One of my favorite things in the world is a great facial because I get to lie down for at least 45 minutes without interruptions and my skin gets some tender loving care. I have spent over a decade as a physician in aesthetic medicine and have noticed a HUGE difference in my skin and in my patients’ skin when a regular facial regimen is abandoned. Make sure you visit a reputable spa with knowledgeable aestheticians to ensure that the proper skin care products are used for your particular skin type.

The exfoliation and deep cleaning which occur during a spa facial will remove dead skin cells and pollutants and increase circulation, while the serums and moisturizers used towards the end of the facial often diminish fine lines and wrinkles while also restoring normal pH balance to the skin. If you absolutely can’t afford to get a professional facial, you can give yourself one at home.

Here are the steps to a great do-it-yourself facial:

Step 1: Cleansing

Thoroughly wash your face and neck with a facial cleanser. Some of my favorites are Bliss’Fabulous Foaming Face Wash and Olay Foaming Face Wash. Remove eye makeup. If you have very sensitive eyes, I recommend using Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover.

Step 2: Exfoliation

Use a gentle scrub on your face, moving in a circular motion.

Step 3: Mask

Apply a mask to the face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Generally, most masks should be left on for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinsed thoroughly. If you have oilier skin, opt for a clay mask. Dry skin types respond best to cream masks since they are formulated to be much more emollient.

Step 4: Moisturize

Apply a moisturizer onto your face and neck.