Updated 12/27/21

So you got a little time for yourself — amazing! Whether you want to hit reset on your skin or need a radiance boost before a virtual happy hour, allow us to suggest an at-home facial. While a facial may make you think of steamers and extractions, it’s actually a multi-step skincare treatment that delivers a higher concentration of active ingredients than your daily skincare routine and thus, more dramatic results. It’s great at a spa, and it’s great to DIY.

In just four steps — not so much to require a whole afternoon, but enough to give your skin some R&R — an at-home facial can offer some much-needed you-time. And good news: It doesn’t even require a dedicated hour, unless you’re into that.

Whether you pair it with a few deep breaths or just good old peace and quiet is your call; just don’t forget to add a mask. “Masking definitely makes the at-home facial,” says NakedPoppy skin specialist Tara Parenti. Not only does it offer key benefits to skin, but it also gives you at least five minutes of downtime (if not more) while it works its magic on your skin.

Try it once a week as self-care for both you and your skin, or as often as you see fit. To get started, all you need are two clean hand towels and your products. Wear something comfortable (perhaps a bathrobe?) and tie your hair back so it’s out of your face. Light a candle, turn on your most zen playlist, and hey, maybe even silence your phone notifications.

Ready? Here’s a routine designed by Tara, NakedPoppy’s skincare specialist, to guide the way — and why each step is so important.

Step 1: Cleanse with a luxurious lather

For the rest of the products in your at-home facial to effectively penetrate skin, skin needs to be properly cleansed of oil, grime, sunscreen, and any other buildup from the day. “Cleansing is the foundation for the rest of your home care,” says Parenti. Without gentle cleansing first, nothing else really works as well.

Plus, applied with a light massage, cleansing can help set the tone — think relaxing and sensorial — for the rest of your at-home facial. Work it in until it reaches a satisfying lather, then rinse it with warm water (not hot, which can be drying). Pat your face dry with one of the hand towels.

Step 2: Apply a potent mask, then relax

Consider a face mask the most important part of the at-home facial. “It is your treatment step to target a primary skin concern and truly provides a transformative result and feeling in one application,” says Parenti. Smooth it on with your fingers, or use a skincare spatula if you have one.

While a face mask may set or dry, leave it on for the full amount of time recommended on the packaging before rinsing. Doing so too soon prevents you from getting all of its benefits, while leaving it on too long can leave skin feeling dry or tight. During the given time, sit back and relax; read a book, do some deep breathing, or simply enjoy the quiet while your mask sinks in.

Also, notice how your skin feels while the mask is doing its thing. “Products should never make your skin burn,” says Parenti. “If it doesn’t feel right, remove with a cool cloth.” Tingling, however, is normal with certain mask formulas, such as the Kahina Lava Cleansing Mask.

Step 3: Smooth a serum into skin

After rinsing off your mask, follow up with a face serum. Massage it all over your face in an upward motion. “A serum is your high concentration of active ingredients to really elevate your routine,” says Parenti. Not only are the active ingredients often chosen to improve a specific skin concern, such as dark spots or wrinkles, but serums tend to have small molecules that can penetrate deeply into skin, where they deliver their benefits.

Step 4: Gently massage in moisturizer

Last but not least, moisturize your skin. “Always leave your skin hydrated and protected through proper moisturizing,” says Parenti. “You want to seal and lock in all of the hydration and ingredients you just applied from your previous treatment products.” 

Most moisturizers contain lipids, which help replenish the skin barrier and leave skin soft and smooth, as well as humectants, which draw in water. (Healthy skin needs a combination of both!) 

You can also massage a nourishing face oil, such as NakedPoppy Revitalize Organic Facial Oil, into skin with a face roller. (Intrigued? Don’t miss our tutorial on how to use it.)

Ultimately, “allow your at-home facial to really be a carved-out period of time for your self-care,” says Parenti. These four steps make it just that.

Have a question about at-home facials? Leave it in the comments and our skin specialist Tara will answer it for you.

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