At Home Facials
As a beauty consultant with nearly two decades of experience,
I've learned to expect the same thing every year: When colder
weather and indoor heating kick in, people's skin begins to freak
out. You know the look -- dry patches, pallid areas, fine lines
that now look like full-fledged wrinkles. Time for some serious
epidermal TLC. Don't worry if you don't have the time or funds
for a salon facial -- DIY versions using everyday ingredients
are a therapeutic way to revitalize.
CLEANSE.
A
warmed mixture of 1 to 2 tablespoons whole milk and several drops
of olive oil is great for cleaning and soothing most types of
dry skin: Milk gently removes dirt and makeup, and olive oil is
an exceptional moisturizer. Wash your hands to avoid transferring
bacteria or dirt, then warm the cleanser by working it between
your palms. Gently massage it into your skin, distributing evenly
using sweeping, circular movements. (This will also stimulate
circulation.) Remove with warm water, splashing upward until you've
flushed out the pores.
EXFOLIATE.
Dead cells, which clog pores and flake, can make skin look dull
and patchy. To concoct your own exfoliant: Mix 1/2 cup dry oatmeal,
3 tablespoons almond oil, 1 tablespoon finely ground sea salt
(or 
cornmeal
for more sensitive skin) and 1/4 teaspoon fresh mint with enough
warm water to form a paste. Dampen your skin, then use gentle
circular movements to apply the paste, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse. Repeat only once or twice a month, and don't exfoliate
if your skin is irritated or broken out.
TONE.
An often overlooked but necessary step, toning removes cleanser
residue and refreshes the skin. It also creates a base coat for
your moisturizer, which is easier to work into damp skin. For
a stimulating toner, mix one part witch hazel with two parts rose
or orange-blossom water. Witch hazel's antiseptic properties combat
blemishes without causing the skin to become dry or flaky; rose
water stimulates circulation; and orange-blossom water helps balance
the skin's pH. Using 100 percent cotton pads, sweep the solution
across your face and neck until the cotton shows no residue. Remember
to include the jaw line, where breakouts are common.
STEAM.
Steaming,
which helps open pores, primes the skin for deep cleaning. In
a large pot, boil 1 quart of distilled water. Next, infuse the
water by wrapping fragrant herbs of your choice (chamomile, eucalyptus,
lavender) in gauze or cheesecloth, lowering the heat, and placing
the cloth in the pot for five minutes. Remove the pot from the
heat and set it on a protected surface. Apply a light layer of
almond or sesame oil to the face (this acts as a buffer, protecting
your skin from the heat), then bend over the pot, tenting a clean
towel over your head to catch the steam. (Be careful not to get
too close.) Stay there five minutes, then pat dry.
MASK.
Masks
serve multiple purposes in a comprehensive facial: They deep-clean,
stimulate circulation, remove dead skin and hydrate. Oily or blemished
skin responds well to an application of a paste made of Fuller's
Earth (clay) and mineral water. Avoid the eye area while applying
and let the mask set until nearly dry. Then rinse thoroughly with
warm water. To hydrate drier skin, use a mix of 1 egg yolk, 1
tablespoon honey and a few drops of safflower oil. Or, to get
that firm Academy Awards texture (sans Botox), apply 2 egg whites
to tighten pores, followed by an application of plain yogurt to
brighten the complexion.
MASSAGE.
To
soothe the skin in the last phase of the facial, a moisturizer
should be massaged into the skin. Put a generous amount on your
hands and work them together to warm up the cream. Concentrate
on areas where muscles are overworked: cheeks, mouth, forehead
and around the eyes. Once the lotion is completely absorbed and
it becomes more difficult for the fingertips to slip across the
skin, blot off any excess with a tissue, and you're done.
Diana L. Carswell
As published in the Nov 14, 2004
WashingtonPost.com
