A facial is the quickest way to revive and liven up jaded skin. It leaves the skin soft, smooth and glowing with vitality. The best and luxurious way of having a facial is to go to a beauty salon to get a fresh, younger and relaxed face but due to the less availability of time many of us are heading towards quick home facials.

For a home facial certain things should be kept in mind like a quite time when you should not be disturbed and the entire required things should be made ready and kept near by. A regular facial once a fortnight is a good habit and it will ensure a youthful and fresh skin for a longer time.

A basic home facial includes three main steps – cleansing, toning and moisturizing. The additional steps include steaming, exfoliating, masks and massage.

Cleansing :The first step in the external care of the skin is cleansing. Perspiration, grease, dust, stale make-up, dirt and bacteria collected on the skin must be removed completely. A warmed mixture of two tablespoons whole milk and several drops of olive oil is a good mixture for cleaning all types of skin especially the extra dry skin.

Milk gently removes dirt and makeup, and olive oil is a good moisturizer. The skin can also be cleaned with a cleansing cream, milk or lotion. Massage any of the cleansing creams onto the face in a circular movement. This will improve the blood circulation and help in opening the clogged pores. Splash warm water on the face and pat it dry with a soft towel.

Toning: After cleansing toning the skin with an astringent depending on the skin types is very essential. Toning removes the residues of cleanser and refreshes the skin. It contracts muscles, refines pores, absorbs all the oil and grease immediately, leaving behind a fresh and radiant skin.

Mix one part of witch hazel with two parts rose or orange-blossom water to make a stimulating toner. Witch hazel's antiseptic properties combat blemishes without causing the skin to become dry or flaky, rose water stimulates circulation and orange-blossom water helps balance the skin's pH. With a cotton ball gently rub the toner all over the face till it stops showing any residue.

Moisturizer

Nourishing is an essential part of any beauty routine. Dirt, dust, hot and cold weather, cosmetics and sunlight al tend to dry out the skin, robbing it of the moisture and essential oils.

Moisturizing the skin helps in preventing the loss of moisture and also provides a long wear for make-up. Apply a moisturizer on the skin with the fingertips in the upward and circular movements to make it soft, smooth and glowing. Blot the excess with the tissues paper. If you have ample of time the steps like exfoliation, steaming and facemasks can also be included.

Exfoliation: Exfoliating the skin gently and effectively remove dead cells from the skin's surface and removes surface debris. Skin exfoliation is suitable for greasy or normal skin, but should be done with care on dry or sensitive skin.

Mix half cup dry oatmeal, three tablespoons almond oil, one tablespoon finely ground sea salt and one-fourth teaspoon fresh mint with good amount of warm water to form a paste. Rub gently on the damp face in a circular motion avoiding the areas around the eyes. The skin exfoliation should be done once or twice a month.

Steaming: Steaming helps in opening the pores and primes the skin for deep cleaning. Boil one quart of distilled water. Next, infuse the water by wrapping any one of the fragrant herbs (chamomile, eucalyptus, lavender) in gauze or cheesecloth, lowering the heat, and placing the cloth in the pot for five minutes.Remove the pot from the heat and set it on a protected surface. Apply a light layer of almond or sesame oil to the face (this acts as a buffer, protecting your skin from the heat), then bend over the pot, tenting a clean towel over your head to catch the steam. Stay there five minutes, and then pat dry.

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