DIY facials have been all the rage this season when it’s been impossible to imagine facing the bitter Philly wind-chill. Today, I’m revealing 4 secrets to making your homemade facial actually work.

Yes, I am shamelessly justifying your “DIY Skin Care” board on Pinterest that has been accumulating during these cold winter months.

Facials: Essential Guide

When it comes to DIY facials, it’s important to maintain a balance between the properties of the ingredients that you use. Follow this simple formula I’ve created for you, as not to dry-out or irritate your skin.

4 ingredients for balanced results:

1. Base
2. Exfoliant
3. Moisturizer
4. (Optional) Fixer

Each of these ingredients will reflect some aspect of your desired end goal, whether it be getting rid of blackheads, fighting winter skin, or reducing acne.

Base: All about that BASE

The base is the main ingredient in your DIY facial, providing a home for all of your other nourishing ingredients.

Examples I have tried: (2 tbsps) of honey, avocado or yoghurt.

Exfoliant: Skip rolling in the sand…for now

The exfoliant for obvious reasons eliminates excess dead skin cells, and allows more room for your skin to glow. Exfoliation, although necessary for maintaining healthy skin is always best in moderation, especially in these winter months when our skin is prone to dryness.

Examples I have tried: (1 tbsp) of ground oatmeal or chia seeds.

Moisturizer: stop hoarding free samples

The moisturizer combats the drying effects of the exfoliant by allowing the skin to lock-in moisture. Be sure to use a very small amount of your chosen moisturizer, with oils a little bit goes a long way.

Examples that I have tried: (1 drop) of grapeseed oil or coconut oil.

Fixer: SAY HELLO TO MR. CLEAN

The fixer, like I said is an optional ingredient depending on your desired result. If you are just looking to maintain the balance of your skin and are content with the first three categories, feel free to hold off on this last ingredient.

Let’s say you are looking to fight stubborn acne, I suggest a few drops of lemon juice, rich in vitamin C this fixer brightens, tones, and acts as a natural “skin peel” for dead skin cells.

My current fave DIY Recipe

• A honey base (2 tbsps)
• Chia seed exfoliant (1 tbsp)
• Grapeseed oil moisturizer (a few drops)
• Lemon juice fixer (a few drops)

Waking up the next morning, I was amazed to find my skin more even-textured and soft, and my acne reduced. With this formula you are now safe to turn your kitchen into your own at-home skin care lab.

Have you indulged in any of your facial recipe findings from Pinterest? What works for you?

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Julia Davis is finishing her second year at Temple University. She has a great love for many art forms including dance, creative writing and visual arts. As a Pittsburgh-native, she has developed a great love for repurposing used or abandoned materials and making art out of them, but most of all loves a good snuggle with her dog Fig. View all posts by Julia Davis