At-Home Spa Facial

Hello Beauty Buffs! I trust that you are all doing well and getting ready for summer. I was on the phone with my mom the other day. We started talking about grocery shopping. Riveting, right? Growing up, my mom rarely, if ever, bought any type of junk food. She always shopped the ‘outside aisles’ of the supermarket. She likes to remind me that is why I shop the same way today. She started to tell me a story about being a kid and wanting a snack, to which she replied (as always), ‘Have an apple’. Apparently, I talked back to her and said, “Have an apple! Have an apple! Always have an apple! Why can’t you be a normal mom and give me some chips!” We had a good laugh.

From left to right: My sister, Kathy, me, my niece ‘Miss. Mia’, my mom’s husband in the back, Don, and finally, my mom, Donna.

The conversation got me thinking about all of the great lifestyle habits my mom instilled in my sister Kathy and me. One of the things she was very adamant about was taking good care of our skin. She started us on at-home facials from the time we were teenage girls. While the products I use have evolved over the years, the steps that I follow lie with my mother. When I read Nancy from California’s post about tips for at-home spa treatments due to the economy, I thought it was a great idea! HSN is your at-home spa facial destination. We have all of the top-of-the-line supplies you need to take control of your skin.

First, cleanse your skin with your favorite cleanser.

Next, to the kitchen. You are going to steam your face. This step prepares your skin for proper exfoliation. My mom had my sister and I doing this from our late teens. Take a small pot and generously skim the bottom with water. Put it on your stovetop on ‘high’ and bring it to a boil. Drop a tea bag in it. My mom always had us use chamomile. Turn off the stove and remove the pot. Let the water cool down a little. Lean over the pot, and use a hand towel to cover your head and the outer edge of the pot so that you don’t loose steam. Steam for a few minutes, or until your face is sweating.

Now, exfoliate. The key is to use a light touch, but extend the time you would normally exfoliate. A common mistake is that we hurry through this important step. Again, lighter touch, longer action. Rinse with warm water.

Your next step is to apply a mask. When was the last time you used a good mask? Many women do not use masks at all, and I think that used regularly, it is one of the most important steps in a comprehensive skin care regime. Do you ever feel like your skin changes almost daily? One day it feels dry, a few days later, it looks dull? You know your skin better than anyone. You need several different masks to respond to your skin’s changing needs. Apply a generous layer to your skin. I like to put eye pads on my eyes and cool cucumbers on top. Lie down and leave your mask on for up to a half hour. Snooze, rest, and relax. Masks are vital to healthy looking, glowing skin because they are generally concentrated formulas.

Now you want to put on your favorite serum and cream. Take this opportunity to massage your face in an upward and outward motion. Don’t skimp. Take a few minutes and treat your skin to the stimulation of massage.

And finally, since Mother’s Day is just around the corner, I would like to impart one more skin lesson from my mom. One of her favorite lines has always been: ‘Never go to bed with your make-up on, eat lots of fruits and veggies, drink plenty of water, and, go to bed on time!'