I’ve never had a facial. What should I expect and what are some of the benefits of a facial?
Facials were once considered a luxury only for the wealthy, but now they are considered as important as going to your dentist. They’re known to help resolve current problems and prevent future ones.
Plan to arrive to your first appointment about 5-10 minutes early, you will need to fill out a questionnaire of contact information, allergies, medications that you are currently taking and other items that the Esthetician feels is important that may affect your treatment.
The Esthetician will evaluate your skin using a magnify lamp, will talk with you about your goals for your skin and make a recommendation for skincare products and treatments to help you reach those goals.
A facial generally consists of a cleansing, exfoliation, steam (in the form of warm towels or a machine), massage and a treatment mask.
Facials can improve the texture, feel and look of your skin. Your face will have a healthy glow and feel smooth and refreshed. Massage is a very relaxing way to help improve your skin. Massage exfoliates the skin, reduces puffiness and sagging, tones muscle and stimulates blood flow to increase cell renewal.
Facials are recommended once a month to maintain and help slow down the aging process. At the beginning for your treatments, you may need to come more frequently if there is a specific problem that needs to be resolved before your once-a-month maintenance routine sets in.
The last part of your facial should consist of sun protection; this could be in the form of a moisturizing SPF or Mineral Make-up. Proper sun protection is one of the most important things you can do for your skin.
Article originally published in Bella Magazine, June/July 2005.
