Of course there’s nothing like a spa day full of pampering and total-body rejuvenation, but many of us don’t have the time to make it part of our regular routine. We asked top aestheticians to give us their best-kept secrets for getting spa-like results in the comfort of your own home.
Brighten Up
Lola Yaremenko, aesthetician at bliss57, says you can definitely maintain spa visits with an at-home facial—just not after a hot, steamy shower because your pores are open and your skin is too sensitive and vulnerable to irritation. “The best time to do it is at night after cleansing with a gentle cleanser so you don’t strip your skin,” she says. “If you gently cleanse and then use a peel, you will be more effective at removing dead skin cells, relieving congested pores and promoting cell turnover, which increases radiance. Nighttime is best because your skin does most of its rejuvenating overnight.”
Start Dry Brushing
Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection, says that dry brushing is her favorite method of body exfoliation because it’s a multitasking treatment. “It’s actually incredible as a cellulite treatment and also increases elasticity,” she says. “Start at the tops of your feet and brush upward toward your heart. Spend extra time on areas that tend to be more stagnant, like your inner thighs, and don’t forget to include the backs of your arms and your back. Dry brushing immediately increases circulation, so you will feel warmer when you’re done. Try it before you get into the shower in the morning and you will see a difference in your skin quality and cellulite in a matter of days.”
Make Your Own Mask
Creating your own skin-care concoctions at home can help you achieve the same glowing skin you love seeing so much after a facial treatment at the spa. “I love do-it-yourself masks!” says Vargas. “My favorite recipes are the easiest to throw together.” Here is the recipe for one of her favorites:
- 1/4 cup yogurt (for exfoliation and soothing)
- 3 tbsp warmed honey (for hydration)
- 2 tbsp oat grass juice or wheatgrass juice (for detoxifying, stimulating lymphatic drainage and feeding your skin important nutrients)
Exfoliate the Right Way
“Exfoliating at home can be tricky because people don’t always use the appropriate amount of pressure,” says Margarita Kouzmina, aesthetician at bliss57. “If you apply too much, you may irritate you skin, but if you don’t apply enough, you may not see optimal results. Keep in mind that you can always graduate to a stronger physical pressure once your skin is acclimated.”
Try Lymphatic Massage
Another great at-home treatment is lymphatic drainage massage to keep your skin clear, de-puffed and glowing. “It is a lost art and certainly a tool that anyone can use to make their face look rejuvenated,” says Vargas. “If you have dry skin, massage your skin in circular motions moving upward. Start at the base of your neck on the sides where your arteries are and massage in gentle circles upward toward your jaw, up the sides of your face, and then around your eyes. This will help coax nutrients into the tissues there. If you are prone to breakouts, you want to start at the top of your face by your eyes and work in the opposite direction–this will draw the waste away.”
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