At Home Facial Routine

At-home facials are the best way you can rejuvenate your skin and feel your best self. It is perfect for 20-somethings since it’s affordable & customizable to your skin. You learn through trial and error, of course, but once you nail it, there is no going back! It is great for pampering yourself on your self-care days. It is always a good idea! You can do it in the morning, at night, or with a friend. I will share my step-by-step guide on how to have the best at-home facial and what tools I use.

Prepping your skin

You need to cleanse your skin first. Whether you are just getting up or getting ready for bed, you should always wash your face before starting your at-home facial. It will help remove dirt, oil, or makeup. It is a perfect way to set the stage for better product absorption. I will share everything I use and the order in which I cleanse my skin.

1. Make Up Remover : Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Face Cleansing Oil $ 22 Target.com

2. Cleanser : Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel $12 Ulta.com

   
   

You can even go an extra step to double cleanse if you wore makeup as well.

Facial Steam

I invested in a facial steamer during COVID, and it was one of the best investments I made for my skin. I bought one from Amazon, always keep it clean, and store it in a proper place as well. The benefits of steaming are opening up the pores, softening the skin, and allowing deeper penetration of skincare products. I usually steam for however long it takes to run out of the water I put in, but typically 10-15 minutes is ideal. If you don’t want to invest in one, you can always DIY by boiling a pot of water on the stove and putting a cloth over you so you can trap the steam to your face.

3. Facial Steamer : Microderm GLO Facial Steamer SPA $ 55 Amazon.com

Exfoliate

Exfoliation is important because it removes dead skin cells, brightens the complexion, and prevents clogged pores. You can use either a physical exfoliant like a scrub or a chemical exfoliant like AHA or BHA. Either one works; just go based on your skin type and what your skin feels comfortable using. I specifically use a chemical exfoliant, only once a week since it is strong for my skin. You should really only exfoliate once or twice a week so you don’t strip your skin too much.

4. Exfoliate : The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution $ 10 Sephora.com

Face Mask:

There are all different kinds of face masks for all types of skin or whatever you want to achieve that day. There are clay masks for oily skin, hydrating masks for dry skin, and brightening masks for dull skin. I love using a hydrating face mask to keep my skin looking fresh and plumped. It is always good to apply an even layer, bring it down to your neck, and leave it on for 10-20 minutes. You can either treat yourself to buying a face mask or you can always DIY a face mask for yourself.

5. Face Mask : Farmacy Honey Potion Plus Ceramide Hydration Mask $ 45 Sephora.com

Toner

Toners are good for balancing the skin’s pH, tightening pores, and sometimes helping with hyperpigmentation as well. You would like to apply toner with a cotton pad so it’s not as harsh on the skin and pat it all over your face or certain areas you want to focus on. It truly depends on which toner you like to use and what it specifically targets or focuses on.

6. Toner : Peach Slices Snail Rescue Blemish Busting Toner $ 14 Ulta.com

Serums

This would be the perfect time to apply any serums that you like to use, whether it is vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol. I usually examine my face to see what it needs; I will decide if I need a serum or not. I usually don’t like to overdo it on products. I view serums as "treat yourself" products because they are an extra step for a targeted skin concern. If you do use serums, always pat them gently onto your skin.

7. Serum : Farmacy 10% Waterless Vitamin C Serum $ 52 Sephora.com

   Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum $ 6 Ulta.com

Moisturizer

Lock in all your products with a good moisturizer. It will lock in and keep skin soft and plump. Lightweight gel moisturizers are good for oily skin, and richer creams are good for dry skin. You want to

apply moisturizer in an upwards motion and avoid tugging the skin.

8. Moisturizer : La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer with Ceramide and Niacinamide $ 24 Traget.com

Optional: Face Oil and Massage

I love ending my face mask routine with a hydrating face oil and using a gua sha to help with promoting circulation, reducing puffiness, and boosting relaxation. You always want to go to bed looking like a glazed donut, and a face oil for me always does the trick. You can either use a gua sha, jade roller, or just your fingertips to massage your face. Don’t forget to have clean hands when doing this step.

9. Face Oil : Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil $ 50 Sephora.com

10. Gua Sha : Sacheu Stainless Steel Non-Porous Gua Sha $ 32 Ulta.com

Here is my step-by-step guide on my at-home facial routine. You can always add steps, buy tools & products to really do it all at home. Try to pamper yourself by making at-home facials a regular part of your weekly skincare routine. It will be totally worth it! I would love to hear what extra steps or tools you use for your own personal at-home facial routine. Product recommendations are also always welcome! Subscribe for more beauty tips, skincare advice, and the latest blog posts.