While Valentine’s Day has traditionally been associated with the celebration of love for a partner, today, the holiday has more of a wider appeal, encouraging people to show affection for those they’re not romantically partnered with (hello Galentine’s), and to practice self-love.
This new perspective on Valentine’s Day gives us even more reason to indulge in a pamper session, or develop a new self-care routine that will not only last for the one day but all year round. Here is a six-step routine, from the skincare experts at Clarins, guaranteed to make you glow from head to toe.
1. Cleanse…and then cleanse again
Double cleansing gives you the best chance at achieving a blemish-free, even skin tone, fully stripped of any dirt, pollution or make-up that can clog up the pores. Here’s how it works: first, you should use a nourishing oil-based cleanser to remove your make-up and eliminate any impurities. If you are new to oil cleansing use this guide to cleansing oils to ensure you get the most out of the process.
Then once you have washed the oil cleanser off, follow up with a water-based cleanser for a much deeper and more effective cleanse. Although the double cleansing method isn’t strictly necessary, it can be particularly beneficial to those with overly oily or spot-prone skin and can really help to improve your complexion. This lengthened process is not only good for your skin, but it gives you a chance to indulge in a bit of ‘me time’ as you massage the oil into your face.
2. Exfoliate for a ‘glow from within’
One of the key steps in achieving a healthy, radiant glow – even during winter – is to exfoliate regularly. This helps to remove the build-up of dead cells on the skin’s surface, allowing your moisturiser and serum to soak in deeper for maximum effectiveness. Gently work the exfoliator into your skin with clean hands and moving around your face in small circular motions.
Don’t overdo it with the exfoliator though, otherwise you run the risk of aggravating the skin – once or twice a week is plenty. Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
3. Look after your eyes
Puffiness, sagging, dark circles or fine lines around the eyes? A targeted eye cream should become your new best friend, helping to hydrate and brighten the skin for a more awake and youthful-looking appearance.
When it comes to applying it, you really only need a small amount – think the size of a grain of rice, for both eyes! Using your ring finger, gently apply to the eye contour area in an upward and circular motion, pressing lightly into the skin. Smooth and blend until the product has been absorbed and take a moment to enjoy the cooling sensation before moving on to the next step.
4. Use a radiance-boosting serum
Facial serum is a must in any skincare routine. Choosing a radiance-boosting product for the cooler months will work wonders, helping to brighten, smooth and regenerate the skin. For a spa-like feel, try putting a few drops in your hands first, to heat it up, before using your fingertips to lightly press the serum into your face.
This step should always be followed up with a moisturiser, which actually reduces the chances of skin problems such as acne, breakouts and itchiness. This is because dehydrated skin will produce excess oil to try and rehydrate, by using a serum and moisturiser your skin is thoroughly hydrated and therefore does not need to produce sebum, which leads to acne flare-ups and breakouts.
5. Indulge in a face mask
Surely every pamper-at-home session should include an indulgent face mask? Applied to the surface of the skin, a face mask absorbs deeply into the pores, providing an intensely nourishing treatment that helps to remove impurities below the epidermis.
To improve your skin tone and maintain a healthy complexion, it’s recommended to treat yourself to a hydrating mask once a week (ideally, in the evening after your bath or shower, when your pores are open).
6. Don’t forget about the rest!
Now your face is feeling fresh, it’s time to take care of the rest of your body. Give yourself a hydration boost with a body moisturiser or oil, before working your way down to the feet. Moisturiser immediately after a shower or bath to lock in moisture when your pores are at their most open.
Feet have it hard and they can often be forgotten about; without a little TLC they can begin to feel rough and dry, even cracking in places. Give them a little treat with a ‘foot bath’ before using an exfoliator to buff away any dead skin cells, revealing velvety soft skin. To finish, pop on a little moisturiser, taking the time to massage it in. The extra benefit of cream is that it strengthens and enhances toenails – perfect for a pretty pedicure to follow!
