While we’re all stuck indoors, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to an at-home facial. Our experts at SKIN REPUBLIC HQ have put together this simple 5-step at-home facial routine that feels almost as good as the real thing. So pick your ultimate chill-out playlist, put on your fluffiest robe, light that fancy scented candle, and get ready for glowy, bouncy skin.
Step 1: Double Cleanse
This should always be the first step when starting any facial routine. It’s important to remove all traces of makeup so your skin can absorb the ingredients more effectively. Even if you’re not wearing makeup right now, you should still cleanse to remove any oil buildup from the day.
First, cleanse with an oil-based makeup remover, followed by a cream cleanser (if your skin is dry) or a foam-based cleanser (if your skin tends to be oily). Focus on the areas where you experience breakouts and make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Work up a nice lather and rinse thoroughly.
Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliation is the fine line of skincare. Too much can leave your skin sore and inflamed; too little can make your skin feel congested and dry. It’s best to exfoliate no more than twice a week and make sure you choose the right exfoliator for your skin. If your skin is a bit sensitive, dry, and thin, try a gentle exfoliant like the SKIN REPUBLIC 2-Step Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen Face Mask. The first step—a fruit acid peel—gently removes dead skin cells without irritating sensitive skin types. If you prefer a more intensive exfoliation, try the SKIN REPUBLIC 24K Gold Peel-Off Face Mask. This mask dries and tightens, removing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells as it’s peeled off.
Many people with dry skin avoid exfoliants because they think they’ll make their skin even drier. That’s not true! Skipping exfoliation can actually make your skin drier. Dead, dry skin cells clog the upper layers of the skin, preventing active ingredients from penetrating and hydrating it. Exfoliation is also great for removing those rough, dry patches.
Step 3: Avoid Popping Pimples
Just don’t do it. Picking and squeezing can lead to permanent scars, so skip the extractions and consult a professional instead.
Step 4: Apply a mask
Now that your skin is squeaky clean and super-soft, it’s time to replenish its moisture. SKIN REPUBLIC Sheet Masks are saturated with 25ml of serum, making them super-hydrating. There’s also enough serum to apply to your neck and décolletage—which we often forget to do, but as they say, your face stops at your boobs! Each mask contains different active ingredients to target different skin concerns. The bottom line? We’ve got a mask for just about every skin concern.
Apply the mask and relax for 15 minutes. To help the ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin or to improve skin firmness, you can gently use a jade roller or give yourself a facial massage. Remember not to rinse off that skin-loving serum! If your skin feels like it needs a little more hydration, you can apply your regular moisturizer after the mask.
Step 5: The Eye Mask
No facial would be complete without applying a hydrating under-eye mask. Applied directly under the eyes and worn for up to 20 minutes, eye masks provide a concentrated and continuous dose of care to the delicate under-eye area. More effective than creams, eye masks also don’t require any tapping or rubbing to apply—actions that can worsen your under-eye issues. SKIN REPUBLIC offers several eye masks designed to address various concerns, including dark circles, puffiness, loss of firmness, fine lines, and dryness. Pro tip: Pop them in the fridge before use for an extra depuffing effect.
