DIY Facials

A professional facial can be very expensive ranging in cost from $50.00-$300.00.  I have done some good Internet searching to find the best DIY at home facials.  They come in two types.  AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) for dry skin and BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) for oily and acne prone skin.  The most common form of AHA is glycolic acid derived from cane sugar.  The most common form of BHA is salicylic acid easily found in aspirin.  Either of these acids works by sloughing off the upper layers of skin cells to reveal the fresh new skin underneath.  If you are planning to do a facial before your wedding (highly recommended) do a dry run a 2 months or more before the wedding to prevent possible pictures of an allergic reaction.  If the peel goes well repeat one-two times a week for six weeks prior to your wedding.  Remember to moisturize after doing any peel.


Here are a list of DIY recipes for facial peels:

Fruit juice peel:
For combination skin

1/4 Cup lemon juice
1/4 Cup Apple juice
1/4 Cup Grape juice
1/4 Cup fine grain cane sugar

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.  Apply to face for 10 minutes.  Rinse with water.
This is a peel that can be done often but keep in mind that your skin will adjust to the acids and the peel will stop working after a while.


Apple cider vinegar:
Super mild for all skin types

1/2 Cup apple cider vinegar

Dip cotton ball into vinegar and apply to face in circular motions.  Leave on for 10 minutes.  Rinse off with water.  This can be your daily cleanser as well.


Aspirin (BHA Salicylic) peel
For acne prone skin

3 tablet aspirins
1 lemon

Place the aspirin in a shallow bowl or lipped plate and drip lemon juice onto the tablets.  About a teaspoon of juice.  The tablets will start to dissolve or soften.   Press on the tablets.  Add more lemon juice if still hard after 1 minute.  When they turn into mush apply the paste to your face and let it dry for about 15 minutes.  Rinse with water. 


Sweet mask (AHA Glycolic):
For dry skin

1/2 Cup plain greek yogurt
1/4 Cup fine grain cane sugar

Mix the two until you have a grainy yet creamy mask.  Apply to the face for 10 minutes.  Rinse with water.