in the evening, when you will not be applying makeup afterwards.

[ 1 ]  Cleanse your skin with a cleanser appropriate to your skin type. For normal to dry skin, try Karin Herzog Cleansing Milk. For combination to oily skin, we recommend iS Clinical Cleansing Complex. For acne prone skin, try DermaQuest Purity Cleanser 5%.

[ 2 ]  Follow with a toner to remove any residue of oil or makeup. For normal to dry skin, we recommend Agera Soothing Conditioning Mist. For combination to oily skin, try Identiti Antibac Toner.

[ 3 ]  Pour hot (not boiling) water into a large bowl and add 4 to 5 drops of chamomile and/or lavender oil. Place a towel over your head and lean over the bowl for about 3 minutes. Do not bring your face too close to the hot water.

[ 4 ]  Gently massage a scrub onto your face to remove dead skin. Try Karin Herzog Mild Scrub Massage for 3-5 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water.

[ 5 ]  Apply a mask suitable for your skin type.

Normal to dry skin: try Karin Herzog Mask. Leave it on for approximately 20 minutes. For best results, cover the mask with a plastic wrap to trap heat and increase penetration. Rinse it off with cool water. This mask will increase circulation and leave the skin glowing.

Combination to oily skin: try Ole Henriksen Firm Action Mask. Avoiding the eye area, apply to the entire face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Individuals with sensitive skin may experience mild stinging. If this occurs, the mask should be removed.

[ 6 ]  If you have normal to dry skin, finalize your facial with a moisturizer such as Agera Ultimate Moisturizing Repair. If you have combination to oily skin, finish with a product containing retinol or alpha hydroxy acid such as DermaQuest Glyco Lotion 12% and follow with DermaQuest Advanced B5 Serum to avoid over-dryness. Retin-A, or higher concentrations (over 12%) of alpha hydroxy acid, is not recommended as it can be too irritating following a facial.

Enjoy the relaxing benefits of this home treatment, and notice a significant improvement in your skin's tone and texture in only a matter of weeks. Even if you perform this facial only once a month (once a week is ideal) you are likely to see great results in the appearance of your skin.