What's a Facial?

This post will cover the basic steps of a facial, one of the best ways to take care of your skin. Especially when it's given by an experienced, knowledgeable esthetician. A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin, promoting a clear, well-hydrated complextion, and can help your skin look younger too!

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

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• Cleansing. After wrapping your hair with a towel or headband, the esthetician begins a facial with a thorough cleansing, using cotton pads, esthetician wipes or sponges.

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• 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. 

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

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• Facial massage using classic strokes like effleurage to both relax you and stimulate your skin and facial muscles is always benficial. 

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• Facial mask targeted to your skin (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature) and condition. During the facial, the esthetician should stay in the room and give you a scalp massage or some other service.

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• Exfoliation with mechanical exfoliates have a gritty texture that rubs away the surface dead skin cells. Microdermabrasion is one very popular form of mechanical exfoliation. 

• Chemical exfoliation uses enzymes and acids to loosens the bond between skin cells. A gentle enzyme treatment can be done during the steam. Stronger chemical peels should not be done under steam, and vary in intensity, and can be a stand-alone treatment or part of the facial. Chemical peels can be done in a series for optimal results.

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• Final application of toner, serums, moisturizer and sunscreen if it's daytime.

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Lastly, expert advice. The esthetician will advise you on the best options for your daily regimen and in-office treatments. Though you are not obligated to buy anything it is a great time to be educated on products and treatments to protect and prevent premature aging. 

Call us today to schedule your facial! 

865-671-3888