An at-home facial is one of the best things you can do for your skin. I like to do a multi-step facial twice a week to give my skin that extra TLC. It's a perfect activity on a hungover Sunday, when putting on pants to leave the house seems too daunting a task. You'll feel so accomplished! Here are the three steps I typically follow, along with my favorite masks in each category. Don't cleanse your face between every step or you'll dry it out--use micellar or rose water and fluffy square cotton pads (they do a much better job than cotton balls).
Treatment: First, I treat my breakout-prone areas with a deep cleansing mask. Look for a clay mask that dries to a thick paper mâché-like consistency. This helps draw impurities from your pores to prevent breakouts and prep your skin for the next steps of the facial. Unless you have allover oily skin, only use this mask in areas that you break out--for most people, this is your T-zone. Typically, this kind of mask should only stay on for 5-10 minutes, and you will most likely need to wet a washcloth with warm water to remove it. The Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Masque is incredibly oil-absorbing, and is perfect for oily skin. The Natura Bisse Stabilizing Cleansing Mask feels like silk when applied, and leaves your skin with a nice glow when taken off. For a natural and budget friendly option, try the Yes to Tomatoes Skin Clearing Mask. For dry or mature skin types that do not experience clogged pores and blemishes, skip the clay mask and look for a gentle scrub mask to slough away dry skin (such as Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment or derma e Microdermabrasion Scrub).
Enzyme: This is the active, glow-producing step of your facial regimen. Enzymes/acids encourage cell turnover, even skin tone, reduce fine lines, and diminish hyperpigmentation and scarring. Ingredients to look for include lactic acid, fruit enzymes and glycolic acid. It's good to rotate these masks, as the ingredients are extremely potent and may be irritating if used more than once per week. Some of these masks can be left on for up to an hour, but make sure your skin has a tolerance for such active ingredients. Starting with a 10 minute application and observing how your skin reacts is a good idea when trying any new mask. The REN Glycol Lactic Renewal Mask is very powerful, with a marmalade-like consistency. It has four different types of acids that do a phenomenal job of fading spots and visibly brightening the skin, even after only one use. The Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask provides an incredible glow, and can be left on for a long time--the instructions say up to 30 minutes, but I don't find my skin to be irritated even after an hour or two. It dries clear with a slight sheen, so I have applied this when leaving for an early flight and removed it once the plane takes off. I also love this one before a night out because of the immediate radiant effect. The Mario Badescu Enzyme Revitalizing Mask is great for dehydrated skin and leaves a similar instant-gratification sort of glow following use. It has added antioxidants to help fight free radical damage. Sunday Riley Good Genes isn't only a mask, though it can definitely be used as one. This miracle product is an extremely effective lactic acid treatment that can be used in the morning or evening. It leaves skin looking smoother, brighter and more even toned. There is no better at-home treatment for reducing scarring and hyperpigmentation.
Moisture: Finally, your skin needs to be soothed and moisturized. Moisturizing masks can be in a typical paste-like consistency, clear and runny like a moisturizer, or in a sheet form (we'll save that chat for another day). Make sure there aren't any irritating ingredients such as perfumes or propelyne glycol. I like to shower during this step without washing the mask off, so the steam helps the mask penetrate my skin. Remove with rosewater and follow with a nourishing moisturizer and facial oil for your skin type. The Mario Badescu Rose Hips Mask is an active yet calming multitasker. Great for sensitive or dry skin, this contains powerful antioxidants to brighten while also soothing the skin. If at any given time you feel your skin is too fragile for an enzyme mask, this is a great alternative. Also from Mario, the Azulene Calming Mask is my go-to last step in my facial routine. It is incredibly moisturizing and calming and perfect for sensitive skin. Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Rosewater Mask is a great cheap and cheerful pick--all natural and soothing with a heavenly scent. Unlike the Mario masks, it has an indulgent, whipped consistency that only necessitates wiping off the excess (the directions actually say to wash off with cool water, but I think this is overkill). The Avene Soothing Moisture Mask is perfect for the winter, as it's lotion-like consistency and tissue-off removal are super gentle on chafed skin. The excess product following removal adds a needed layer of moisture.
