A Guide To Doing An At Home Facial For Glowing Skin

As someone who has proudly and passionately worked in the beauty industry over the past seven years, I love learning and exploring all things beauty related. I love to experiment with new products and new techniques. I truly understand the importance of taking care of your skin, hair, and nails BUT sometimes it can be down right expensive. Of course I don't recommend doing anything that may be harmful to your body or that could cost hundreds of dollars in hair color corrections (believe me I have seen too many mistakes). But there are some things that you can do at home to care for yourself without having to spend a ton of money.

Just like you, I love a good facial. But keeping up with them can be pricey. There are ways to take care of your gorgeous skin without shedding out money you don't have. I created a guide to do an at home facial. Alot of these tools and products you probably already have at home and even in your fridge or pantry.

Things you'll need:
facial cleanser
4-6 cups boiling water
essential oils (i used lemon and lavender)
facial exfoliator (optional)
1 lemon juiced
1 tbsp baking powder mixed with water into a paste
1 tbsp pumpkin puree
facial mask (diy or your favorite mask)
toner
serum
moisturizer
towel
cotton
Flat stone, gua sha tool (optional)

Step 1: Take off any makeup and wash with warm water and a gentle cleanser
Step 2: Pour a few drops of essential oil in a medium bowl, then pour boiling water in the bowl. Instead of essential oils you can also use a sprig of rosemary and a slice of lemon.
Step 3: Steam your face. Sitting at a table, lean your head over the bowl. Don't put your face to close to the water (you don't want to burn your face or nose, this is just to open up the pores and relax). Optional to play some relaxing music while you steam. I set a timer for 10-20 minutes and I love using the Wild and Free playlist on Spotify. You can also use this time for a relaxing meditation.
(Depending on the sensitivity of your skin you can do either step 4 OR steps 5-6
you may also do both for a more intense facial)
Step 4 : Exfoliate with a gentle exfoliator, then rinse and pat dry with a towel
Step 5: Dab a cotton ball into the lemon juice, then pat all over face. Wait 2 minutes and reapply. I usually do this 3 or 4 times. Then let sit for 10 minutes. Lemon is a fabulous alternative to a chemical peel. The AHA helps to slough off dead skin.
Step 6: Remove with baking soda paste. If you have sensitive skin, rinse off lemon first. If you want a more intense experience you can apply baking soda while the lemon is still sitting on your face (warning: it does create a tingly and burning sensation if applied before rinsing) The baking soda helps to balance the pH level of the skin. Then rinse off
Step 7: Apply pumpkin puree over skin. It's okay if it doesn't stick like a mask. What is important is for the juices to sit on the face. Pumpkin is naturally formulated with enzymes to help with dull and blemished skin. Leave on for about 15-20 minutes. Then rinse off completely
Step 8: Apply your mask and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Rinse then pat dry with a towel

Step 9: Apply toner
Step 10: Apply serum. Then with a facial massage tool, massage the face. You may also use your finger tips. I use a flat jade stone. You can also purchase a gua sha tool. I focus extra massage on my jawline and cheek bones (it helps to relieve tension in the jaw area, I have TMJ so I try to do this step every time i wash and moisturize)
Step 11: Apply moisturizers

One reason for an at home facial, besides saving money, is because you are able to control the types of products used on your face.

My tips for finding cleaner skin care products:
The Environmental Working Group is a great tool for finding cleaner products. I use this website to research the toxicity of a product. You can find a clean product that actually works at a cheaper price than the high end stuff (thats usually filled with harmful chemicals). Alot of companies will claim "all natural ingredients" or claim they use organic ingredients, BUT they may still be toxic to your health and the environment. Using this website will help you make the right choice for a cleaner product! (I found my new favorite skin care line Acure on their website which you can buy at Sprouts, Whole Foods, or Thrive Market. It doesn't break the bank and scores a "1" which means low hazard on the EWG website)
Read the ingredients
Use what nature has to offer. You can make an amazing mask with avocado, oats, eggs, etc.
Read reviews! Especially the bad ones!
Witch Hazel is an amazing toner
Use a natural exfoliator. You can even make one. I use a sea moss exfoliator from Cocokind They also carry many products that use minimal ingredients and very clean!
If spending $60 on a great serum doesn't sound appealing, use pure oils. I love using Rose Hips Oil as a serum. You can find these oils at your local natural food store or whole foods! Rose Hips hydrates, boosts collagen, fights wrinkles, protects against sun damage and hyper pigmentation. There are also other great oils like jojoba, coconut oil (unless you are prone to acne)
See a skin care specialist and ask their opinion on what types of products would be good for your skin. Holistic and organic/cleaner salons and spas are becoming more popular. Do your research before you go.

Disclaimer: Remember to consult with a dermatologist, primary care provider, or your skin care expert before trying or experimenting anything on your skin.
This facial technique and products are what have worked for me, they may not work for you

I hope you guys enjoyed this one! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Or if you have any advice on finding a cleaner alternative to a product please share!

XOXO,
Kimmy