How to Give Yourself a Facial, According to a Yon-Ka Paris Product Specialist

We all want smooth, glowing skin that reflects the inner beauty we all possess. Your skin is the face you present to the world, literally, and it is an outward reflection of what’s going on inside. When you’re feeling stressed, that inner turmoil makes its way to the surface in unwanted changes to your skin.

In times of uncertainty, the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. There’s no way of knowing what the future holds, but you can control the way you respond to the world around you.

In the midst of doing what you need to do to take care of your family, don’t forget to do a little self-care as well. An at-home facial is the perfect way to relax and unwind while doing your skin a favor. With the right products and a little good advice, an at-home facial can be nearly as beneficial as a spa facial.

The Benefits of At-Home Facials

There’s nothing better than wrapping yourself in a fluffy robe and lying back for an hour of pampering. Not only do facials work wonders for your skin, but they allow you to mentally reset and relax.

You may not be able to visit your favorite esthetician or spa right now, but you can still enjoy the benefits of a spa-quality facial at home. In fact, an at-home facial will do more than just relax you – it will help your skin recover from stress while supporting its long-term health.

“The pace of a hectic urban life can dehydrate and stress the skin which leaves it looking dull, lifeless, and aged. Add a pandemic and the stressors move off the charts, so the focus needs to shift to skin’s recovery and lasting health.” — Katherine Tomasso, National Director of Education at Yon-Ka Paris

The key to a good facial, either in-home or at the spa, is choosing the right products and following proper technique. It’s always important to choose products appropriate for your skin type and to apply them in the right order. Read on to learn how to perform a spa-quality facial at home.

Choosing Products for an At-Home Facial

Just because your bathroom has become the nearest spa doesn’t mean you can’t replicate the experience (and benefits) of a spa facial at home. The first step in a good at-home facial is choosing the right products. You may even have all the products you need already.

“It’s helpful to stay in touch with your professional esthetician whenever possible.  She can provide you with guidance and tips on proper product selection according to your unique skin care needs.” — Katherine Tomasso, National Director of Education at Yon-Ka Paris

Whether you’re completing your daily skincare regimen or settling in for a luxurious spa facial, the first step is always the same: cleansing. Cleansing the skin ensures you start with a clean palette, your skin ready to absorb and benefit from the products that come next. Choose an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and debris then follow it with a foam or cream-based cleanser.

After cleansing, you’ll want to apply toner while your skin is still slightly damp then exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and impurities. Choose an exfoliator appropriate for your skin type.

Once your skin has been cleansed and exfoliated, then you really get down to work. This is when you can customize your at-home facial with a mask designed for your specific skin care concerns. If you have oily skin prone to breakouts, choose a clay-based mask. Quench dry skin with a mask made with hydrating ingredients like imperata cylindrica extract. For mature skin, smooth fine lines and wrinkles with alpha hydroxyl acids and antioxidants.

After removing the mask, finish it all off with your favorite serum and moisturizer.

How to Perform a Facial at Home

The beauty of performing a facial at home is that you can completely customize the experience. Not only do you get to set the mood, but you can take as long as you like. Just remember, there are certain aspects of a facial best left to the professionals.

As tempting as it may be to do some extractions on your own, it’s simply not worth the risk. Not only can it lead to scarring and inflammation, but it’s particularly important right now to avoid transferring germs from your hands to your face.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to perform a spa-quality facial at home:

Step 1: Cleanse

Recommended Products: Gel Nettoyant, Lait Nettoyant, Eau Micellaire, Nettoyant Crème

Start your facial with a double cleanse to remove makeup, dirt, and impurities while prepping the skin. Eau Micellaire is the perfect first step to remove makeup. Next, cleanse and purify the skin with the gentle foaming action of Gel Nettoyant or go for the soft milky texture of Lait Nettoyant or the cooling, comforting Nettoyant Crème.

Step 2: Tone

Recommended Products: Lotion Yon-Ka PS, Lotion Yon-Ka PNG

With your skin still damp, apply a fine mist of  Lotion Yon-Ka PS or Lotion Yon-Ka PNG. Lotion Yon-Ka PS is a refreshing, invigorating mist for dry and sensitive skin types while Lotion Yon-Ka PNG is uniquely formulated for normal to oily skin.

Step 3: Exfoliate

Recommended Products: Gommage Yon-Ka, Guarana Scrub

Illuminate the skin with Gommage Yon-Ka, a 4-in-1 facial peel that exfoliates, clarifies, hydrates, and balances the skin. Formulated for both dry and sensitive skin types, this product will give your skin a healthy glow. If you prefer physical exfoliators, Guarana Scrub combines 11 active plant extract with Amazonian guarana seed to exfoliate, stimulate, and brighten the skin. 

“GOMMAGE YON-KA, a particle-free skin polish is an integral product that professional estheticians use during all YON-KA face treatments. Spa-goers love knowing they should also use GOMMAGE YON-KA  2-3 times a week to maintain the results of the professional treatment or exfoliate during times when you can’t see your esthetician.” — Katherine Tomasso

Step 4: Mask

Recommended Products: Masque 103, Masque 105

Treat your skin to the purifying, detoxifying, and clarifying benefits of a clay mask. Masque 105 tightens pores while decongesting and oxygenating the complexion, perfectly suited to dry and sensitive skin types. Masque 103 is formulated for normal to oily skin, purifying and clarifying while preventing blackheads and the buildup of excess oil. It’s recommended to spray the clay mask with Lotion Yon-Ka to keep it moist while you are masking.

Step 5: Moisturize

Recommended Products: Elixir Vital, Elastine Jour, Hydra No. 1 Creme

Moisturize the skin with a product customized to your skin care concerns. Revitalize and remineralize damaged skin with a healing, bi-phasic elixir like Elixir Vital. Nourish and hydrate mature skin with Elastine Jour or deliver deeper, reparative hydration with Hydra No. 1 Crème.

To elevate your at-home facial, be sure to create the right ambiance with scented candles, music, and maybe even an essential oil diffuser. Add an element of self-indulgence by doing the facial while soaking in a hot bath or throw on your comfiest robe.

Boost Blood Flow with a Post-Facial Massage

To maximize the benefits of your at-home facial, finish it off with a nice facial massage. Facial massage boosts blood circulation and lymphatic drainage to improve skin texture, relax muscle tension, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Here are some simple steps to give yourself a post-facial massage:

1. Apply your favorite serum and moisturizer, working from the thinnest product to the thickest, distributing it evenly over the skin with your fingertips.
2. Press the fingertips of both hands to your forehead between the brows and apply gentle pressure, sliding them up your forehead in a smooth motion.
3. Repeat the motion, repositioning your fingertips toward the sides of your face each time until you’ve covered the entire forehead.
4. Bend your thumbs and place them on either side of your nose, beneath the eyes – with gentle pressure, sweep outward toward your ears.
5. Repeat the motion, moving down your face and across the jawline with each repetition.
6. Finish with the neck, using your fingertips in gentle vertical strokes moving upward from the collarbone to chin.

Just because you’re staying at home doesn’t mean you can’t look and feel your best. An at-home facial can be just as relaxing and nearly as good for your skin as any professional spa facial. The key is to choose the right products and apply them properly for the maximum benefit.

For help choosing the best products for your skin, consult the Skincare Advisor or contact your local Yon-Ka Paris spa for phone or video consult. Use the Spa Locator to find a Yon-Ka Paris spa near you.