Sunday is the ultimate day for self-care, and that includes taking care of your skin! Sunday is the perfect day to add in a little extra pampering and treat your skin after a long week and make sure you’re glowing for the week ahead.

Step 1: Remove your makeup

You can do this with micellar water or makeup remover wipes, but either way it’s important to get off that top layer of makeup, dirt and oil off the surface.

 

Step 2: Oil cleanse

10 years ago, we would have laughed if you said we should be washing our face with oil. But a naturally formulated oil intended for skincare is a lot different than loading canola oil on your face. Using an oil cleansing method will actually help absorb the oil in your skin, which means it can more effectively remove dirt and impurities.

 

Step 3: Exfoliate

You should be exfoliating at least twice a week, but definitely on Sunday. Slough off the dead skin cells and debris from the week with a gentle exfoliant. If you have really sensitive skin, a gommage is a lovely option. It’s one of my favorite Sunday skincare treats.

 

Step 4: Toner

Before you move on to the heavy-duty steps, make sure to apply toner. Not only will a swipe of toner remove any lingering oil or dirt, but it helps restore the pH balance in your skin after all that cleansing. This will set your skin up for success prior to applying treatments.

 

Step 5: Facial steam

You don’t need a fancy steamer for this part! I like to bring about 6 cups of water to a boil in a pot on the stove, add a handful of dried florals and let it steep like tea for 10 minutes. After the 10 minutes is up, set the pot on the table and drape a towel over your head and let the steam soften and open your pores for about 10 to 15 minutes.

 

Step 6: Clay mask

Now that your skin is prepped and your pores have opened, applying a clay mask will help dig out the impurities from the week. Just make sure to not pick a mask that’s too drying or you will suck the moisture out of your skin. Clay masks are only effective if they have some sort of hydrating element to them. If you smile and your mask cracks? It’s too dry!

 

Step 7: Multi-masking

Most estheticians and dermatologists will tell you that layering mask after mask isn’t actually helpful for your skin. Too many masks with too many ingredients can leave your skin feeling convoluted and even irritated. Ingredients lose their potency when combined with ones that aren’t conducive. Instead, try multi-masking! One mask can’t heal all, so focus on the different areas and concerns of your face.

• For oily areas: A clay mask is great. If you’ve already done this step, look for a mattifying or clarifying mask.
• For acne-prone areas: You want to soothe these inflamed and irritated areas. Try a calming and soothing mask full of anti-inflammatories.
• For dry areas: Gel-based masks full of B vitamins and hyaluronic acid are your BFF for these parched areas.
• For scars and hyperpigmentation: In these areas, it’s crucial to focus on skin cell regeneration. Chose a mask packed with vitamins C and A for healthy results.
• For puffiness: I love a good cooling mask, especially around the eyes. If other areas of your face are feeling puffy, stick your favorite face mask in the fridge. Your skin will thank you.

 

Step 8: Lip scrub

This is a step a lot of women forget. Lips have just as many dead skin cells as the rest of your face, so it’s important to use a good lip scrub each week to buff off any flaky or dead skin.

 

Step 9: Serum

Depending on the types of masks you used, you’ll want to apply a serum that pairs well with the other ingredients. For example, if you’ve just used kind of a heavy-duty salicylic acid mask, skip the retinol or serums containing retinoids. This combo can create dryness and redness and are actually known to deactivate each other. Focus on a gentle serum with natural ingredients like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.

 

Step 10: Eye cream

Even if you’re a spring chicken, you should be using eye cream morning and night. Gently tap a pea-sized amount under each eye prior to applying moisturizer!

 

Step 11: Moisturize

You knew this one was coming, right? After all the cleansing and masking, your skin will need a drink. A good night cream is perfect for helping seal in all the magic you just applied to your skin.

 

Step 12: Facial oil + roller

Facial oil should always be the last step in your nighttime skincare routine. Facial oils contain no water, whereas moisturizers do, which actually makes it “thicker” in regards to nutrients and density. Anything applied after the facial oil won’t penetrate the skin, thus making it ineffective.

After you’ve applied your facial oil, allow it to absorb for about 30 seconds, and then get to rolling! It’s best to use facial rollers on slightly moist skin. It also helps the serums and oils penetrate the skin better, so save this for your very final step.

photos by Jennie Corti

Be sure to also check out 6 Instagram Beauty Experts That Are Breaking The Mold, and Clean Beauty Products You Can Find At The Drugstore!