Basic facial beauty techniques mainly include cleansing, toning, massage, applying a face mask, and applying serum and moisturizer.
Cleansing
Cleansing is the first step in facial care, aiming to remove oil, dirt, makeup residue, and some dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Proper cleansing helps maintain the skin barrier function and prevent clogged pores. Use a cleanser suitable for your skin type, such as an amino acid-based cleanser or a gentle soap-based cleanser. Before cleansing, wet your hands and face with warm water. Take an appropriate amount of cleanser in your palm, lather it up, and then gently massage in circular motions with your fingertips from the inside out and from the bottom up. Focus on cleaning oily areas such as the forehead, nose, and chin, avoiding vigorous rubbing of the delicate skin around the eyes. The entire cleansing process should be kept under one minute. Finally, rinse thoroughly with running warm water and gently pat dry with a soft towel.
Toning
Toning usually follows cleansing. Its main functions are to balance the skin's pH, replenish moisture, and help subsequent skincare products absorb better. You can use cotton pads or clean hands for this procedure. Pour an appropriate amount of toner onto a cotton pad, ensuring it's fully saturated but not dripping. Using the correct technique, gently wipe or pat along the skin's texture, starting from the center of the face and moving outwards. Pay special attention to dry areas like the cheeks, while using gentler movements around the eyes. This process serves as a second cleanse, soothes the skin, and provides initial hydration, preparing the skin for the absorption of subsequent serums or lotions.
Massage Facial massage promotes local blood circulation, aids lymphatic drainage, relieves muscle tension, and may improve skin microcirculation and complexion to some extent. Before massaging, ensure your hands are clean and apply a sufficient amount of massage cream or facial oil to your face to reduce friction. Common techniques include lifting from the chin towards the earlobe with your fingertips, sliding from the sides of the nose towards the temples, and making circular motions on the forehead with your knuckles or fingertips. The massage should be gentle, even, and slow, avoiding excessive stretching of the skin. Each massage session is recommended to last 5 to 10 minutes. Regular massage helps relax facial muscles, but should be avoided if you have sensitive skin or skin inflammation.
Applying a Face Mask
Applying a face mask is an intensive skincare method that can replenish skin's moisture and nutrients or provide specific effects such as cleansing and soothing in a short time. Thoroughly cleanse your skin before applying the mask. After removing the mask, unfold it and align it with your facial features, smoothing it from the forehead, bridge of the nose, cheeks to the chin, gently squeezing out any air bubbles to ensure a tight fit. Strictly adhere to the product instructions for the application time, usually 10 to 20 minutes. Leaving it on for too long may lead to overhydration or reverse absorption of moisture from the skin. After removing the mask, apply any remaining essence from the mask pouch to your neck. After removing the mask, massage in circular motions with your fingertips to promote absorption. If it feels sticky, rinse gently with water before proceeding with your subsequent skincare steps.
Applying Serum and Cream
Serum and cream are crucial steps in the skincare routine, providing a high concentration of active ingredients and locking in moisture. Serum molecules are smaller and should be used after toner and before cream. Take an appropriate amount of serum in your palm and apply it evenly to your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Then, gently spread and press it into the skin using your fingertips, moving from the inside out and from the bottom up, until absorbed. Cream or lotion is used to lock in moisture and nutrients. Take a pearl-sized amount of cream in your palm, warm it by rubbing your hands together, and then apply it to your entire face using the same dotting and gentle pressing motions. You can massage it in slightly until fully absorbed. Avoid the eye area when applying; use a dedicated eye cream for the delicate skin around the eyes. This step helps to solidify the skincare effects and strengthen the skin barrier.