As one of the most sought after facialists in Australia, Jocelyn Petroni is an expert at how to achieve a beautiful, glowing complexion, particularly through a luxurious, relaxing facial. I’ve been lucky enough to experience one of her facials and all I can say is, it is heavenly and my skin looks absolutely incredible afterwards. So, what’s the key to a great DIY facial at home? Here, Jocelyn shares her expert tips.
What’s the key to a great at home facial?
Facial massage is the key component to a successful at home facial. Often we already have all the products and tools we need however the method we use them and the way in which we apply these to the skin could be improved.
When performing an at home facial treatment each step of the facial should include a facial massage to get more out of the products you are currently using; your cleanse becomes a deep clean, your mask feeds the deepest cell layers and your moisturiser will have optimal product penetration.
Facial massage stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can slow down with our lifestyle. As we are staying at home more and moving around less frequently, our skin becomes asphyxiated. This means less oxygen and micronutrients are fed to the skin from the inside, cellular communication and turnover slows down so our skin can become dull and lack-lustre.
Massaging the skin increases internal lymphatic drainage to treat congestion, feeds the skin from the inside and increases desquamation of skin cell from the surface of the skin.
What are the essentials everyone should have on hand before giving themselves a facial?
The essentials are cleanser, face cloth/washer, exfoliator, mask and moisturiser.
What are your tips for creating the right mood?
Personal space in your bathroom is all you need to create the right mood. I personally like to give myself a facial when my baby Georgia is asleep and I know I have time to myself. My bathroom is always super clean and there is usually a candle burning so the mood is always set for my daily skin routine. I have music playing in my bathroom and my facial routine is reflected in my playlist choice- if I’m deep cleaning and extracting I’ll listen to Dua Lipa, if I’m hydrating and healing I’ll play Vivaldi.
Can you share step-by-step how readers can give themselves an at home facial?
At home facials must include the essential three
- A thorough cleanse. You must double cleanse—the first to remove make up, dirt and debris the second to deep clean the pores and tissue. The first cleanse can be a micellar water, oil or cream cleanser. The second cleanser needs to be more deep cleaning, so use a foam, fruit acid or deep cleansing gel.
- Exfoliation. To slough away surface dry dead skin cells and decongest the skin. This will clear the pathway for optimal product absorption. Exfoliate for a good 30 seconds and don’t be afraid to use firm massage movements that will increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage as well as toning and relaxing facial muscles.
- Treatment masking. Can be to deep clean the skin with a clay mask, hydrate the skin with a nourishing mask, firm with a vitamin C mask or treat breakouts with a fruit acid mask. Personalise your mask by applying two masks to the skin and treating different areas with what they specifically require for example apply a clay mask to your nose to treat blackheads and a hydrating mask elsewhere to hydrate and nourish.
How much time should be set aside to complete the facial from start to finish?
20 minutes
How often do you think we should be having facials?
At home facials can be most frequently every week, and at least once a month.
Jocelyn’s tips on facial massage:
Schedule a facial while cleansing
The most convenient time to incorporate facial massage into your routine is whilst cleansing. This daily or twice daily cleanse can be transformed into an internal deep clean for the skin by simply following the direction of lymphatic flow. Stimulating lymphatic drainage clears congestion, treats puffiness around the eye area and improves the overall appearance of dull lacklustre skin.
Don’t forget the eye massage!
Whilst applying eye cream take a moment to feel the ‘grooves’ under the bone that sits below the eyebrows. These acupressure points relieve stress from the area, to relax and rejuvenate the appearance of the eye area.
Massage product into the skin before bed
If you like to wear a sleep mask to bed, massaging this product into the skin before bed will aid product penetration and enhance the benefits of the nourishing active ingredients. Be inquisitive when it comes to massaging your face and really start to feel the facial muscles and what feels good, explore firm pressure, use your palms and don’t be afraid to get into all the grooves.
A bath is a great time for a facial
I love taking a bath and this is the perfect time to apply my favourite mask and massage it into my skin, using the steam and massage movements to push the product into my skin.