For you to maintain healthy, youthful, and fresh skin, monthly HydraFacials are a must. The benefits of this medical-grade facial are immeasurable, including improvements in texture, correcting hyperpigmentation, diminishing fine lines, clearing acne, and reducing the appearance of pores. With such impactful results, most of us wish we could get a professional facial every week, if not every day. However, there are ways in between your monthly HydraFacial visits to keep your skin happy and healthy.
Step 1: Steam
Before applying any product to your face, a gentle steaming works wonders to relax you while preparing your skin by loosening up clogged pores and enhancing circulation. We use a steamer in our office for patients treating themselves to a facial, however, most of us do not have this device at home. Luckily there are tricks to providing your skin with a healthy steam treatment at home. One way is by taking a large pot of boiling water and holding your face over that for approximately 10 minutes. If this seems like too much effort or you are slightly clumsy or concerned about burning yourself, then another simple trick is by running the hot water in your shower until your bathroom is steamy or performing your facial immediately after a shower.
Step 2: Cleanse
Once you have finished steaming your skin, wash your face with your preferred cleanser. Gently massage it into your whole face and chin for a minimum of 30-60 seconds, or follow the instructions on your product's label. Keep in mind that cleanser, even the most gentle brands, shouldn't sit on your skin for more than two minutes. Rinse off the cleanser with warm water. If you aren't sure what type of cleanser is best for you, we personally recommend this purifying cleanser to remove all dirt, makeup and excess oil, or a Beta Enzyme cleanser if you're looking for a gentle but thorough option. Employees of Supriya Dermatology with both oily and sensitive skin have all been happily using the Beta Enzyme Cleanser because it effectively cleanses without irritating skin, and also comes in at an affordable price point for everyone.
"During the morning, I like to use Vitamin C, E, and Ferulic Acid with HA Physical Tint SPF 44 sunscreen because it gives me the antioxidants, UV protection and hydration my skin needs. And at night I use the Advanced Retinol Eye Cream because it moisturizes and includes a retinol — something every skincare routine should have."
-Dr. Supriya Tomar
Step 3: Steam with a Towel
Wet a face towel with hot water (but not so hot that you can't touch it) and drape it over your face, allowing your skin to absorb the steam for a moment. Gently clean off any excess cleanser that may still be on your skin. Be careful not to scrub your skin with the towel to avoid unnecessary irritation.
Step 4: Gently Exfoliate or Apply a Mask
If you have particularly oily, problematic skin a weekly exfoliation may be beneficial in clearing out excess makeup, dirt, and oil that has remained stubbornly clogged in your pores. Be sure to use a product that does not contain physical exfoliators such as gritty scrubs because they will only serve to irritate your skin and lead to further breakouts. Try products like the Acne Be Gone Mask if you have acneic skin, or an Exfoliating Scrub if your skin is extremely congested. If you have sensitive or dry skin, a nourishing mask will be a welcome treat for your skin to add moisture and calm irritation. Just make sure you avoid abrasive masks that need to be peeled off so that you do not strip away your skin's natural protective barrier and further contribute to inflammation.
Step 5: Actives
After such a thorough cleansing, you'll need to make sure you keep your skin's pH balanced with actives like vitamin C, growth factors, and such (if it's nighttime, you could either use your preferred retinol now, or one of the actives—either will be fine). The purpose of taking this step is to make sure you start seriously fighting whatever your main skincare concerns are with active ingredients that are specifically targeted. For example, if you're trying to reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or under eye bags, your actives are going to do their job best at this time when your skin is clean and primed for them to work best.
Step 6: Moisturize
The final step of your facial should always include a moisturizer. Regardless of your skin type, moisturizers are a must following a facial because you have just stripped away all of your skin's protective oil along with the dirt and makeup. If your skin is naturally oily, depriving it of a moisturizer will signal it to go into overdrive, producing an unnaturally excessive amount oil that can eventually cause clogged pores. And if your skin is naturally dry and sensitive, skipping the moisturizer will leave it irritated and inflamed, making it more susceptible to infection and premature aging. Selecting a light moisturizer for oily skin types (such as a hyaluronic acid-based serum) or a richer, more nourishing one for dry skin types (such as Daily Youth Crème) will help restore balance to your skin after your facial.
For more tips on what products work best for you, reach out to us to schedule a facial with our Esthetician and develop a skincare routine for yourself between visits to address your skincare concerns.
YOUR AT-HOME FACIAL SHOPPING LIST:
- Steam towels
- Cleanser (pick the one that works best for your skin)
- Facial steamer
- A vitamin C product
- Moisturizer (we recommend Daily Youth Creme)
- Acne Be Gone Mask
- Exfoliating Scrub
- Eye Cream