The Best Facial Routine at Home (Created by a Professional Esthetician)

If you have ever tried to create the best facial routine at home, you probably know how overwhelming it can feel. There are thousands of skincare products online, each promising radiant skin and instant results. Yet, many people spend hundreds of dollars on products that do not match their unique skin type or specific skin concerns.

As a licensed esthetician, I have seen it all: dry skin that turns flaky after using the wrong active ingredients, oily skin that becomes even shinier after a harsh cleanser, and sensitive skin that reacts to essential oils or strong chemical exfoliants. The truth is, achieving healthy skin at home is possible, but only when you understand what your skin truly needs.

That’s why I created the Virtual Esthetician Consultation. In just 30 minutes, we get on a video call together and I personally walk you through a step-by-step guide to the perfect at-home facial. I analyze your skin, tell you exactly which skincare products you need, and teach you the best way to use them for lasting results.

Below, I’m sharing what a professional facial routine at home actually looks like—and why doing it with an esthetician’s help can completely transform your skin and save you money in the long run.

Step 1: Start with a Double Cleanse for a Truly Clean Face

The most crucial step in any skincare routine is cleansing. A clean face allows your skincare products to absorb properly and work effectively. Begin with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing oil to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. Even if you have acne-prone skin or combination skin, this step will not make you oily. Instead, it helps remove impurities without stripping your skin’s natural barrier.

Follow with a gentle cleanser or a mild cleanser such as the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. This second cleanse removes any leftover residue and dead skin cells. Always use lukewarm water, never hot water, since hot water can damage your skin barrier and increase dryness.

This two-step process, known as double cleansing, is one of the most beneficial ingredients of a professional facial routine. It prepares your skin for the treatments to come.

Step 2: Gentle Exfoliation to Remove Dead Skin Cells

After cleansing, it’s time for gentle exfoliation. This step helps remove buildup that dulls your skin tone and prevents smooth skin. Avoid using harsh scrubs that can cause microtears or allergic reactions. Instead, choose chemical exfoliants with lactic acid, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid—depending on your skin type.

If you have acne-prone skin, salicylic acid is a great way to unclog pores and reduce breakouts. For dry skin or fine lines, lactic acid offers gentle renewal and hydration. Those with oily skin may benefit from a balanced formula that includes both. Always perform a patch test before using any new exfoliating product.

During my virtual consultation, I help clients identify which chemical exfoliator or chemical peels are right for their unique skin type so they do not waste money experimenting.

Step 3: Facial Massage and Steam

A facial massage in circular motions helps boost circulation, release tension, and enhance product absorption. You can use a facial oil like jojoba, coconut oil, or vitamin E oil to glide your fingers smoothly across your skin. This not only feels relaxing but also improves the look of wrinkles and fine lines.

If you want to mimic a spa day, you can also use lukewarm steam or place a warm towel over your face for a minute. This opens the pores and prepares your skin for masks or treatments.

For those who own a microcurrent device, this is also a good facial tool to use at this stage for extra lift and tone.

Step 4: Apply a Face Mask Tailored to Your Skin Type

Choosing the right face mask is key. If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, a clay mask with green tea or salicylic acid can absorb excess oil and clear pores. For dry or sensitive skin, use a hydrating sheet mask with aloe vera or hyaluronic acid for moisture and repair.

For those with dark spots or dullness, I often recommend a mask infused with vitamin C, which helps even out skin tone and protects against free radicals that cause premature aging.

During a Virtual Esthetician Consultation, I guide you through selecting a mask based on your personal preference and your skin’s real-time condition, ensuring you use the right products instead of guessing.

Step 5: Targeted Treatments and Serums

After masking, your skin is prepped to absorb beneficial ingredients. This is when you apply treatments with active ingredients.

• For acne-prone skin: benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid

• For dark spots and uneven skin tone: vitamin C serum

• For dry or aging skin: hyaluronic acid or vitamin E serums

• For fine lines: Retinol or peptides

• For redness or irritation: aloe vera or green tea extract

Your serum should address your specific skin concerns, and I help clients customize this step so they are not layering products that cancel each other out or cause irritation.

Step 6: Lock In Moisture and Protect Your Skin Barrier

The final step is hydration and protection. Use a lightweight moisturizer or face cream suitable for your skin type. If you have combination or oily skin, opt for a gel formula. For dry or sensitive skin, use a cream with ceramides, vitamin E, or aloe vera.

Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect your skin from skin cancer and sun damage. Even if you are indoors, UV rays can still harm your skin’s natural barrier.

Do not skip sunscreen—it is the most crucial step in maintaining healthy skin and preventing early signs of aging.

Step 7: Optional Add-Ons for a Perfect At-Home Facial

To elevate your facial, you can add steps like a facial massage with jade rollers, a few drops of essential oils for relaxation, or a cooling eye cream for dark circles.

If you want to try DIY facials or homemade skin care routines, always remember to use gentle, clean ingredients and perform a patch test first. Even natural products like coconut oil or essential oils can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

Why a Virtual Esthetician Consultation Changes Everything

Most people try to follow YouTube videos or random skincare trends from New York City influencers, but what works for one person can easily damage another’s skin. Every face has a unique skin type, and your routine should be built around your personal needs.

When you book a Virtual Esthetician Consultation with Lulu Beauty Spa, you get real-time professional advice tailored to your skin. I’ll look at your face on camera, assess your skin tone, texture, and concerns, and guide you step by step through your routine. I’ll tell you which skincare products are worth buying, which ones you can skip, and the best way to apply everything for maximum skin benefits.

This is not a generic routine, it’s a customized plan made for you. It saves you time, prevents irritation, and stops you from wasting money on expensive products that will not work for your skin.

Ready for Radiant Skin? Let’s Build Your Perfect At-Home Facial Routine

Creating the best facial routine at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With professional guidance, a few simple steps, and the right products, you can achieve smooth, radiant skin from the comfort of your home.

If you are ready to stop guessing and start seeing real results, book your Virtual Esthetician Consultation today.

During your 30-minute video call, you’ll learn exactly what your skin needs and how to care for it like a pro. You’ll walk away with a customized routine, a list of effective skincare products that fit your budget, and the confidence to do facials at home safely and effectively.

Call or text 773-870-2816 to book your virtual appointment or ask any questions about your skin.

Your skin deserves expert care, and now, you can get it from anywhere.