Facials are a very popular beauty salon treatment, they help to restore and nourish skin by exfoliating and cleansing. Facials are an essential aspect to include in your beauty routine, expect plenty of relaxation and pampering from your beauty treatment specialist.
A facial involves a multi-step skin treatment that helps your skin look younger by promoting a well-hydrated complexion. Its best to setup an ongoing facial treatment plan with your local beautician to keep your skin looking great in the future.
Steps Involved in a Facial Treatment
Consultation
Most facials begin with an initial consultation from your beauty practitioner who will determine the correct products for your skin type and desires. This may include filling out a form with questions about your skin concerns, diet, supplements you consume, how much water you drink and the types of skin products you are currently using. After these areas are addressed then the pampering and relaxation commences!
Cleansing
To prepare your face for treatment, your beautician will massage a cleanser into your face, neck and décolletage which will remove any leftover makeup and dirt. This step allows your beauty practitioner to determine what type of custom mask needs to be applied later in the process. Warm water paired with a facial sponge is used to remove the cleanser, the face is dried and skin evaluated.
Skin Analysis
Your beautician may decide to check out your skin under a bright magnifying lamp. Here they are determining your basic skin type and looking for evidence of skin conditions. Your beauty specialist will then choose the appropriate combination of products and treatments that will best suit you.
Steam
The fun begins with a warm steam treatment. The steam is applied to your face using either a heated, moist towel or a machine that gently sends a warm layer of steam towards your face. Steam treatment is extremely relaxing since it loosens up the muscles in your face while producing sweat that helps to clear your skins pours.
Exfoliation
An exfoliating cream or scrub is used next to buff away any dead cells from your skins surface. The exfoliation uses enzymes and acids to loosen bonds between skin cells. This enzyme treatment can be done during the steam, or stronger chemical peels may be done as a stand alone treatment.
Extractions
This typically involves the removal of blackheads or whiteheads by clearing individual pores that have become clogged with excess oil or dead skin cells. Your beauty salon therapist may perform the extractions by hand or with special tools.
Massage
One of the most enjoyable steps in any facial is a massage. Face massages help improve lymphatic drainage and aid in deep relaxation. Techniques such as effleurage strokes may be used to stimulate your skin and facial muscles. Depending on the type of facial, oil or lotion may be applied to enhance the effects.
Facial Mask
A specially formulated face mask that matches your skin type will be applied. During most facials you will enjoy a massage while waiting for the mask to work its magic. Possibly a clay-based mask to treat oily skin or a hydrating one to help combat dryness.
Final Application
The final step after the facial mask has been removed is an application of skin specific cream or gel. You may also be spoilt with application of toner, serums, moisturizer or even sunscreen.
Following your facial, your beauty therapist will likely provide advice on how to best look after your skin in the future as well as organising ongoing appointments. For the best skin health and results it’s best to visit your local beauty salon monthly for a facial.