How To Give Yourself A Salon-Quality Facial At Home

Set the Scene

You can’t train your toddler to offer you lemon water, but you can put your phone on do not disturb and queue up feel-good music. “I always say I don’t play raindrops,” says aesthetician Joanna Czech, who has Pink Floyd, Dolly Parton, and Van Morrison on playlists at her New York City and Dallas studios. 

Master Massage

The style varies, but the benefits remain the same: Facial massage helps alleviate tension and stimulate blood flow, the latter of which can result in a rosy, healthy-looking flush, says aesthetician Joanna Vargas, who has studios in Los Angeles and New York City. With these techniques, you can integrate massage into any—or every—step during an at-home facial.

PRESSING
To help products penetrate better, try using the “press and release” method, says Czech. The gentle pushing with fingertips encourages absorption, so formulas don’t just sit on top of skin.

SWEEPING
To reinvigorate dull skin, Vargas suggests working hand-over-hand in upward, sweeping motions, which boosts circulation and creates an immediate glow.

Mix It Up

FOR SOOTHING If you’re prone to redness, Czech suggests mixing these grains in a 1:1 ratio, then adding just enough water to make a paste. Let it cool, then apply and allow to sit for 30 minutes.

USE
uncooked, ground oatmeal
ground flaxseed
warm water