Banish problem skin with these at-home facial treatments
Reap the benefits of a professional facial at a fraction of the cost with these handy products.
Problem skin? Don’t fret!
A new breed of at-home facial products allows you to reap the benefits of a professional facial at a fraction of the cost.
How to get started
Remove any cosmetics and dirt using your favourite make-up remover and cleanser.
Use steam to open pores and soften the skin, making it ideal for nutrient absorption.
Do this by resting your face over a bowl half-filled with hot, but not boiling, water and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam (don’t put your face too close to the hot water).
For those with oily skin
For anyone with oily skin, a clay-based mask is best suited to help draw out any impurities and excess sebum. After removing the mask, apply a toner and oil-free moisturiser for optimum results.
We recommend: Biore Self-Heating One Minute Mask with Natural Charcoal 4 Pack, $6.99 from Chemist Warehouse.
For the acne-prone mavens
Skin that is already inflamed and irritated should be dealt with delicately, as further aggravation can lead to more breakouts. Opt for a mask that has acne-fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
If your breakouts are in specific zones, then there’s no need to apply the mask to your entire face. Upon removal, apply something nourishing, such as rose hip oil as it helps calm irritated skin.
We recommend: Neutrogena Acne Rapid Clear 2 in 1 Cleanser Mask, $12.49 from Chemist Warehouse.
For the sensitive skin amongst us
If you have sensitive skin, choose a mask that has natural, non-irritating ingredients.
Apply to the face with a delicate hand and keep a watchful eye while it dries. If there are any signs of a reaction, swiftly remove the mask and thoroughly rinse your face.
To finish, apply your favourite moisturiser.
We recommend: L’Oreal Dermo Pure Clay Mask Purifying 50ml, $11.69 from Chemist Warehouse.
For those with ageing skin
Choose a mask packed with collagen-producing ingredients designed to counteract the degeneration of skin cells.
The more consistently you have these facials, the better the results will be. (Aim to do this treatment on a weekly basis.)
After the mask, apply an anti-ageing serum.
We recommend: Skin Republic Two Step Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen Face Mask, $6.99; and L’Oreal Dermo Revitalift Serum 30ml, $19.69 from Chemist Warehouse.
For when dry skin is the issue
You’ll want to use a mask loaded with hydrating qualities to help restore and balance your skin if dryness is a worry.
If you really want to lock in the hydration, apply a cream containing lanolin after removing the mask.
We recommend: Sukin Hydrating Facial Masque 100ml, $10.99 from Chemist Warehouse.
If you want to get fancy, try your hand or, more specifically, fingers, at giving yourself a facial massage.
Popular in Japanese and Korean skincare, the ritual involves upward circular finger movements around the temples, jawline, cheekbones and lymph nodes. It’s designed to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow to the face.
The end result should give you a natural glow.
