How to do an at-home facial: skincare experts reveal their routines

What's the secret to achieving that glossy, post-facial glow at home? According to world-renowned professionals Nichola Joss, Abigail James and Sarah Chapman, it's about a combination of high-grade products, a mindful daily skincare routine and – if possible – a restorative night’s sleep. 

Run a bath, light a candle and settle in to practise, as the three experts share their ultimate tips for an easy at-home facial. 

As one of the UK’s most in-demand skincare experts, Nichola’s sculpting Inner Facials™ are legendary; focusing on massaging the inside of the mouth, they work the deeper facial muscles to increase circulation, lift, tone and contour the face.

‘I approach my personal routine as a mindfulness ritual, taking the time to focus on myself and to still my thoughts,’ Nichola says. ‘It’s through massage that I see the biggest benefits to my complexion. It immediately tones the muscles, while also bringing blood to the surface to feed the skin cells with oxygen and nutrition. At the same time you’re helping to eliminate puffiness and toxins.’

‘Here’s a technique I do every day: start by applying your favourite facial oil to the palms of your hands and rub together before pressing into your skin. From under the ears, stroke your hands across the centre of the neck towards the opposite shoulder, repeating three times on each side. This opens up the lymphatic system. 

‘Next, working from the bridge of the nose, sweep outwards and upwards towards the hairline. Then, holding your chin between the knuckles of your index and middle fingers, sweep outwards along the jawline six times. Afterwards, use the base of the palms to press under the cheekbones, breathing in as you do. Hold for a count of three, remove the hands and exhale. Repeat three times. 

‘For eyes, place your index fingers on the temples, gently pulling the skin towards the hairline, then use your middle fingers to gently sweep under the eye area towards the bridge of the nose, inhaling as you do so. Next, use pressure to work along the brow bone while exhaling through the mouth.’  

Nichola’s key tip: ‘Never treat your skin in isolation,’ she says. ‘I take skincare supplements and a probiotic. A healthy gut means healthy organs – and our largest organ is the skin.’

One of the most-respected voices in the health and beauty industry, Abigail is renowned for her bespoke facial massages that create radiant, healthy skin. ‘My skincare routine is part of my daily life – it's something I could never imagine skipping,’ she says. ‘Cleansing is definitely one of the most important parts of my regime. Every morning I cleanse with either a wash, cream or oil; the option I use depends on how my skin is feeling. I always apply two serums – antioxidant, stem-cell or hydration-focused – followed by an eye cream, day cream and mineral SPF. 

‘In the evening, I’ll usually cleanse twice – first with either a balm, oil or cream, then with a gentle wash. I then alternate between a retinol or stem-cell-pigment serum, followed by an oil. To keep my skin glowing, each week I exfoliate three times and use a mask at least once.’ 

What does Abigail suggest for glowing skin at home? ‘Be hands-on,’ she says. ‘I incorporate massage into my cleansing routine; in the morning I use brisk movements on my face and neck to wake up my skin, while in the evenings I find acupressure points and slow, lifting, deep massage relaxes me for bed, as well as helping to boost circulation.’  

One of London’s most sought-after skincare experts, Sarah’s signature facials are renowned for leaving her clients with radiant, youthful-looking skin. These are her rules for the perfect approach to take at home:

‘Clean skin is the foundation of a healthy complexion and, after SPF, it’s the most important part of any skincare routine,’ Sarah says. ‘I love balms as they melt in and lift away dirt, pollution and impurities. The skin’s natural rejuvenation process takes place at night, so applying treatments – such as my Overnight Facial – will maximise cell renewal. 

‘Facial massage is unbeatable for lending skin an instant glow, and there are easy techniques – like this one – that you can do with any product. Firstly, create a loose fist with your palms facing your chin and use your knuckles to massage the product all over your face, working from the centre outwards as well as down the sides of the neck. Then, using your index finger and thumb, pinch along your jawline from the chin six times. Repeat this same action, working from the corner of your mouth to your ears.

‘Next, do an exercise for your eye area: using your middle fingers, and starting at the inner corner of the eyes, slide upwards and outwards with a lifting movement along the orbital bone to the outer corner of the eyes. Continue the movement by sliding the fingers under the eyes and back to your starting position. Repeat six times.’ 

In terms of products, which offer skin the best benefits? ‘In general, your daytime products should be focused on SPF and defence,’ says Sarah. ‘Nighttime is when you should focus on repair, renewal and nourishment. This is also when you should apply vitamin A, retinols or resurfacing products. Layering is key – don’t be afraid to use several products and keep your serums targeted to your specific needs, whether anti-ageing, hydration or exfoliation.’