As much as I love having a facial, I also love doing it more than my budget and schedule allow. I have been honing my home facial routine and here are my current must haves:
If you google facial steps, there are many! I have found that I can use this set of steps once a week with great success. My 45 year old skin is healthier, less broken out and more moisturized. I do some of these steps on a daily basis, but this whole routine just once a week.
Here we go:
Step 1: Cleanse. It has taken me a lot of trial and error to find a cleansing method that works for me. My skin is sensitive and prone to dry patches and acne, so I have to be really gentle. This has been a lifesaver for me! https://amzn.to/3OMdYm7

I put two pumps on this little round sponge and it massages my skin while it cleanses. If you haven’t tried these little sponges, they would work with any cleanser and feel SO good! There is something about the little nubs that really does make it feel like a massage. They come as a 4 pack so plenty to share with your housemates or even give to your friend to try. https://amzn.to/3n2twpZ

After a little massage, I use my Norwex body cloth to help me remove any leftover eye make up. I love my mascara, but it does tend to stick around after my initial face wash. This cloth is so soft and easily removes the mascara without adding anything to it but water. They come as a three pack and you can find them here: robinday.norwex.biz

Step 2: Exfoliate. Again, it has taken me awhile to find the right exfoliator for my skin. Something not too harsh but that will do the job. I have enjoyed this one a lot. I just make sure my face is still very wet and then scrub away! https://amzn.to/3bafyPX

Step 3: Steam. I’ve already talked about my wonderful steamer in other posts, but it truly is awesome! It is the best 10 minutes of my week. Simply add distilled water and voila… let the magic happen. The steam opens up your pores and will make you sweat out some toxins. Gross I know, but important for your skin’s health. Here’s the steamer I like: https://amzn.to/3xJQ6s5

Step 4: Pore sucking. Ok, it’s actually called Microderm abrasion but pore sucking is pretty accurate. I use the Lancer Microderm machine. This is by far the most expensive item on my list and I researched it for a few months before I ordered one. It is like a little vacuum that you use to unclog your pores. It has been helpful for me to use once my pores are steamy and open, this goes across the surface of your skin and removes the excess gunk from your pores. After your are done, you can take the little collector off and see the gunk that’s been removed. It’s oddly satisfying. Watch for sales because you can very often find a 10-15% off sale at Lancer. https://www.lancerskincare.com/pro-polish-microdermabrasion-device

Step 5: Mask. To be honest, I am hit and miss on this step. I have yet to land on a mask I love that doesn’t cause major breakouts on my face. This is supposed to be where the mask step is if you have a mask you use and love..insert here!
Step 6: Tone. We are getting near the end at this point! It’s now time to tone your freshly beautified skin. I have tried oodles of toners in the past and have landed on this one. If you want that spa smell at home, this is heaven in a bottle! Just simply mist and you’re all set. https://oakessentials.com/products/balancing-mist

Step 7: Moisturize. We are finally at the end and you get to put on all the good stuff that your skin will soak up and love you for. You can use any of your night time serums/moisturizers at this point. I do two final moisturizing steps to complete my weekly facial routine. First, I use the needless serum. It is so moisturizing and just feels so good on my skin. https://www.drmtlgy.com/products/needle-less-serum

Finally, I have been using argan oil as my final moisturizer. Pure and chemical free works for me! https://amzn.to/3tN8780

I have not always taken good care of my skin and am now on a mission to make it as healthy as possible. I am not an esthetician and still recommend professional facials when you get them, but I have tried so many different things through the years and am pretty happy with this current regimen for my combination skin. Maybe there’s something here that will work for you too!
Some of the links above are affiliate links which means I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.