Give Yourself a Home Facial Treatment

If you need some winter-proofing for your skin, a steamed facial is a great way to prevent dry skin and give your face a healthy glow.

Treat your skin with some extra TLC this winter with a quick and easy facial at home. You don't need to spend a lot of money by going to the spa to get this treatment. In less than 30 minutes, and with some key items you already have, you can maintain healthy skin and save money with this simple do-it-yourself facial treatment.

Cleanse

Cleanse the skin thoroughly to remove any grime or dirt. If you have oily or combination skin you may want to go with a foaming cleanser, but try to make sure it's soap free. For dry skin, use a creamy or lotion-based cleanser like Cetaphil. Spend a few minutes really getting rid of all that built up grime.

Exfoliate

Use a scrub with fine microbeads (the finer the better) and rub in a circular motion on your face. Make sure that the product you are using is a relatively gentle one. Concentrate on the areas around your nose and forehead or if you have combo skin, work harder on the areas that tend to be greasy. Rinse your face well since face scrubs tend to be drying.

Steam

Steaming your skin opens up your pores to release toxins, but be careful not to burn yourself. You can use hot water from the tap, but if you choose to boil it, let the water sit for at least five minutes. Pour the water into a large bowl and sit in front of it (about 6-8 inches away) with a bath towel placed over your head. Allow the steam to penetrate your pores for 5 minutes.

For a little "luxury" to your facial, you can add a few essential oils to the water:

For normal skin: 3 drops lavender, 3 drops lemon
For dry skin: 3 drops rose, 3 drops chamomile
For oily skin: 3 drops peppermint, 3 drops thyme

Apply a Mask

Use a facial mask that suits your skin type. For oily skins clay-based face masks are great, like Boscia Clarifying Detox Mask. For dry skin a hydrating gel or cream mask, like Lancome Hydra Intense Mask, would probably be more beneficial. These masks only take about five minutes to settle in.

Tone and Moisturize

Toning tightens back the pores and help to dry up pimples, just make sure to pick a toner that is non-alcoholic so that it won't be too drying. After rinsing and pat-drying your face, soak a cotton ball in toner and rub onto your face, making sure to avoid the eye area. Now while your skin is still damp apply a facial moisturizer to seal in moisture. Consider a moisturizer with SPF if you're going out after facial but if it's evening, you can wear just your simple moisturizer.

This home facial can be used as often as once a week. If you try this home facial treatment, share your results with us in the comments below.