Fabulous Facials For Practically Free

Tiny pores. Smooth texture. Firm and plump. With a lovely glow. These are just a few words to describe healthy skin. From paraffin masks to stone therapy massage to papaya enzyme peels, facials are not just for the super wealthy these days. Yes, we all can afford some kind of fabulous facial, and it doesn’t have to come from a day spa.

Facials don’t come cheap. An average facial costs about $75. And this is what basically happens. Your skin receives a deep cleansing. Exfoliation, or the removal of dead skin cells, is next. Massage follows. There is extraction of impurities like blackheads. And lastly, an application of products that zero in on your skin type, such as dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. This of course is done by a professional. And it feels heavenly to lie back and let someone else give you the star treatment.

Facial Kits To Try At Home
Here are two different facials that are quite reasonable in price, and can be used in the privacy of your own home:

Kaz–The Steam Facial
This portable little machine is a unique item that works with vaporizer technology. As the Kaz makers explain, "It produces a cloud of gently controlled vapor that deep cleans your pores."
And this little steamer can be found for under $30. And you can use it over and over again. A product that really works. All you need is some water.

Alpha Beta Peel Home Facial
This jar by MD Skincare is just another wonderful way to smooth out your complexion and leave you with a silky glow and texture. It consists of a two-step peel chock full of hydroxy acids and antioxidants.

The Alpha Beta Peel Home Facial in a jar contains 30 applications and costs $72. Still a good deal and goes a long way. You can find it at www.SoftSurroundings.com.

Famous Spa Home Facial Recipes
The following facial recipes are actually 10 years old and still work beautifully. A friend cut out these recipes from a magazine and sent them to me long ago. These home facials are courtesy of the Ole Henriksen of Sweden Salon in Los Angeles. These treatments are simple and will save you the high cost of a Hollywood facial.

"Pick Me Up" For Dry Skin
1. Mix jojoba and/or sesame seed oil together.
2. Add 2 or 3 teaspoons of aloe vera gel ( can buy at health food stores).
3. Smooth mixture over damp, freshly washed skin.
Note: Be sure to apply to damp skin. Helps to lock in moisture.

"Pick Me Up" For Oily/Acne Prone Skin
One step.
1. Smooth aloe vera gel on freshly washed skin, twice a day. Facialist Cheryl Pereira, says that aloe vera gel is the best thing for oily skin.
"It mattes oils that accumulate on the skin’s surface, but doesn’t dry out skin, which can cause irritation and blemishes. "

Nourishing Mask" For All Skin Types
1. Combine 2 to 3 heaping Tablespoons of plain yogurt, an equal amount of honey, and I egg yolk.
2. Slather the mixture over dry skin.
3. Lie down on your back and rest for 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse off thoroughly with cool water.
This mask not only nourishes the skin, but tightens it. And we all know that means, a more youthful appearance.