A Facial, at Home

Dr. Vidya

Can't wait for hours at a beauty parlour for a facial? Suspicious of the lotions and potions the parlour uses? Are they charging you the earth? Dr Vidya Ram Pradeep shows how a facial can be done at home, easily.

This involves cleaning, steaming, mask application and skin toning. Clean your face thoroughly with make-up remover or lotion. Massage the lotion on to the skin for five minutes, then remove it gently with cotton wool.

Steaming

1. Take a pot of boiling water and place it on a hot plate on a low table.
2. Sit in front of the steaming pot, take a large towel and make a tent over the head.
3. Hold the edge of the towel about 6 inches in front of the forehead.
4. Lean over the pot taking care not to get too close.
5. Pat the face dry after ten minutes.

Applying a Mask

You can use either a proprietary brand or a natural home - made one.

The Magic Egg Mask

The egg is one of the oldest known natural beauty products in existence. It is said that Cleopatra used egg white on her face as a mask.

Nourishing Face Mask

Mix 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon almond oil together, apply on the face and leave it on for 10-30 min. Cream may also be added to make it even more nutritious. Avoid the oil and cream if you have an oily skin. This can be used every other day.

Egg and Yeast Mask

Mix 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon brewery yeast and 1 tablespoon sunflower oil together into a smooth paste and apply on the face. Leave for about 15 min, and rinse off with milk.

Masks for Oily Skin

Make a paste using Fuller's Earth and Rose Water. Apply on the face. Leave it on for 15 min and rinse off well. The Fuller's earth can be substituted with gram powder.

Skin Toners

Cucumber juice and honey are good skin toners.

Dr. Vidya Ram Pradeep M.D.

Dr. Vidya is a Dermatologist and has specialised in Cosmetology. She has trained in Cosmetology at North Carolina, U.S.A. She is currently a Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist at the Skin and Cosmetology Clinic, Chennai, India.