So, our skin therapists’ super-powers are out of reach for just now but that doesn’t mean that an amazing, skin-transforming treatment is off the menu. Most of us have a range of great skincare products in our bathroom cupboard and now is the time to use them to their full-potential!
Here’s our step-by-step guide to the ultimate at-home skin-treatment;
- Inhalations
Firstly, switch off and get in the zone with some deep breaths using essential oils. Place a few drops in one palm and press together with the other (don’t rub your hands together as this can damage the oil’s properties) then take 3 belly-deep breaths while holding our palms over your face. Appropriately calming oil choices are Lavendar, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot and Chamomile.
- Cleanse
We always recommend a double cleanse to ensure a truly clean skin. Using an oil cleanser, such as Dermalogica’s cult classic Pre Cleanse, will gently draw impurities from deep within your pores without drying your skin. A second cleanse using a cleanser to suit your skin type and concerns will further cleanse and also treat your skin. Pay special attention to your cleansing movements. Use upward circular movements and really take your time to create a stimulating massage. This will help to increase circulation and the delivery of precious nutrients to your skin cells and will also work to tone and release tension, i.e. soften that frown!
- Exfoliate
This step is vital for two reasons; exfoliating helps to remove those dead, dry skin cells hanging around on the surface of your skin to encourage that glow we all desire and reduce congestion. It also prepares the skin to receive any active ingredients we may choose to apply to our skin in the step we’ll get to next.
You may have in your at-home selection either a mechanical exfoliant such as a scrub or a chemical or enzymatic exfoliant. Mechanical exfoliant options use fine particles or microgranules to gently polish the skin surface. These options may not be suited to a sensitive skin or someone with active breakouts so keep this in mind when selecting your product here. A chemical exfoliant contains ingredients such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids, which work to dissolve the ‘glue’ that holds dead, dry skin cells together so that they can be easily sloughed away. Chemical exfoliants tend to be less abrasive of course so ideal for the aforementioned skins and those who are keen on the added benefits they often give, such as hydration and added brightening.
- Masque
This is the delicious part of the at-home skin treatment where you are required to put your feet up, close your eyes and enjoy 10-20 minutes (or as long as you like, or can!) of blissful horizontal-time, while delivering substantial skin-results! Slather on your favourite masque or choose one based on your current skin situation. If your skin feels parched, reach for an option formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, such as Dermalogica’s Skin Hydrating Masque. Excess oiliness, blackheads and/or spots bothering you? This is when you’d want to choose a clay-based option if you have one on hand, like Dermalogica’s Sebum-Clearing Masque, which will help to mop up excess oil and clear congestion. Oh, and cucumbers actually do some good so pop them on those peepers to help to hydrate and calm the eye area.
- Serum
Once you’ve had your masque on for at least 10 minutes, remove with a gentle damp cloth and/or rinse with warm (never hot) water. Now is the time to apply any juicy serums you may be lucky enough to have in your home-arsenal. We love a good Vitamin C serum for its brightening, collagen-boosting and powerful antioxidant properties. Dermalogica’s BioLumin-C Serum is the holy grail here with its unique, bio-available form of Vitamin C that can truly transform skins thanks to its ability to be recognised and accepted by our skin cells where it can work its magic. Apply sparingly and press into skin gently.
- Eye Cream/Serum
The delicate skin around our eyes demands a product that works to protect this skin from premature ageing (as it’s particularly vulnerable), encourages circulation to minimise dark circles and hydrates, as the skin in this area produces very little of its own. For these reasons, it’s important not to skip this step. Apply a tiny amount to your ring finger and dot right around the eye area following the bone structure here and yes, go right up to the brows. If you’re planning on getting some sun when you can while being homebound then Dermalogica’s Total Eye Care is a fantastic option if you happen to own this little beauty. Not only is it slightly tinted to give a healthy appearance to the eye area but it also contains an SPF 15.
- Moisturiser
Lastly, finish off with your favourite juicy moisturiser. For an even application, dot sparingly onto your cheeks, forehead and chin and blend. If your day’s not yet over then be careful to include an SPF here as even those little incidental bits of sun exposure can do damage.