What Is a Facial And What Can It Do For Me?

A facial is a great way to baby your skin. Usually, a facial is given by a knowledgeable esthetician who knows a lot about skin, especially the skin of the face. Facials clean the skin and exfoliate it, allowing it to accept nutrients from balms and moisturizers used after the pores are opened and cleaned. After a facial, the skin of your face is well hydrated and looks better. It is a popular choice of treatment given at spas, the second-most popular choice after massages.

There are certain steps to a facial that make for better skin. These steps include the following:

• Getting a consultation--this is where you talk to the esthetician about the kind of skin you have, any skin problems you have, your particular diet, and your current skin regimen. Some estheticians want to know about the medications and supplements you are currently taking.


• Cleansing of the face--your head will be wrapped in a towel to protect your hair. Then your hair will be thoroughly cleansed with a gentle cleanser and sponges or cotton pads.


• Skin analysis--under a bright light, the esthetician will analyze the skin for common and uncommon skin conditions like acne, oily skin, aging skin, sun-damaged skin, blackheads, white heads and skin dehydration. These are things that the esthetician can treat during the facial with various treatments.


• Steam treatment--steam is often used onto the face to open the pores and soften the blackheads and whiteheads so that they can be extracted after the steaming. This step is avoided for people with sensitive skin.


• Exfoliation--this is a step in which a chemical or mechanical exfoliation is applied. It can involve using a gritty substance to get rid of dead skin cells or a chemical enzyme that gets off skin cells. The enzyme treatment can be done at the same time as the steam treatment. Some strong chemical peels can be asked for but you'll pay a bit extra for this.


• Extractions can be done--this is when the esthetician removes the blackheads and whiteheads by hand. This is usually the most painful part of the procedure. You can request that this not be done if you really don't want to.


• Facial massage--the esthetician will then massage the face so that the face feels babied and nice.


• A facial mask--this is given in different types and depends on your skin type. Someone with an oily skin will get a different mask than someone with dry skin. You will then relax until the facial mask sets properly. Then the mask is removed, usually with clean water.


• Application of toner--toner is applied to close the pores and then a moisturizer is added, depending on what kind of skin you have. This is an important finishing procedure.


• Advice on home care--the esthetician will recommend what kind of facial products you should use to keep your skin healthy between facials. These products are often for sale at the spa you are having the facial at.

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