Don't Make These Self Facial Mistakes

The benefits of a self facial can do wonders for your skin. A self administered facial can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promote a healthy glow, and restore suppleness to the skin. Self facials are an effective way to prevent premature aging without paying the exorbitant prices at the spa or esthetician’s office.

However, as with all DIY beauty treatments, it is imperative that these treatments are performed correctly. Mistakes can result in not only a lack of results, but may also harm your skin in the process! We’ll tell you how to avoid the most common mistakes for performing a facial at home!

5 Self Facial Mistakes

Starting with Wet or Dirty Hands
Before beginning your self facial, it’s important that you wash and dry your hands. The skin on your face is delicate, and you will want to make sure that your hands are free of any bacteria that may cause breakouts or blemishes.

Ideally, you should always make sure that your hands are clean and dry before touching the skin on your face, in order to prevent exposure to bacteria and foreign pathogens. Wet hands may also dilute concentrated face oils before they have a chance to penetrate your skin.

Not Sufficiently Oiling Your Hands
Imagine dragging dry, unlubricated hands across your face – doesn’t sound pleasant, right? Not only would a lack of oil create an unpleasant sensation friction, it can also result in microtears and broken capillaries.

That being said, you should always follow up on washing and drying your hands by applying a carrier oil. This will reduce the friction, making it easier to massage your skin while introducing hydration to the pores.

Using Comedogenic Oils
The term “ non-comedogenic” may be one you’ve seen advertised on the labels of some skin care products, but what does it mean? In short, non-comedogenic oils won’t clog pores; they keep dry skin hydrated, and prevent the buildup of acne in those with oily skin types.

These oils are often anti-inflammatory and offer antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids. Some ideal non-comedogenic oils for a self facial include:

• Grapeseed oil

• Sweet almond oil

• Hemp seed oil

• Coconut oil

• Olive oil

• Jojoba oil

Oil blends like our Restorative Facial Oil are also suitable choices. This formula is a comprehensive blend featuring organic, cold pressed non-comedogenic oils from jojoba, grapeseed, rosehip seed, and pomegranate.

This oil contains nothing but plant-based goodness, which will quench your skin while introducing protective antioxidants. When you use this oil for a self facial, you’re stimulating blood flow while releasing essential oil aromas of lavender, bergamot, vetiver, and cedarwood.

To learn how to properly give a self facial, read our article on how to get the most out of a face massage in 7 steps.

Not Washing Your Massage Tools
Although hands alone are perfectly sufficient tools for a self facial, jade rollers have gained popularity as a beauty and self care tool. Jade rollers can also be used to help massage oil and other skin care products into the skin.

If you do use a jade roller to massage your face, make sure that it’s clean. It may be tempting to assume that because it only touches your face, it can go longer without washing. This is incorrect; facial tools can easily attract and harbor bacteria during storage.

To wash your jade roller, use warm water and a gentle facial cleanser you’d normally use on your skin. Gently hand-wash and dry using a soft, clean cloth. Store your roller in a clean dish or in a clean airtight container.

Pulling and Tugging
We all know that tugging skin can put skin on a fast-track to wrinkles, creases, and other unsavory side effects. As mentioned before, pulling or tugging at skin can also cause microtears, especially in mature skin.

Rather than pull or tug, self facial massages should be done in more of a sweeping, gliding motion across the skin. Apply slight pressure only when needed, and gently drum your fingers to stimulate healthy blood flow.

A self facial is an easy and effective way to keep your skin firm and plump, but your fragile skin should always be handled accordingly! While keeping these 5 steps in mind, the most important thing to remember is to practice a gentle touch and sanitation with your tools.