AT HOME FACIAL
Health & Beauty
Glowy skin, is healthy skin.
Always remember to nourish your body as equally as you do from the inside, out.
I’ve finally (after 4 years), moved into the dark (light) side of featuring more beauty, health and skin related posts. I always get asked the same questions so here you go.. also a reminder that anything skin and health related really differs for everyone. So, although this works for me, it may not work for you. These answers are from personal experiences with the help of my friend who is a facialist & naturopath; Hayley (Solstice Skin). I’ve always been obsessed with beauty and I’m one of those people who will research, compare reviews and websites for hours before purchasing or using a product. I’ve been sucked into health and beauty gimmicks and have gone through a fair share of products from press gifting and product hoarding. When it comes to health and beauty.. and actually most things in life, simple (and effective) really is best.
BEST FACIALS FOR GLOW and how often can I get a facial?
Most people will tell you to get a facial every 6-8 weeks, but to be honest it really depends on what your skin is doing, how it’s changing and why you’re getting them so you can’t really put a number on it (in my opinion). I’ve followed this before, and my skin ended up being more sensitive and broke out. Your natural skin cells turn over every 30 or so days, so definitely don’t over-stimulate it in between that time. Also at home facials are a great alternative. I will only book in a session if my skin is especially dry or congested - mostly after travel. I alternate between a lymphatic facial massage, and a facial that incorporates an enzyme peel (to naturally exfoliate and remove any excess dead skin), followed by lots of nourishing and hydrating masks that are anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, hydrating and help to lock in water and moisture. The best way to maintain your glow is making sure you are always hydrated enough with water and are consuming a wide range of foods that are high in anti-oxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and H2O.
FAVORITE CLINICS IN SYDNEY
I prefer clinics that have a holistic and/or energy practice as I believe that a more natural approach to your skin and health is the best way to go - I am slowly transitioning to clean beauty but I am not opposed to using the right chemicals for your skin (I am a fan of the Biologique P50W). A facial should be an uplifting experience for your exterior and interior and I always leave these sessions with new knowledge about my health/skin.
Venustus, Paddington. I love coming here for a lymphatic facial, or full body massage. They also incorporate Gua Sha, crystals and dry brushing.
Solstice Skin, Bondi. Hayley is a naturopath so her facial sessions aren’t just about the exterior, she also offers dietary and nutritional advice.
FACIAL MASSAGing TECHNIQUES
There are many massage techniques you can incorporate into your at home facial but also in your day to day beauty regime. During cleansing with your cleanser, or after cleansing using a face oil. I love giving myself a 5 minute face massage in the morning while I cleanse my face, it really wakes and de-puff my face. I am currently using this cream cleanser by REN (it’s great for dry or sensitive skin) and wash off with cold water. Puffiness is usually caused by a high intake of sodium or alcohol in the diet (usually from the night or day before). I always notice this when I have a meal out or a few glasses of wine. Toxins and salt store themselves in your lymph nodes which can cause your face or your body to swell, so it’s important to re-hydrate yourself the next day to flush everything out. There are lymph nodes in the armpits, near the groin and above the collarbone. For your face, they are located along the jaw, on either side of the neck (where your glands are) and underneath your ears. The best way to activate them is to use two fingers and lightly “pump” them around 8-10 times. I like to massage my face gently with my fingers sweeping, circling and pushing upwards and outwards repetitively. You will notice an immediate effect. If I’m extra puffy, I will also spend another 5 minutes massaging my face with an ice-cube wrapped in a soft material. If you have a sunglass cloth, you can use this to wrap your cubes, always make sure to sanitize before using. If you’re after a longer facial massage, it’s great to do this after your cleanse with a facial oil and incorporate Gua Sha to sculpt your face. I like using This video as a guide.
PIGMENTATION
The biggest cause of pigmentation is from sun exposure! I don’t have any pigmentation on my face, as I wear sunscreen everyday and make sure to wear a hat when I go for walks. I love being in the sun and soaking up as much as I can but I always do this responsibly and never lay out for more than 15 minutes just because the sun in Australia is so damaging to your skin. I scar really easily, and they darken if I don’t use protection in the sun. Incorporating a sunscreen into your beauty regime is a must, even on days that are overcast. My favorite face sunscreen brands I wear in Australia are Mother SPF and Ultra Violette, they don’t block your pores and are suitable for everyday wear. I personally prefer Australian brands when I am home, just because they’re developed for the harsh Aussie rays. I always make sure I use a separate sunscreen for my body. Fatty acids also help to reduce pigmentation. Ingredients that help with pigmentation are Vitamin Bs, Vitamin C (help lighten skin) & Vitamin A.
Do you use retinol, what are the benefits?
I’m not using a retinol (vitamin A) atm, they are great for anti-aging and acne. I have been recommended a retinol to use from a previous facialist but I felt that it was a little too strong for my skin. Hayley has recommended using Retinol Palmitate which absorbs much more easily into the skin, although I wouldn’t recommend using a Retinol or active products if you haven’t been consulted by a dermatologist or facialist.
at home facial steps
CLEANSE: I like to cleanse with a cream, but if you’re on the oilier side, a gel will work better for you.
TONE: To prep the skin.
ENZYME MASK: Time to exfoliate. Best way to do so is use a clay base mask. The one we’re using in the video has a lot of anti-inflammatory and gentle ingredients to naturally shed your dead skin cells such as Diatomaceous earth, Kaolin and Bentonite. As there are natural enzymes in this, it is best to keep the mask moist as it keeps them activated.
SERUM: Hayley has customized my serum and it contains essential fatty acids, barrier repairing and nourishing oils high in GLA. GLA’s are obtained from vegetable oils such as primrose, blackcurrant seed oil and hemp oil which are extremely nourishing for skin that is also prone with eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.
HYDRATING MASK: I love treating myself to the Epi-Nouvelle facial mask to finish. It’s recommended to be worn for 3 hours for it’s full effect.
MOISTURISE: To lock all the moisture in, I use REN moisturizer & SPF.
Next on health and beauty, I will be delving into my beauty regime.
