Facials

Facials are deep skin treatments that cleanse, exfoliate, nourish, and re-hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. They can minimize acne, dry skin, and fine lines.

This may include a light chemical peel, or an enzyme peel, and a masque depending on your skin needs.

The exfoliation process may be done with scrubs, chemicals, or microdermabrasion and sometimes a combination of these options. The result of all these different types of exfoliation varies greatly but exfoliation in general helps remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Your skin turn-over or replacement cells slow down with age so by removing the dead cells your body replaces them at a faster rate. The result is a fresh, healthy new skin that looks more vibrant. Exfoliation also aids in the penetration of facial products.

The massage portion of the facial is probably the most enjoyable part. Not only does it feel great but it gives your skin the look of a smoother, firmer, radiant appearance. Massage stimulates the blood flow which in turn delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells. Facial massage also stimulates the production of oil and sweat, which opens up the skin’s pores and helps eliminate impurities from the skin. When performed well you will feel relaxed and relieved of tension and your skin will glow from the stimulation.

Another very important part of the facial is the extraction process. This involves removing blackheads and whiteheads. This condition occurs when the hair follicles mix with sebum (oil). When the sebum is oxidized from the environment, it turns black. When the follicle is closed and not exposed to the environment, this is a whitehead. Generally speaking people with drier skin tend to get whiteheads and people with oily tend to get more blackheads. Extractions take place after the skin has been thoroughly cleansed, steamed, and exfoliated which aids in opening the pores.

The facial will end with some type of masque depending on your skin type. For oilier skin the masque will probably contain clay or sulphur which has oil-absorbing properties. A hydrating masque is most suitable for normal to dry skin and will help boost moisture to the maximum for a healthier, more balanced complexion. There are also masques for hyper-pigmentation, or brightening for a gradual lightening of the skin tone.

Facials are important for healthier looking skin but an at home regimen is equally as important. You may want to start with a basic regimen of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing to form a habit of good skincare but so much more is necessary to achieve the best results.