facial

Facial

A facial is one of the best ways to take care of your skin, especially when it is given by an experienced, knowledgeable esthetician. A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin, promoting a clear, well-hydrated complexion, and can help your skin look younger.

A facial is the second most popular spa treatment after a massage. A facial works best when it is part of an ongoing program of skin care.

The Basic Steps of a Facial

Consultation. A facial should begin with a consultation. The esthetician might have you fill out a form that asks questions about your skin concerns, your diet, how much water you drink, drugs and supplements you take, and products you are currently using. These can affect your skin and what kind of treatments she recommends.

What is a Facial?

Cleansing. After wrapping your hair with a towel or headband, the esthetician begins a facial with a thorough cleansing using warm towels.

Skin Analysis. The esthetician covers your eyes and looks at your skin through a brightly lit magnifying lamp. He or she is determining your basic skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive or normal) and skin conditions (acne, blackheads, whiteheads, aging, sun-damage, dehydration, etc.) The esthetician then chooses the appropriate products and treatments, and consults with you about what he or she sees and recommends.

Steam. Most facials use a machine that directs a thin vapor of warm steam to your face. This is relaxing and helps soften up any blackheads and whiteheads to be extracted. If you have very sensitive skin, the esthetician may not use steam.

Exfoliation is done using a mechanical or chemical exfoliant. Mechanical exfoliants have a gritty texture that rubs away the surface dead skin cells. This type of exfoliation usually happens during the steam. Chemical exfoliation uses enzymes and acids to loosen the bond between skin cells. A gentle enzyme treatment can be done during the steam. Stronger chemical peels, which vary in intensity, are not done with steam. They can be a stand-alone treatment or part of the facial. It is not generally an “upgrade” and done in a series.

Extractions is the removal of blackheads or whiteheads based on the customers’ wants and needs. Since people have different pain tolerance for extractions, they can be uncomfortable for some, especially on thin or ruddy skin. Extractions can cause broken capillaries and discoloration if done improperly.

Facial Massage is done using classic strokes like effleurage to both relax you and stimulate your skin and facial muscles.

A Facial Mask, which will be targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature) and condition, will be applied. During your relaxation time with the facial mask, your esthetician will provide a scalp or arm massage.

The final step is the application of toner, serums and moisturizer. Sunscreen will also be applied during daytime hours.

Our estheticians will also provide advice on home skin care, sharing how you can best take care of  your type of skin at home between facials and recommend products that she feels may benefit you. There is no obligation to purchase any of the recommended products.

Facials

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