Quick answer: A home facial takes about 45–60 minutes and has six steps: polish, cleanse, exfoliate, massage, mask, then serum and moisturizer. Do it on clean skin in the evening, be gentle at each step, and repeat every two to four weeks for brighter, smoother skin.
What you'll need
- A skin polisher
- A gentle cleanser
- A face scrub or exfoliator
- A massage cream
- A face mask (clay for oily skin, gel for dry or dull skin)
- A hydrating serum and moisturizer
- A soft towel, a headband and lukewarm water
The Fore Essentials Glass Skin Kit includes all six products in the right order, so you don't have to put a routine together yourself.
Step 1: Polish (about 15–20 minutes)
Apply a thin layer of skin polisher to your face and neck, massage gently for about 2 minutes with wet fingers, leave it on for around 15 minutes, then rinse. Our Derma Clean Skin Polisher contains glycolic acid, peach and cucumber to brighten and smooth.
Step 2: Cleanse (2–5 minutes)
Massage a thin layer of cleanser in gentle circles for 2–5 minutes, then rinse with water. The Rice Infusion Cleanser uses rice water, cucumber and turmeric to clean without stripping.
Step 3: Exfoliate (2 minutes)
Use a scrub with light pressure for about 2 minutes, focusing on the nose and chin, then rinse. Never scrub hard. Gentle circles are enough. Try the Radiant Skin Exfoliator.
Step 4: Massage (3–5 minutes)
This is the most relaxing step. With wet hands, massage in upward strokes from chin to cheekbones and from the centre of your forehead outwards for 3–5 minutes, then rinse. Our Deep Tissue Massage Cream contains peppermint, lavender and coconut oil.
Step 5: Mask (15–20 minutes)
Apply an even layer and leave it on for 15–20 minutes, or until it starts to dry, then rinse with lukewarm water. The Pure Detox Clay Mask is great for clearing pores. For dry or dull skin, try the Ultra Hydrate Gel Mask.
Step 6: Serum and moisturizer
Pat 2–3 drops of serum over your face and neck with gentle tapping motions, then follow with moisturizer. The Hydrating Glass Serum contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and rice extract for a dewy finish.
Tips for the best results
- Do your facial in the evening so your skin can rest overnight, and wear sunscreen the next morning.
- Patch test any new product on your inner arm or jawline 24 hours before.
- Be gentle at every step. Redness means you've pressed too hard.
- Skip the scrub on active, inflamed pimples.
- Don't do a full facial right before an event. Give your skin a few days to settle.
How often should you do a facial at home?
Every two to four weeks is ideal for most skin types. In between, keep up a simple daily routine of cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, with an optional weekly mask.
Prefer a ready-made kit?
- Glass Skin Kit: the complete 6-step facial described above
- Glowing Facial Kit (Set of 6): for a brighter, glowing finish
- Brightening Facial (Set of 4): a shorter brightening routine
Browse all facial kits.
FAQs
Is a home facial as good as a salon facial?
For regular maintenance, yes. A good kit and the right steps give similar cleansing and glow. Salon facials can add treatments like extractions or machines.
Can I do a facial with acne?
Yes, but skip scrubbing over inflamed spots and choose purifying masks. See our guide to facial kits for oily skin.
Should I steam my face during a facial?
Brief, gentle steam after cleansing can soften build-up, but it isn't essential. Avoid it if you have sensitive skin or rosacea.
Can I wear makeup after a facial?
It's best to let your skin breathe for the rest of the day.