THE FRESCO COMPLEXION
MASTERING THE STEPS OF AN AT-HOME FACIAL
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The unprecedented situation of COVID-19 has revealed a time of uncertainty and concern towards our day-to-day routines. But self-isolation doesn’t mean that you can’t approximate a salon skin treatment at-home. At The Fresco Complexion, we have developed an effective step-by-step strategy to maintain your skins optimum health. We believe it’s not just a means to glowing skin. It’s an opportunity every day to indulge in a moment of ‘me time’ to thank and honour your skin and body that has served you so well. Light a candle, play some calming music, and give yourself some ‘skin love’.
Routine
Double Cleanse Method
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With any type of facial, it is important to start with a 'clean canvas' to maximise the effectiveness of following steps. We recommend beginning with an oil-based cleanser to remove traces of makeup and unwanted, dead skin cells while still keeping the lipid barrier intact. The second cleanse, also referred to as “the deep clean” is a pass to ensure pores are refined and purified from dirt, sweat, excess sebum, cosmetics, bacteria, and any other pollutants that come in contact with your skin. A gel or cream active cleanser with AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) or BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids) is an optimal choice for corrective benefits.
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Exfoliate
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Exfoliation involves the process of sloughing away keratanised (dry) dead skin cells using a chemical AHA/BHA, enzyme formula or physical manual scrub. An exfoliating step, reveals a radiant appearance, enhancing the penetration of serums, oils and hydrators. As with any advice we offer our clients, it’s always customised case-to-case. Though, a broad accurate principle is to never exfoliate more than 1-2 times a week, this can encourage sensitivity and lead to heightened skin concerns. Our favourite two-in-one chemical and physical exfolliant is the Ultraderm Face and Body Polishing Cream.
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Massage
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The power of a good facial massage can improve the appearance of your skin in myriad ways. Consistent practices result in improved circulation, reduced puffiness, released tension and a more awakened, rested glow. Just like the muscles in the body, the more you move them, the more lifted, tightened and toned they become. It is as simple as dispensing your favorite facial oil onto your fingertips and working it into your skin, focusing on upward sweeping circular motions, knuckling and kneading techniques. It is important to never drag the skin in a downward direction, and be sure to use a medium to firm pressure.
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Mask
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It is important to meet your skin where it is right now, don’t neglect to assess your complexion’s current state. A customised method is ideal to target multiple concerns at once. This can mean using a mineral rich clay mask on your T-zone to normalise sebum production, a supercharged hydrating formula on facial contours to restore the skins moisture balance and collagen protein sheet masks for the under-eyes. In saying that, if your beauty cabinet is absent of skin-loving products, do not despair. Your current pantry can act as a wonderful substitute. Reach for things like yoghurt, oats, honey, tumeric and cacao. All of these make for great targeted face masks.
Serum
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Time to target your specific skin concerns. Serums consist of concentrated ingredients that are formulated with smaller molecules to penetrate deep into the skin to deliver active ingredients. Adding this potent product to your morning and evening routine, means you are taking an active, preventative approach to skin health and guarantees correction to pre-existing skin concerns such as; Acne, dehydration, sensitivity, photo-damage and ageing. As a general rule, the application order is to always apply the product with the finest, most watery consistency first and finishing with the thickest or richest product last.
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Moisturise and Protect
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