What Is a Facial?
People get facials for different reasons:
While some people want to remove those horrible blackheads, others want some help with an anti-again regimen. And, then there are the people who just want to relax and be pampered.
These are all fine reasons to get facials. But often the facial itself is a bit mysterious. What does the steam do? Why do they keep putting creams on and taking them off? Why get facials regularly?
How does it work?
A facial is essentially a multi-step skin treatment that is one of the best ways to take care of your skin. A facial cleanses, exfoliates, and nourishes the skin, promoting a clear, well-hydrated complexion and can help your skin look younger. You also receive advice on the best way to take care of your skin. A facial works best when it is part of an on-going program of skin care.
Have to be Licensed
It is best to find an experienced, knowledgeable licensed esthetician who has special training in skin care and is knowledgeable, fastidious, and passionate about their work. Legally, a cosmetologist is allowed to give facials, but their primary training is in hair, so they might not be the best choice.
There is also a trend toward dual-licensed therapists, where the person is licensed to give both massage and facials. Be on the lookout for this in a resort setting, especially if you'd rather go to someone who only specializes in facials.
Facials
European Facial
Men's Rejuvenating Facial
Men's Rejuvenating Facial
The most relaxing and common treatment that involves thoroughly cleansing and exfoliating the skin, then massaging it to boost circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage.
Men's Rejuvenating Facial
Men's Rejuvenating Facial
Men's Rejuvenating Facial
Men's facial is designed to repair and sooth razor burn and irritation it also provides deep pore cleaning and maintaining proper hydration while rejuvenating and restoring skin.
Dermaplaning Facial
Men's Rejuvenating Facial
Acne Corrective Treatment
Dermaplaning is a safe, effective and painless exfoliation procedure. Using a sterile scalpel, your licensed and trained professional will lightly scrape along your skin’s surface to remove vellus hair (peach fuzz), dirt, dead skin.
Acne Corrective Treatment
Vitamin C Deep Hydration Facial
Acne Corrective Treatment
Acne Facial This gentle medicated clearing treatment controls oily skin to clear blemishes and breakouts while improving the texture and appearance of your skin. This facial is geared towards clarifying the complexion.
Anti-Aging Facial
Vitamin C Deep Hydration Facial
Vitamin C Deep Hydration Facial
Our Anti- Aging Facial is designed to rejuvenate skin with all elements—from exfoliation (sloughing away dead, skin-dulling cells) to moisturizing to massage (improving circulation)—acting together to improve skin’s texture.
Vitamin C Deep Hydration Facial
Vitamin C Deep Hydration Facial
Vitamin C Deep Hydration Facial
The Vitamin C Facial is a revolutionary 4-layer treatment that will change your skin in a single application. Vit C, glycolic acid and active enzymes and peptides promote cellular turnover to brighten, lighten and tighten your skin.
The Basic Steps of a Facial
1 Consultation
1 Consultation
1 Consultation
A facial should begin with a consultation. You might fill out a form with questions about your skin concerns, your diet, how much water you drink, which drugs and supplements you take, and products you are currently using.
2 Preparations
1 Consultation
1 Consultation
Usually, the esthetician offers a wrap that goes around your body and underneath your arms, then closes with velcro. She leaves the room so you can put it on in privacy. The esthetician will let you know the protocol where you are.
3 Cleansing
1 Consultation
4 Skin analysis and cleansing
Usually, the esthetician starts by wrapping your hair with a towel or headband to keep products off of it. The first step is thorough cleansing, using cotton pads, esthetician wipes or sponges. Most professional facials do a double-cleanse.
4 Skin analysis and cleansing
4 Skin analysis and cleansing
4 Skin analysis and cleansing
Depending on whether you have makeup on, the esthetician might look at your skin under a bright lamp first, or covers your eyes and looks at your skin through a brightly lit magnifying lamp. She is determining your basic skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive or normal) and skin conditions (acne, blackheads, whiteheads, aging, sun-damage, dehydration, etc.).
5 Steam
4 Skin analysis and cleansing
6 Exfoliation
Most facials use a machine that directs a thin vapor of warm steam to your face. This is relaxing and helps softens up any blackheads and whiteheads to be extracted. If you have very sensitive skin, the esthetician may not use steam.
6 Exfoliation
4 Skin analysis and cleansing
6 Exfoliation
Exfoliating the skin uses mechanical or chemical substances. Mechanical exfoliants have a gritty texture that rubs away the surface dead skin cells. This type of exfoliation usually happens during steam. Chemical exfoliation uses enzymes and acids to loosen the bond between skin cells.
6 Extractions
8 Final application
6 Extractions
This is the removal of blackheads or whiteheads if you want it and need it. People have different pain tolerance for extractions. They can be uncomfortable, especially on thin or ruddy skin. Extractions can cause broken capillaries and discoloration if done improperly.
7 Facial mask
8 Final application
6 Extractions
A mask is targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature) and condition. During the facial, the esthetician should stay in the room and give you a scalp massage or some other service. If they leave the room to let you "relax," don't go back.
8 Final application
8 Final application
9 Advice on home skin care
An application of toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen if it's daytime is given.
9 Advice on home skin care
9 Advice on home skin care
9 Advice on home skin care
The esthetician will tell you how she thinks you can take better care of your skin and recommend products. Some feel uncomfortable with this step because it involves product recommendations, but it is part of the esthetician's job.
Prices
9 Advice on home skin care
Prices
Facials vary in terms of pricing at day spas, but can go much higher at destination spas, resort, and hotel spas. Special masks and serums also make the price higher.