 The DIY Facial To keep your skin looking good it really is work spending once a week on a “DIY” facial. It needn't take long and not only will your skin thank you for it, it will give you a sense of well being and relaxation. For best results a facial should be done once a week however, oilier skins may benefit from doing the facial twice a week. The most important rule is not to go over-board. Anymore than twice a week can cause your skin to become oilier. The Basic Facial - Cleanse your skin with your usual cleanser applying in circular motions from your neck upwards. Then either tissue or wash off pending on your skin type.
- If you are having a bath do so now so that the steam can open up your pores making it more receptive to the mask treatment. If not fill a bowl with hot water (not boiling). Add a couple of blended lavender/eucalyptus essential oil (whichever one suits your mood or skin) – alternatively try adding a chamomile tea bag. Place your head above the bowl of water with a tea towel over your head, and then breathe deeply for a few minutes.
- The next step is to exfoliate your skin. With your exfoliater gently massage into your face in circular movements. Either tissue or wash off the exfoliater. (See further down).
- Next comes the mask. Make sure that your skin is dry if you are using a clay-based mask otherwise it will not dry. Leave on for 5-10 minutes – pop a couple of slices of cucumber or cold tea bags over your eyes whilst you are waiting for the mask to work. Then wash off the mask.
- Now massage your skin with either your moisturizer or make up your own oil-based massage cream. Simply get some wheat germ, grape or any other carrier oil, blend in a couple of essential oils to suit your skin type (Lavender is always good, Tea Tree for oily skin or Neroli for sensitive skin). Make sure you only put a couple of drops of essential oil in. Then shake the bottle. Apply a small amount to the palms of your hands then rub together to warm the product. In sweeping motions apply the product from the neck up, then massage in with small circular movements.
- Finally apply an eyecream. Dab this on with your ring finger. Make sure you do not apply any pressure or drag the skin around your eye.
Exfoliaters Exfoliaters have been around for a long time yet it seems that only in recent years we have noticed them appearing on our shelves. Skin cells are constantly renewing themselves whilst leaving the dead cells still on the skin. This treatment is responsible for getting rid of any dead cells. It is important to not over-exfoliate – once or twice a week is plenty, anymore and your skin will not thank you and you may notice unwanted side effects of more blemishes, visible surface veins or your skin producing more oil! There are many types of exfoliaters on the market from grainy exfoliaters to acid fruit peels. For dehydrated, dry or sensitive skin, choose a gentle exfoliater especially formulated for your skin type, avoid AHAs. Too harsh an exfoliater can, as mentioned above, cause little red veins to appear. If you have oily skin you can choose one that is more antiseptic, or one with salicylic acid. However if your skin is spotty use one that is mild so not to over-stimulate. The most important rule with exfoliaters is to use one specifically for your face. Never use a body exfoliater as a substitute – this is not suitable for delicate facial skin. Natural Exfoliaters Mix oatmeal with honey and apply to your face in circular motions. Suitable for all skin types. Mix some rice with a very small amount of sea salt with honey. This should not be done on sensitive or dry skin but is suitable for an oilier skin. Face Masks The most popular facial treatment. There are many reasons a facemask will make your skin appear fresher. The main reason is that it expands the blood vessels once taken off. It also stimulates your skin. Most facemasks are made up of a high percentage of water which will help rehydrate your skin. They also act as a cleanser as well as drawing out toxins and impurities. There are many different types of facemasks from non-drying formulas through self-heating to clay masks. The rinse off clay masks usually have a stronger ability to suck out the blackheads, whereas the non-drying ones are better for dehydrated dry skin. | 
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