Hey there, beautiful skin lover! 💛
As a licensed esthetician, one of the most common questions I get is: “How can I give myself a good facial at home?” And let me tell you—you can totally give yourself that spa-level glow without stepping foot outside your house (or putting on pants—bonus!).
Whether you’re dealing with dryness, breakouts, or just want that radiant, lit-from-within look, I’ve got you covered with a step-by-step everyday at-home facial that works for all skin types.
Ready? Tie your hair back, light a candle, and let’s get glowing. 🌿✨
First Things First: Know Your Skin Type
Before diving in, it’s super important to know your skin type so you can choose the right products and techniques.
Normal Skin
Balanced, not too oily or dry. Minimal breakouts, small pores, and even tone.
Goal: Maintain that balance and glow without stripping it.
Dry Skin
Flaky, tight, or dull? You probably have dry skin.
Goal: Hydration, nourishment, and barrier protection.
Oily Skin
Shiny by noon? Prone to blackheads and breakouts? That’s oily skin.
Goal: Balance oil, unclog pores, and control shine without over-drying.
Combination Skin
Oily in the T-zone, dry or normal on cheeks.
Goal: Treat different areas with care—multi-masking is your BFF.
Sensitive Skin
Easily irritated, reactive, or prone to redness.
Goal: Soothe, calm, and avoid harsh ingredients or fragrances.
Step-by-Step At-Home Facial
Here’s your simple yet effective 7-step facial you can do 1–2x a week (or adapt for daily use!).
1. Cleanse Like a Pro
Start with a double cleanse to remove dirt, makeup, and sunscreen.
- First cleanse: An oil-based cleanser melts off makeup & grime.
Try: Banila Co Clean It Zero or Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm. - Second cleanse: A water-based or gentle gel/cream cleanser to actually clean skin.
Try: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (dry/sensitive) or La Roche-Posay Purifying Foaming Cleanser (oily/combo).
Pro Tip: Massage for 60 seconds to get the full benefit!
2. Exfoliate Gently
Remove dead skin cells for glow-up central—but don’t overdo it!
- Physical exfoliant: Avoid harsh scrubs. Look for fine, gentle ones.
- Chemical exfoliant: AHAs (like lactic/glycolic acid) for dry/aging skin, BHAs (like salicylic acid) for oily/acne-prone.
Try: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant or The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%.
Use 1–2x per week depending on your skin type. Sensitive skin? Patch test first.
3. Steam It Up (Optional but soooo good)
This opens pores and softens debris—perfect pre-mask.
- DIY steam: Boil water, pour in a bowl, add a chamomile or green tea bag. Drape a towel over your head and steam for 5–10 mins.
Skip if: You have very sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
4. Mask Time, Baby
Now that your skin’s prepped, it’s mask o’clock.
- Dry/Sensitive: Cream or gel masks with hyaluronic acid, aloe, or ceramides.
- Oily/Acne-Prone: Clay masks (like kaolin or bentonite) to detox.
- Combo: Multi-mask! Clay in T-zone, hydrating on cheeks.
Try:
- Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask (hydrating)
- Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (oil-control)
- I’m From Honey Mask (soothing)
Leave on for 10–20 mins, then rinse with lukewarm water.
5. Tone + Treat
Toner helps reset skin’s pH and preps for serums.
- Try: Thayers Witch Hazel (Alcohol-Free) or Krave Beauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA (gentle exfoliating toner).
Follow with your fave serum:
- Hydrating: Hyaluronic Acid (The Ordinary, Vichy)
- Brightening: Vitamin C (Timeless, SkinCeuticals)
- Calming: Niacinamide (Good Molecules, The Inkey List)
- Acne-prone: Salicylic Acid or Zinc-based serums
6. Moisturize, Always
Seal everything in with a good moisturizer based on your skin type.
- Dry: Thick creams (like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream)
- Oily: Lightweight gels (like Neutrogena Hydro Boost)
- Combo/Sensitive: Balancing creams (like First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream)
7. Don’t Forget SPF (Morning Only!)
If it’s a daytime facial, sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Try: EltaMD UV Clear (lightweight & great for sensitive/acneic skin)
Extra Tips From Your Estie Bestie
- Always patch test new products (especially actives).
- Clean your pillowcases weekly.
- Stay hydrated—your skin reflects what’s happening inside.
- Be gentle! Your skin is not a kitchen floor to be scrubbed.
Want to Build a Daily Routine Based on Your Skin Type?
Now go ahead and give your skin some love—it deserves it (and so do you).
