Our skin faces daily challenges from pollution, chemicals, stress, and toxins. Fortunately, you can counteract these effects and preserve your skin’s natural beauty with simple at-home methods.
Learn how to reduce stress, keep your skin glowing, and minimize signs of aging.
Cleansing Your Skin
Proper cleansing is the foundation of skincare. Daily buildup of sweat, oil, pollutants, and makeup necessitates thorough removal. Different skin types—oily, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone—require specific cleansers based on their pH and characteristics. Pre-cleansing with a makeup remover is advised for heavy makeup wearers.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
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The number 1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand suitable for all skin types.
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Moisturizing non-foaming face wash with hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin.
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Removes face makeup, dirt, and excess oil, provides 24-hour hydration and leaves a moisturized, non-greasy feel.
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Fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic and non-drying. Certified by the National Eczema Association.
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Start by wetting your face with lukewarm water. Apply your skin-type-appropriate cleanser to your face and neck, massaging in upward circles for at least five minutes (or as directed). Use a warm, damp washcloth to remove all cleanser residue.
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Toning Your Skin
Following cleansing, use a toner—freshener, tonic, or astringent—to remove remaining oil, minimize pores, and restore pH balance. Toning also provides a smooth surface for longer-lasting makeup application.
Nourishing Your Skin
Skin nourishment is crucial for a beauty routine. Environmental factors deplete skin moisture. Nightly cleansing and moisturizing are essential for youthful skin. Choose moisturizers based on skin type: glycerin for oily, oil-based for dry (applied post-wash), and neutral products for balanced skin.
Facial
Facials offer rapid cleansing, revitalization, and brightening, resulting in soft, glowing skin. They also provide deep relaxation, leaving you feeling and looking refreshed. Regular monthly facials maintain skin’s youthful vitality.
For professional facials, prioritize natural products and skin-type expertise. If home facials are preferred, ensure a quiet, undisturbed environment and prepare everything beforehand for optimal relaxation.
Follow the routine below for a quick, at-home facial:
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Secure your hair away from your face and neck, using a headband to keep any stray hairs off your forehead.
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Start by removing all makeup using wipes, coconut oil, or another preferred method. Then, cleanse your face and neck with a suitable cleanser, ensuring complete removal.
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Gently exfoliate to remove impurities and enhance product absorption. A DIY coffee ground scrub (with hot water and coconut oil) is effective, or you can use a quality store-bought exfoliant.
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Apply a skin-type-specific face mask to your clean, exfoliated face, avoiding the mouth and circling the eyes. Leave for 15-20 minutes or until dry. A favorite homemade option is coconut oil, honey, and avocado.
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Once the mask is dry, rinse your face and neck with lukewarm water, keeping your eyes closed. Pat your skin dry and apply a toner suitable for your skin type.
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To finish, apply skin serum and/or moisturizer to your clean, exfoliated face, massaging it in with upward, circular motions.
Massaging your Skin
Facial massage promotes healthy skin and relaxation. While it’s a gradual wrinkle-reduction method requiring consistent, long-term practice, it effectively tightens tissues, improves circulation, stimulates nerves, and boosts collagen.
For optimal massage results, begin with thoroughly cleansed skin. Remove all makeup to prevent pore blockage. For oily skin, use cleansing milk, astringent lotion, or lemon juice to reduce oil. For dry skin, apply moisturizer. Finish with a small amount of Vitamin E cream for smooth massage.
Following cleansing, apply moisturizer with light, firm pressure, ensuring even application. Massage from neck upwards to forehead/temples to boost circulation. Gently apply cream around the eyes. Continue massage for 15-20 minutes, then remove excess cream.
The Art of Massaging
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Slow Massage – This common massage method is highly relaxing. The key is slow, patting strokes using your fingertips. Begin at the neck, applying light pressure. This technique soothes nerves and alleviates pain in sensitive areas.
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Fast Massage – The front half of both the palms are used to massage at speed, taking care to make a circular motion upwards.
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Pressure Massage – This method uses slow, deep fingertip pressure to effectively reduce under-eye puffiness.
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Stroking Massage – Using fingertips, stroke the cheeks from the nose outwards towards the temples on both sides of the face.
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Pinching Massage – To address a sagging chin or jawline wrinkles, gently massage the skin by holding it between your thumb and fingers, mimicking a pinching motion.
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Friction Massage – This massage involves applying pressure to move skin over bone and muscle. Use fingers or palms, with firmer pressure on the scalp and lighter pressure on the face and neck.
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Piano Playing Movements – This exercise develops facial muscles and makes them firm. It should be done with the fingers on the entire face, especially the cheek area.
Making your own Skin Products
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DIY Face Scrub
Combine 1/2 cup organic brown sugar and 1/4 cup organic avocado oil in a bowl, mixing thoroughly. Mash a kiwi and incorporate it into the mixture. Store in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
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Handmade Massage Oil
Combine 1/4 cup of your preferred carrier oil (almond, avocado, or coconut) with 1 teaspoon of your chosen essential oil(s) in a jar. Mix thoroughly and let it sit overnight.
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Anti-wrinkle Cream
Combine and melt 2 tablespoons lanolin or beeswax, 2 tablespoons almond oil, and 1 tablespoon apricot oil. Add 3 tablespoons lemon juice or lemon essential oil. This vitamin A-rich mixture helps reduce wrinkles.
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Anti-wrinkle Lotion
Combine 1/4 cup shea butter, 1 tablespoon coconut or almond oil, and 16 drops of essential oil (lavender, rosemary, frankincense, or lemon). Mix thoroughly by hand or mixer and store in a clean jar.