Do you think facials are for celebrities and only the very wealthy? Think again. When you discover what a facial can do, you may consider adding it to your monthly regimen.
The definition of a facial is that it is a treatment for the skin that has a goal for your skin type and conditions. Anybody will benefit from this treatment! You may have dry skin, occasional breakouts, wrinkles, pigmentation, excessive oiliness....all those things can be taken care of! And even if you have a perfect skin, I promise, it can look even better.
The steps of a facial are different for every type, but include the following basic steps:
Consultation – a complete and thorough analysis of your lifestyle, your genetics, what you eat and your skin care regimen are all part of a good consultation. Be honest! Esthetician is like your lawyer :)
Cleansing & Skin Analysis – Your skin will be analyzed under the magnifying lamp to see any small details. Usually it shows lack of exfoliation, how oil lays on the skin and dehydration.
Exfoliation – there are many types of exfoliation including physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation could be a scrub or ultrasonic exfoliation, while chemical is enzyme peels (lemon or papaya or bromelain) or lactic acid. Exfoliation allows the esthetician to work gently “in” the skin. Removing the top layers allows for extractions to be loosened and products to be absorbed.
Extractions – One of the critical reasons for having a facial is to remove whiteheads, blackheads and milia from the skin. It’s amazing that anyone would want to walk around with anything on their face.
Massage – Don't we all love this part? Facial massage, neck and decollate area, hands, foot... Just tell your esthetician what are your favorite areas and she will definitely take her time for that!
Mask – A mask serves many purposes but mainly to either hydrate, calm or detoxify. The mask itself will determine the goal of the mask and the selection by the esthetician will give the facial a “wow” outcome. Masks are amazing for the skin, because it forces the skin to send it’s own natural serums to plump and hydrate the skin.
Hydration / Sun Protection – Hydration or sun protection is the last step of the facial. It gives you a glow and protects you from the environment. An esthetician can either use a sunscreen or a translucent SPF powder. Skin serums according to your needs may be added.
On-Going Skin Care Recommendations – A great facial has home care recommendations that allows you to keep your skin glowing at home.
When looking at different types of facials, it is best to leave the recommendation up to the experienced esthetician. Additionally, a facial of any type works much better when it is part of a home care skin care program.
Just from experience, facial results will not last as long, if you are going home and cleansing with bar soap or an oil-stripping sulfate cleanser.