Making a facial involves several steps: deep cleansing and exfoliation, fumigations, massages and final mask. Aloe vera, a plant rich in properties and beneficial active ingredients, is effective for moisturizing the skin, soothing irritations and fighting acne. It can therefore be used in every single phase of the treatment.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Facial Cleansing and Exfoliation
Step 1. Prepare a cleanser by mixing 60ml of aloe vera gel, 90g of honey and 1 teaspoon (15ml) of extra virgin olive oil or jojoba
The cleanser will have moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Pour it into a jar and store the leftovers in the fridge.
- Alternatively, wash your face using plain rose water or a purchased cleanser.
- You could also make a simple cleanser by mixing 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel and 1 teaspoon of glycerin.
Step 2. Wash your face
Gently massage the cleanser into your skin for 1 to 2 minutes. Don't forget the neck. Then, rinse it off and gently pat your face with a soft, clean towel.
Store any leftover cleaner in the fridge using an airtight jar
Step 3. Make a simple scrub by mixing 50 g of muscovado sugar, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
If you have sensitive or dry skin, replace the muscovado sugar with ground oats.
- To make a more elaborate illuminating scrub, mix 4 teaspoons of milk, 1 teaspoon of rice flour, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel.
- Avoid using white or granulated sugar. The grains are larger than those of muscovado sugar, therefore they are too aggressive for the delicate skin of the face.
Step 4. Massage the scrub on your face for 1 to 2 minutes
To start, moisten it with water. Massage the product by making gentle circular movements for 1 to 2 minutes. Try to avoid the eye area, which is particularly sensitive.
Step 5. Rinse with cold water, then gently pat your face with a soft, clean towel
At this point you can continue with the treatment.
Part 2 of 3: Suffumigi and Facial Massage
Step 1. Fill a bowl with boiling water
If desired, you can add essential oils or dried herbs, such as chamomile, rose petals or lavender. Not only do they smell good, the oils and herbs are also packed with properties that are good for the skin.
Step 2. Bend over the bowl keeping your face about 30cm away from the surface of the water
Place a towel over your head to trap the steam. Let it act for 1 minute so that it can dilate the pores and dissolve the dirt residues, making cleaning easier. The fumigations can be done for even longer, up to a maximum of 3 minutes, but remember to take a break and breathe deeply after each minute.
Afterward, rinse your face with cold water to tighten the pores and prepare your skin for the next step
Step 3. Make a simple massage cream by mixing 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel and 1 teaspoon of honey
Also, add 2 vitamin E capsules.
For a lightening effect, mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of aloe vera gel, ½ tablespoon (11 g) of honey and 2 or 3 pinches of turmeric
Step 4. Massage the cream on your face for 5 to 10 minutes
Gently massage it into your forehead, chin, temples and cheeks using your fingers. Try to avoid the area around the eyes and be especially gentle around the nose.
Step 5. Rinse the cream off with warm water
If any residue remains, wipe it off with a damp cloth. Gently pat your face dry with a soft, clean towel.
Part 3 of 3: Complete the Treatment
Step 1. To complete the treatment, prepare a mask by mixing 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel, 2 teaspoons of rose water and 1 teaspoon of sandalwood powder or smectic clay
Sandalwood powder is very effective for treating acne and purifying the skin. Smectic clay is excellent for absorbing excess sebum, therefore it is ideal for oily skin.
If you like an aloe vera mask in particular, you can also follow a different recipe
Step 2. Apply the mask to your face with your fingers
To pamper your skin even more, apply with a clean foundation brush. Spread the product on the cheeks, forehead, nose, along the jaw and chin. Try to avoid lips and eyes.
This mask can get very dirty. Tie your hair and place a towel over your shoulders
Step 3. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes
In the meantime, you can lie down on the bed or relax in the chair. Close your eyes and take a moment to relax. You could also do some deep breathing exercises.
Step 4. Rinse the mask off with warm water
If any residue remains, gently wipe it off with a damp cloth. Finally, pat your face with a soft, clean towel.
Step 5. Apply your favorite toner or rose water with a cotton pad
You can also mix rose water and aloe vera gel to make a blend that has both toning and moisturizing properties.
Rose water is an excellent natural tonic. It helps balance the skin's pH and is effective for treating various skin ailments, including dermatitis and eczema
Step 6. Apply a moisturizer
You can use your usual cream or make your own by mixing 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of rose water and ½ tablespoon (8 ml) of glycerin. In case of dry skin, add ½ tablespoon of olive oil. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, add ½ tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix it well.
Rose water is a natural antiseptic, while glycerin is effective for moisturizing the skin without making it oily
Advice
- Characterized by naturally moisturizing properties, aloe vera is great for those with dry skin.
- Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that are effective in treating acne.
- Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help fight skin aging by keeping the skin firm and hydrated.
- To create an atmosphere worthy of a spa, prepare some fluffy white towels before doing the treatment.
- Choose some relaxing music and light some candles. In this way the treatment will be even more relaxing.
- Take your time and don't rush. Do the treatment in a quiet time, not when you have to fit it between other commitments.
- It would be best to grow aloe vera at home to extract the gel. If that's not possible, buy it, but make sure it's pure and free of additional ingredients.
