Speedy Spa
If there's anyone who could most use a professional facial, it's a busy mom. And if there's anyone who has the least amount of time for one, it's (surprise, surprise) a busy mom. But just because you're unable to get to the spa regularly doesn't mean you can't reap the benefits of a facial in just a few minutes. Take a look at these 10 quick, do-it-yourself facials that promise to keep your skin smooth, vibrant and youthful.
Avocado + Cucumber Mask
Whether it's due to change of seasons or a night of no sleep, avocado and cucumber are two key ingredients for nourishing tired or dry skin. "Avocado moisturizes the skin while the cucumber contains inflammation-fighting properties," says Dr. Trevor Cates, a naturopathic physician and founder of the all-natural skincare line The Spa Dr.'s Essentials. Puree an avocado and then mix with half of a finely grated, unpeeled cucumber and apply to your face. Let it sit and then rinse with warm water.
Antioxidant Action
In addition to their internal health benefits, antioxidants are also beneficial when applied externally, particularly in preventing signs of aging. Three foods Dr. Cates suggests that are high in antioxidants and make for a great facial mask include honey, chia seeds and blueberries. Combine 3 tbsp of organic honey, 2 tbsp of ground chia seeds (that have been soaked for five minutes) and half a cup of mashed blueberries. Blend together and apply to a clean, dry face.
Enzyme Peel
If you don't have time to concoct a homemade treatment, keeping an enzyme peel on hand is an efficient solution. Enzyme peels slough away dead cells, unclog pores and improve skin texture, says Kory Keith, the spa director at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles. One of the spa's bestsellers is Eminence Organics' Yam and Pumpkin Peel. For best results, try at night when your skin is in repair mode and can absorb the benefits—a rule of thumb that applies to at-home facials in general, she says.
Unclog and Unwind
Two token benefits of a facial include unclogging pores and releasing toxins. Run a washcloth under hot water, wring it out and drape over your face for a few minutes, says Keith. Or, boil a pot of water, remove from the stove, lean over the pot (with your face about eight inches from the water) and drape a towel over your head to capture the steam. For enhanced relaxation, add an essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus to the water or washcloth.
Oil Free
A clay mask is especially useful for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin since it helps diminish oils while giving your complexion a quick boost, says Keith. She recommends the Essential Cleansing Mask from ESPA, which contains mineral-rich kaolin clay to eliminate excess oils. Or, if you'd like to focus on reducing signs of aging, try ESPA's Lift & Firm Mask. After applying the mask, place chilled cucumber slices over your eyes, take deep breaths and feel your stress melt away, instructs Keith.
Yogurt Covered
Plain yogurt is another food that's as good on your skin as it is to eat, thanks to its hydrating properties, as well as the probiotics and lactic acid (a natural exfoliator). Prep your skin with a pumice scrub cleanse, using upward motions, especially around the jawline, instructs Nancy Reagan, founder of Bella Reina Spa in Delray Beach, Florida. Finish by rinsing the face and moisturizing. Apply raw honey all over the face and then apply yogurt. Let it sit for two minutes, remove and moisturize.
Papaya Pineapple Power
When that craving for a tropical smoothie hits, put some pineapple and papaya aside so that you can enjoy a facial in the coming weeks. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain and pineapple contains bromelain, both of which act as natural exfoliators or "dead skin eaters," as Reagan describes, leaving the skin silky smooth (for best results, allow the papaya and pineapple mixture to ferment with some added sugar for two to three weeks in order to activate the enzymes). After cleansing your skin with an oil-stripping cleanser, such as Organic Beta Cleanser, apply the fruit mixture or another enzyme mask that contains papain or bromelain for three minutes to your skin, says Reagan.
All Aglow
This facial will be your new trick for an instant, dewy glow. Start by cleansing with an oil-stripping cleanser. Next, apply a microdermabrasion scrub or mask to the face and neck, such as Reagan's Micro-Polish Scrub and Mask, Skin Script's Exfoliating Scrub or any exfoliant that doesn't contain microbeads and isn't too "scratchy," says Reagan. Leave on for three minutes and then massage in mini circles during the final minute to speed up circulation beneath the skin. Rinse and apply a moisturizer, massaging it into the skin using upward sweeping motions.
Drain Away
Massage is another important component of the facial process. And the beauty of this quick facial massage is that it can be easily incorporated into your daily skincare routine. Alicia Yoon—founder of Peach +Lily, which sources the latest innovative beauty products from Korea and Japan—especially recommends performing a lymphatic drainage massage to help with detoxification. After applying serum or moisturizer, place your thumbs on either side of your nose (where your glasses would sit) and lightly massage outward toward the middle of the ears, stopping just past the eyebrows, instructs Yoon. Repeat five times.
Under Pressure
Targeting pressure points is another way to give your skin an instant facial since it boosts circulation. "I do this whenever I'm tired and also while I'm washing my face," says Yoon. Once you've applied a cleanser, press your index knuckles deep into the point between the inner eyebrows and nose. Then press against your temples and along the bottom outline of the orbital areas, or the bones under your eyes, instructs Yoon. Another circulation technique that also lifts and firms your skin involves applying serum, spreading all of your fingers and vigorously making fan-like strokes up your neck to the middle of your cheeks, says Yoon.
