Men, Here’s How to Perform a Luxe At-Home Facial

No matter if you’re a guy who’s new to the skin-care scene or a beauty lover with your fair share of men’s products already lining the shower, taking a moment for self-care should be at the top of your to-do list. While grooming your beard and applying some aftershave are likely already part of your day-to-day, we urge you not to overlook the feel-good power of an at-home facial. Complete with scrubs, face masks and warm towels, a facial specifically tailored toward men’s thicker skin and concerns can help you feel and look relaxed and rejuvenated. For guidance on how to perform a luxe men’s facial at home, we turned to Sarah Healy, the manager of Baxter Finley Barber & Shop in West Hollywood, California. Ahead, she’s breaking it down step-by-step, using Baxter of California products. 

STEP 1: Set the Mood 

Before jumping in with skin-care products, create a relaxing environment by lighting a candle (we love the Chiji Positive Vibes Candle), dimming the lights and putting on some relaxing music. Healy also recommends prepping an aromatic hot towel so you have it on-hand for later. “Using a few wet washcloths, spray each with the Baxter of California Shave Tonic, put it into a large ziplock bag and warm them up in the microwave for one to three minutes,” she says. 

STEP 2: Cleanse Your Face 

Using warm water and the Baxter of California Daily Face Wash cleanse your skin of any impurities, oil and dirt. “Use a pea-size amount of products and add a splash of water to create a foaming experience,” says Healy. “Then rinse with warm water.” 

STEP 3: Exfoliate 

Next up? Grab an exfoliating scrub, like the Baxter of California Face Scrub, and slough away dead surface skin cells. “As we age, our skin cells stop turning over as fast as they did in our youth,” says Healy. “In order to keep your pores clean and your skin looking fresh and healthy, you need to either manually or chemically remove the accumulated dead skin a few times a week.” To do so with the Baxter scrub, just apply a nickel-size amount of the scrub to your face. Then add water and scrub in circular motions, taking care to avoid the eye area. 

STEP 4: Detox With a Face Mask

Once you’ve washed off your physical facial scrub, you have the option to upgrade your at-home facial with a chemical exfoliator such as the Baxter of California Clay Mask AHA. “Apply a generous amount of the clay mask to either the entire face or just the T-zone area to pull out any dirt or oil in the pores,” says Healy. “Leave the mask on for 10 minutes before removing it with a warm washcloth.” Feel free to incorporate this mask into your weekly routine up to four times a week. 

STEP 5: Tone and Treat

“Apply the Baxter of California Herbal Mint Toner to fresh and clean damp skin,” says Healy. “For those with oilier skin, those prone to breakouts or those who just want the best skin in town, follow up with the Skin Concentrate Plus BHA once your skin has dried.” 

STEP 6: Add Your Eye Cream

To help prevent wrinkles and fine lines, make sure to use an eye cream in both your at-home facial and in your everyday routine. “Apply a pea-size amount of the Baxter of California Under Eye Cream in a circular motion towards the nose and around the orbital bone of the eye area,” says Healy. “This will help drain any fluid or puffiness in the eye area through your sinuses.” She also suggests applying the product with your ring finger as it’s the most gentle and won’t tug or pull on the sensitive skin. 

STEP 7: Finish Up With Moisturizer 

As you wrap up your facial, your skin should feel clean and rejuvenated. To balance out the potentially drying use of exfoliators, it’s important to hydrate your skin with a moisturizer. Healy recommends using the Baxter of California Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF during the day and a moisturizer specifically targeted for your skin type at night. “Dry, dehydrated or aging skin should use the Baxter of California Super Shape Anti-Aging Cream,” she says. “Any skin type, especially oily skin types who like a matte appearance, should use the Baxter of California Oil-Free Moisturizer on the entire face.” Then, seal the deal by wrapping one of the aromatic hot towels around your face — it’s the ultimate finishing touch. 

STEP 8: Don’t Forget Your Beard 

Bonus step! If you have a beard, an at-home facial is the perfect time to give it some extra TLC. “Use the quick-absorbing, lightweight Baxter of California Beard Oil to moisturize and condition not only your hair, but also the skin underneath that is commonly forgotten in all beard styles,” says Healy. “Enriched with vitamin E, the oil helps reduce skin irritations while also promoting healthy hair growth.” 

 

Photo: Anthony Walker

Read More:

Dry Skin in Summer? It Happens — Here’s How to Deal 

Don’t Exfoliate Your Face With a Body Scrub — Here’s Why

A Personalized Skin-Care Routine for Every Skin Type