Face up to the facts: A trip to the fridge will brighten up your face
There’s nothing quite like treating yourself to a facial. Sadly with salons still closed, it looks like it might be a while until we can get an appointment. But you can do a DIY version at home, says Lucy Xu, from London Premier Laser Clinic, and most of the ingredients can be found in your fridge.
“Facials are a really good treatment as they draw out impurities from deep in the skin’s epidermis and allow for a brighter, cleaner complexion that most skin products can’t achieve,” she said.
“It’s imperative you look after your skin in lockdown. You may find it has become dry, dull or prone to more breakouts and this is down to things such as our routine being disrupted, stress, trouble sleeping, not getting out as much and over-indulging food and alcohol.”
At home facials can be done using many different ingredients that you will find in the fridge and cupboards.
Here, Lucy shares her tips...
Exfoliation
“Good exfoliation removes the dead skin cells clogging the skin and reveals fresh new cells below. And more importantly, it opens the way for your skin masks, moisturisers or other beauty products to penetrate your skin more deeply,” says Lucy. “Mix honey, sugar and a nice skin scrub. Rub the mixture on your skin and wash off with lukewarm water.”
Hydration
“If your skin is hydrated, it will look more plump and youthful. Hydration also helps improve elasticity, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Mix half an avocado with cocoa powder and honey. Leave mask on for 10-15 mins, remove with warm water.”
Acne
“Acne occurs when the pores of the skin get blocked with oil, dead skin or bacteria. Crush five aspirin tablets and mix with honey until it is smooth in texture. Keep on for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.”
Eye puffiness
“Every evening, place two tablespoons in your freezer,” instructs Lucy.“in the morning, after cleaning your face, use the cold spoons using outwards movements focusing on eyes to increase blood circulation and reduce puffiness for 5-10 minutes. Don’t worry if your skin gets red.that only means that it’s working.
“I’d always recommend a professional facial perhaps once a month or once every two months because we have the products, tools, and the skin specialists who’ll be able to tell you the type you need. “However, a facial at home is a good way to keep your skin in tip-top condition in between and should keep any impurities from clogging your pores or giving you a dull complexion.”
As told to Tracey Bryce