Going to a spa is nice, but we don't always have the time. And doing a facial at home is not as expensive, nor is it complicated. If you know the basic purposes- which are to cleanse and soften the skin, and the procedures involved, all you'll need are a few products and things that are already there in your home.

The first step is to cleanse your face. How you do this is really a matter of choice, and sometimes, budget. There are literally hundreds of facial cleansers on the market, for every type of skin, but the prices can get quite steep. If you're going to invest in a commercial cleanser, do some surfing for reports from magazines like "In Style", which do surveys and performance comparisons of the leading sellers. Otherwise, go with a basic soap that does not dry and tighten the skin. Many women choose organic soaps that contain goats' milk, which is less drying, and honey, which can help to retain moisture.

Next, you'll need to apply an exfoliating scrub specifically for the face, and your skin type. Exfoliating the skin removes dead cells, opening up black heads, bringing natural oils to the surface, and allowing oxygen to reach the new skin. Depending on your skin type, you may need to exfoliate once a week for dry skin, twice for combination oily/normal, or three times for oily.

After you have rinsed off the exfoliating cleanser with water, you're ready to steam your pores clean. Skip the commercial machines, and use a low bowl of water that has boiled, with a towel to create a tent over you head. Place your face about one foot above the bowl and hold it there for 10 minutes. If it feels like your skin is burning, you're too close. This will open up your pores and help get rid of blackheads and pimples. Those with super oily skin, and excessive blemishes, should try a ten minute steam treatment every night. Splash your face with tepid water, and pat dry. Never use hot or cold, as it can damage capillaries in your skin.

Apply your choice of moisturizer, while the skin is still freshly damp. All skin types can benefit from moisturizers, although they should be the kind meant for your specific skin type. Moisturizer seals in moisture, and also attracts moisture to the skin. If your face feels taut, the skin is not moist. But overuse should be avoided as well, since it will clog pours and cause blemishes.