A professional facial may mean you can relax and enjoy a thorough pampering, but it’s perfectly possible to do just as good a job with your own hands, in the comfort of your own home. That way both your skin and bank balance benefit!

‘A little TLC goes a long way when it comes to our skin, ’ says Weleda’s natural beauty consultant, Loraine Murry, who’s devised this luxury DIY facial that won’t cost the earth. Allow half an hour – ideally a luxurious 45 minutes. The middle of the day is best for skin, so if you can make time you’ll really feel the difference. Morning or late afternoon is second best. After 6pm the body slows down and skin can’t work as hard to absorb all the nutrients from products. Avoid a pre-bedtime facial, as that might lead to puffiness.

Step 1: Clean start

Even if you don’t need to clean off make-up, start by cleansing your skin. Put a 10p size dollop of chosen cleanser onto a moist cotton pad (Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion, Gentle Cleansing Milk or One-Stop Cleanser & Toner). Breathe out as you sweep from the middle to the edge of your face, and feel tension leave your body. Repeat until cotton pads show skin is completely clean. Take a moment to relax. Don’t rush ahead, enjoy the lull.

Tip: Split dry cotton wool pads in half for a more sensitive touch, and moisten with water. It’s refreshing and will also make products go a lot further.

Step 2: Invigorating steam

If you have a medical skin condition skip this bit.

Add 5ml of Refining Toner to a bowl of steamy hot water, as hot as your hands can bear. Rinse a clean flannel in the mixture, wring out, then lay flannel flat over your face. The heat immediately relaxes facial muscles, while also stimulating skin circulation and improving absorption of ingredients.

Anyone with a medical skin condition should be cautious about steam treatments, as heat may aggravate the problem. Take a few purifying breaths while the flannel gently cools.

Step 3: Revitalising massage

Relax the neck and shoulders before you begin by shrugging the shoulders up high, then releasing. Repeat a few times. Open a capsule of Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Oil. This small capsule has a big effect. Lie back for this bit if you prefer. Apply a very thin layer of oil over the face and neck, using light, sweeping movements with the pads of your fingers, work with the facial muscles: from the centre of the face outwards and slightly upwards, arching around the eyes, and upwards on the neck and décolletage.The sensuous stroking movements awaken circulation and give skin a feeling of wellbeing. The fine oil soaks in super fast.

Step 4: Mellow masque

Once the oil has soaked in, leaving a sensuous sheen, apply Wild Rose Smoothing Masque to give your complexion an extra boost. This masque won’t dry hard: it’s a moisturising, harmonising treat. In the 15-30 minutes it takes the masque to be absorbed, take the time to drink a glass of water and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Remove masque with lukewarm water. This can be done with a bowl of water using a flannel or sponge or the masque can be splashed off at the sink.

Step 5: Refreshing toner

Take a fresh cotton pad and add some cooling Refining Toner – the skin-friendly pH will strengthen and purify, without drying. Again, use gentle sweeping movements to refresh the face. If you’re feeling confident, try this with two cotton pads and, like a pro, use both hands simultaneously for a lovely balanced feeling.

Step 6: Lock in moisture

The final touch is to seal in the moisture with hydrating Wild Rose Smoothing Facial Lotion. Dry skin may prefer Wild Rose Smoothing Day Cream, which is a touch creamier. Gently pat the cream into the skin to perk up your complexion.

Allow skin to rest for a few minutes before applying make-up. Better still, take the day off and stay au naturelle!

Natural beauty tips

Have a laugh – it’s great facial exercise. Five pairs of facial muscles play a key role in laughing and smiling, but most of the 53 facial muscles play at least some part.

Feet first - before starting your facial, relax your feet with a rose footbath – add a swish of Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash to hot water. The aroma and warmth will help you unwind.

Frown remover

This may sound like wizardry, but try it, you’ll be surprised! Spread the pads of the fingertips across your forehead at eyebrow level and gently press. Move your fingertips up your forehead slightly, applying a little more pressure as you go, reaching maximum pressure at the hairline. Slowly continue over the head, easing slightly. Once you’re just past your ears, slide fingers away from the scalp, and grasp a handful of hair, pulling firmly without yanking. Release your hold at the ends of your hair. Gently shake your hands to dispel the tension. Repeat 3 or 4 times.

Find out more with useful guides, hints and tips from the professionals:

•  Weleda skin care information

•  Your skin through the ages – an interview with Weleda’s European Beauty Consultant, Lilith Schwertle

•  Hannah Maxwell, celebrity make-up artist, shares her experience

•  Sarah Stacey, co-author of The Green Beauty Bible shares her story with health & beauty tips and recommendations >

No part of the Weleda UK website may be reproduced without the express permission in writing from Weleda UK.

© Weleda 2011