Pamper Mum, this Mother’s Day!
With many of us tightening our belts, a trip to the spa or salon can seem out of reach for many of us during these cash-strapped times. Skincare expert, Angela Langford shows you how to replicate a salon-quality facial at home — perfect as a treat for yourself — or why not treat mum on Mother’s Day? This DIY facial is not complicated and you only need a few products to create a wonderful treatment for your Mum. You’ll need a cleanser, exfoliator, face mask and facial oil.
Top Tip: Always apply your products in a gentle, upward motion …
Step One: Cleanse
Cleansing is key in order to create a great base for the treatment. The analogy I always use when talking about cleansing is that you wouldn’t eat your supper off a dirty plate and it is the same when it comes to skincare. Cleansing is that vital step needed in order to prepare your skin for the treatment to come so that you get the best results from all of the efforts you are about to put in!
I always recommend using a cleanser that you wash off with water (rather than wipe off with a cotton pad).
If your skin is on the oily side, a non-foaming face wash works well. I avoid any cleansers that foam and instead look for mild and gentle products that gently cleanse your skin. If you are wearing make-up start with an oil cleanser to remove your eye make-up.
If your skin is dry, a cleansing balm is ideal. These tend to be rich so you only need to use a pea sized amount. Massage over your skin and rinse it off with plenty of warm water and a cleansing cloth.
Step Two: Exfoliate
This step increases the brightness and clarity of the skin. Look out for exfoliators that contain natural ingredients like lemon, orange, bilberry and papaya, as they can often be tolerated by even the most sensitive of complexions. The exfoliation process gently removes dead, dull skin and leaves skin softer and smoother.
Step Three: Apply A Face Mask
There are many masks available – there are masks to hydrate your skin, masks to deep cleanse your skin, plumping masks and brightening masks. There are also masks that you mix yourself and you can customise these depending on how your skin is feeling. These are the most versatile masks and if you and your Mum both want to share the experience, it means one mask can work for you both.
Step Four: Facial Massage
Facial massage is the final stage if the treatment and can usually last around 10 to 15 minutes,. The benefits of facial massage are numerous, helping to rejuvenate skin that is lacklustre by boosting circulation and also assisting with lymphatic drainage, which aids in the removal of toxins from the skin.
Start by warming a few drops of facial oil in the palm of your hands before commencing with a brief neck and shoulder massage, before moving on to the face. I have found that applying my favourite facial oil and doing this before bedtime is deeply relaxing — and helps me get an incredible nights’ sleep! Take a look at YouTube for different facial massage techniques – there’s lots of great videos.
Top Tip: Make sure your Mum stays hydrated during the treatment – add a few slices of cucumber or lemon to a jug of water that she can sip on during the treatment. Finish the facial with a spritz of hydrating skin tonic to refresh your lovely Mum’s skin – which should now be glowing and radiant!
