Use all natural personal-care products, particularly for a home facial. “It’s important to use natural products with vitamins, minerals, and essential oils when performing a facial,” explains aesthetician Stephanie Tourles. “During a facial, circulation increases in the skin, pores are relaxed, and absorption of nutrients is enhanced. Although a synthetically based product may make skin look and feel smooth, the benefits end there.” Many commercial products may also contain synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, and detergents that can irritate skin and clog pores.

By contrast, natural products promote skin health. Pure plant and vegetable oils, herbs, and essential oils can supply nutrients, help heal damaged skin, and provide antioxidant protection to help prevent cellular aging.

To give your skin what it needs, choose ingredients appropriate to your particular skin type. Look for the following ingredients in cleansers, toners, masks, and moisturizers.

What Skin Types Need

• Dry/Mature Skin
  Rosa mosqueta rose hip seed oil, jojoba oil, sea buckthorn oil, shea butter, canola, avocado, evening primrose, and sunflower oils. Humectants such as vegetable glycerin, NaPCA, or hyaluronic acid.
• Normal Skin
  Jojoba and sesame oils. Herbs including green tea, ginkgo biloba, and nettles, and essential oils of lavender and rosemary.
• Oily Skin
  Antiseptics like eucalyptus and camphor oils, tea tree oil, and goa herb.
• Sensitive Skin
  Soothing botanicals including St. John’s wort oil, aloe vera, and coltsfoot extract.