Missing the spa? While you may not be able to steam, soak, and get a massage at home, you can give yourself an amazing spa-like facial. Check out these tips from my favorite San Francisco skin care guru Corrinne Russell Larkin.
1) How do you recreate the facial experience at home? During these times it's so important to have a consistent at home skincare routine.
Start with a double cleanse, because one cleanse is never enough. I like to start with an oil based cleanser like Dermalogica Precleanse, or PCA Skin Cleansing Oil to take off makeup, bind to the existing oil or dirt in your skin, and prep you for the second cleanse.
Now that your skin is free from debris you want to actually clean your skin with a cleanser for your skin type. If you are dry with no oil at all, then you want a creamy cleanser. If your skin is combination you can opt for a light foaming cleanser. For very oily skin, clay based cleansers are great. I am loving Jan Marini C-esta cleanser right now. It cleans my combination skin without drying it out, and leaves a bright glow from the vitamin C. Always cleanse in upward and circular motions.
Next you want to exfoliate and renew by getting rid of dull dead skin cells. My favorite product for exfoliating right now is Jan Marini Multi-Acid Peel Pads for an at home "mini peel." It uses a mix of hydroxy acids to brighten and smooth out the skin while also containing a gamut of calming ingredients to hydrate and soothe. Alternatively you can use a light scrub as well, if you don't have any active breakouts or sensitive skin.
After exfoliation I love to rejuvenate my skin with a facial massage. You can use tools like a gua-sha, jade or rose quartz roller, or just simply using your hands. Facial massage is an amazing way to aid in detox by stimulating lymphatic drainage. Movements should always be upwards and outwards. Serums and mists are great to use as a massage medium. I like True Botanicals Renew Serum or Josh Rosebrook Hydrating face mist.
Next, my favorite part in a skin treatment is masking. Typically everyone needs calming and hydration, so I am a huge fan of hyaluronic acid and oatmeal masks for this reason. PCA Skin Hydrating Mask has both of these ingredients. Sheet masks are also an easy and inexpensive option and not to mention super fun to use! Or if you want to get creative you can mix your own mask with equal parts plain yogurt, mashed up berries, and a dash of honey for a glowing, hydrating, and antioxidant rich treatment.
End your at home care with a mist or toner, serum and moisturizer.
2) What devices are worth spending money on?
Right now I am loving being able to use my at home skin care devices. The NuFace is the easiest way to achieve a more toned and contoured look. It is fitness for your face and a non invasive way to get that desired lift by using microcurrent technology. The NuFace Trinity Pro has different attachments including red LED (Light Emitting Diode) to target fine lines and wrinkles. I recently added the Celluma LED to my repertoire of treatments. It offers both red and blue LED settings to help combat acne or treat the signs of aging . While the one I have is for professional treatments, other at home LED masks are a wonderful way to treat your skin when you can't see your skin care professional.
3) What products do you love right now?
As I said before I am loving Jan Marini Multi Acid Peel Pads. They are a great way to keep my skin clear and fresh during shelter in place. The at home peel luminates and smoothes, keeping my skin breakout free and happy. I am also in love with True Botanicals Immune Boost Essential Oil. I put the essential oil on the sides of the neck and over lymph nodes before bed to help fortify my immune system. This is great during allergy season and of course during a pandemic. Lastly, I am also loving my Microbiome Labs Probiotics. A healthy gut reflects in the skin, and I like to treat my skin from the inside out. This has especially been helpful during times of stress, and times of indulging in sweets!
Corrinne Russell Larkin has been treating skin for the last decade. Corrinne takes a customizable approach to every treatment to make sure the client is getting the best results and benefits for their individual skin. Client education is very important, and everyone gets advice on their skin and what they can do to improve upon it. Corrinne uses results oriented products that can change the function and structure of the skin, all while providing a healing touch and calming environment. After receiving her training at the Cinta Aveda Institute, Corrinne worked as an Esthetician at a spa in Pacific Heights for 5 years before becoming an instructor for The International Dermal Institute. Four years ago she opened her own San Francisco based practice, Skincare by Corrinne. She is a CIDESCO Diplomat as well as a California State Licensed Esthetician.
For more information you can visit www.skincarebycorrinne.com, Instagram @skincarebycorrinne and to shop www.sfskincare.com