Sometimes I get asked the question, "Who needs a facial?" and "How do I know if I need one?". This is a great question! At one time, facials were often considered a luxury afforded to the few elite who might have had excessive disposable income. Well, times have surely changed and many people are coming to realize that facials can be both relaxing and beneficial for skin health.
I often respond to that question with a question of my own, "What are your main skin concerns?", or better yet, "When you look in the mirror, what would you like to change most about your skin?" If the answer is, "Nothing, my skin in perfect!" then I guess we are done here and you can get back to Pinterest. All jokes aside, most of us have some concern with our skin whether it be the moisture level is too dry or too oily, sensitive skin, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage or acne. What you should know is that a professional facial treatment can help alleviate all of those issues and more.
One of the key features to a facial is a professional level of exfoliation. Now you might be thinking, "Well, I scrub my face in the shower every day." Notice I said "professional" level of exfoliation. This means the esthetician is using a level of exfoliation that can only be purchased by a licensed skin professional. We will speak in more detail about exfoliation in my next blog but for now you should simply know that there are two forms of exfoliation, mechanical or chemical. Mechanical exfoliation comes in the form of a brush or scrub at is lowest levels, and microdermabrasion would be considered a high level of mechanical exfoliation, Chemicals can also be used to exfoliate the skin. Don't be scared off by the idea of chemical exfoliation, just think of it in terms of a liquid that can be used to remove dead skin cells. These liquids come in many different strengths and does not automatically mean your skin will be red or irritated. The great thing about exfoliation is is stimulating to the skins cell turnover rate. By triggering your skin to make new cells quicker, skin will look new and refreshed for many days after the facial.
Deep pore cleaning is another benefit of a professional facial. Exfoliation is a great way to "take the lid off" the pores to prepare them for deep cleaning and removal of impactions and debris that are often the source of blackheads and breakouts. My facial treatments include a process of debris removal called extractions. Don't worry, it's not the same as the extractions you get at the dentist. I use cotton wrapped gloved fingers to gently squeeze areas of clogged pores and congestion to manually remove clogged pores. Many people have larger pores in the nose area and other areas of the face. These impactions can often be removed with the proper technique and preparation of the skin.
Often the most relaxing part of the facial is the massage and treatment mask. My treatments include facial massage, hand, arm, and shoulder massage. Massage is beneficial for product penetration, hydration, circulation and skin metabolism in addition to just feeling great! The treatment mask is applied to calm and rejuvenate the skin. Services conclude with the application of a eye treatment serum and appropriate moisturizer. Yes, even oily skin needs the proper moisturizer and dehydrated skin often over produces oil!
Don't forget one of the benefits of a facial is the opportunity to spend an hour one on one with a professional who can thoroughly analyze your skin and discuss your product regimen and personal routine. For years I thought I had sensitive skin, then I learned I actually have reactive skin. Similar, but not the same. Want to find out more??? Get a facial! You will love it!
