At-Home Facial Masque
Previous PageAfter the masque is removed, use a cotton pad to swab the face with the astringent lotion or toner. This will help to remove any sticky residue from the masque and will tighten the pores.
Finally, it's time for your facial massage using your moisturizing cream. Apply the cream sparingly using the tips of your ring fingers and massage the moisturizer into the skin until it is completely absorbed. Here are the basic facial massage techniques which should be used at this time; perform each movement type at least 45 seconds, or 15 strokes (apply small amounts of moisturizer as needed to keep the movements smooth):
Effleurage: Begin with long, smooth strokes upward from beneath the chin to the cheeks, from the mouth area curving up to the temples, cheeks to temples, and up from the brow line to the hairline across the forehead. This is meant to be a very soothing motion.
Petrissage: Next, use a gentle kneading motion with the thumb and first two fingers of each hand. A light pinching motion where the skin of the face is allowed to slide between the fingers, working your way from chin to forehead. Be sure to work your way up the nose and across the ridge of the eyebrows. This is meant to help relax and ease any tightness in the facial muscles.
Vibration: Lay the fingertips at various points, slowly working your way up the face. When you place you fingertips against the skin, hold them rigid and "vibrate" them while lightly pressing the skin. Move up the face in finger-width increments. This is meant to stimulate the facial tissues more deeply.
Friction: Rub the skin gently in small upward-moving circles, working from the chin to the forehead. This is both soothing to the muscles and stimulating to the blood vessels of the skin.
Finish the facial massage with another round of effleurage to bring back the relaxing sensation. If necessary, use a small amount of astringent/toner to remove any excess moisturizer. Ideally, the moisturizer will have been absorbed by the skin in the massage.
This completes the facial. Your skin will now be clean, nourished and feel refreshed. However, we mentioned the facial masque above and promised you a recipe. It follows now:
Facial Masque:
This is a simple recipe for a facial masque formula that is all-natural and good for all skin types. However, be advised that if you are allergic to any ingredient in this masque, you should not use it, or should omit that ingredient. Here's what you need:
• A blender or food processor
• ½ pint of Strawberries (citric acid and Vitamin C to remove dead skin cells and promote healing)
• 1 medium-sized banana (potassium and protein to nourish the skin and promote firmness)
• ¼ cup of honey (deep moisturizing and nourishment)
• ½ cup unflavored yogurt (lactic acid and fats to help remove dead skin and plump skin tissue)
• ½ cup unflavored, uncooked oatmeal (helps to balance the moisture levels and soothe the skin)
First, use your food processor or blender to pulverize the oatmeal until it reaches a powdery consistency. Set the oatmeal aside.
Next, blend the strawberries, banana, honey and yogurt together on low speed until thoroughly mixed (the mix may be a little lumpy). Pour the mixture into a bowl.
Slowly add the oatmeal a little at a time until the mixture is moist, but not too runny. The oatmeal will absorb the moisture so it will thicken as it sits. Once it is the consistency of a smooth, easily-stirred paste, place the masque in the refrigerator until fifteen minutes before it is needed. (It should be cool, but not too cold, when applied to the face.)
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