BY ANGELA
What is a facial? Why do I need one?
A facial is a professional cleansing, purifying, and beautifying treatment of the skin on the face and neck. Facials are the number one treatment performed by estheticians, and a good way for your therapist to get a good understanding of your skin prior to suggesting more advanced treatments.
Facials are best thought of as a regular part of your health and beauty routine. When you pamper your skin with periodic facials, not only are you enhancing your appearance, but you are also improving the health of the skin. The exfoliation process helps stimulate cell renewal, removing dry skin and evening out skin tone. Facials deeply cleanse, hydrate, and treat many skin concerns. Facial massage improves microcirculation, which aids in bringing nutrients to your skin at the cellular level. These treatments allow active ingredients in skin care products to penetrate deeper for maximum results. Skin feels healthier, looks smoother, and more radiant!
For most people, facials can be scheduled every four weeks, although your therapist may recommend a different schedule. Tell your esthetician exactly what you want to get out of your facial, and she will be able to recommend a facial to meet your needs.
What to expect
Plan to arrive a little early so you will not feel rushed and can enjoy the entire length of your treatment.
Facials are generally very relaxing and soothing. Your esthetician can explain to you what the treatment steps will be, if desired. Be sure to communicate with your esthetician during the facial if any product burns, itches, or if you need anything or have any questions. Otherwise, just lie back and enjoy the experience.
There are a variety of facial types; but facials generally include any of the following steps:
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Makeup removal and cleansing of the skin.
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Skin analysis.
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Exfoliation by mechanical, enzymatic or chemical means.
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Massage of the face and neck, to aid in relaxation and stimulate blood and oxygen flow to the skin.
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Some extractions of blackheads and other impurities, either manually (using gloved hands and cotton or tissue around the fingers with gentle pressure to remove the impacted pore) or using an extraction implement designed to clear blocked pores.
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Application of products targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, mixed, sensitive, or mature).
After a facial, your skin will probably be soft, smooth and well hydrated. However, if multiple extractions were needed or if you required a fair amount of exfoliation, your face may be somewhat rosy for one to two hours or more, depending on how sensitive your skin is. This is quite normal. You can apply mineral makeup after your facial if there is some redness you want to conceal.
What about home care?
Home care is vital! We like to use the metaphor of going to the dentist. While the dentist visits are integral to your oral health, your DAILY routine is an essential component! Similarly, while facial treatments are pivotal in keeping skin radiant, what you do on a daily basis is equally if not more important for the health of your skin.
Quality of ingredients and formulations make all the difference in whether you will see results or not.
Your esthetician will go over which professional home care products for you to continue the improvement in your skin following your professional treatment. This way, you will be using products that maximize benefits and prolong the effects of your treatment. Your therapist can explain how, when and how much of the products to use. Feel free to call or text at any time, if you have any questions or concerns.