From cleansing and exfoliating to hydrating the skin,
here's what you need to know about facials
If you’re new to the skincare world, it can be pretty overwhelming. What is a facial and how is it any different than your at home routine? Why would you need someone else to apply your products for you?
We are here to tell you that facials are sooo much more than that! And besides feeling super great and relaxing, they have so many benefits for your skin!
“There are so many benefits to receiving consistent facials and following a good skin care routine provided by a skin care professional,” says esthetician and owner, Shelby Wyatt. “Our estheticians are highly trained to help you learn about your skin type, treat a variety of skin conditions and provide product recommendations, with our main goal being to help you feel and look your best. We want to help you enhance your natural beauty!”
Ready to learn more? Let’s explore some of these amazing benefits!
BUT FIRST: What is a facial?
A facial is a noninvasive skin treatment performed by a licensed skin care professional. It often includes cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating and other treatments that can be customized based on your specific skin type, needs or concerns. Facials are meant to address skin concerns, promote overall skin health and is a great form of self care, offering you a chance to relax and be pampered!
What Does A Typical Facial Entail?
A standard facial typically includes:
- Consultation: Your skin care professional will want to get to know you and your skin and any concerns you might like to address. Based on your consultation, your esthetician will know what products will work best with your skin type, be able to recommend additional treatments for your facial service or recommend products to invest in for at home care.
- Cleansing: This is where the fun begins! Your skin care professional will get to work removing any makeup, dirt or other impurities from your skin
- Exfoliation: Exfoliating is one of the most important steps to any facial. It helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, allowing the following products to penetrate deeper into the skin and work more effectively.
- Mask: Thoughtfully chosen by your esthetician to address your skin concerns or to add in hydration
- Moisturizer: To help lock in the benefits of your mask and to keep skin hydrated and supple
- Light Massage: The most relaxing part of your facial! Typically done to the face and neck, it not only relaxes you, but helps to stimulate blood flow and with proper techniques, can drain the lymphatic system within the face.
Some facials may also include:
- Facial steaming to open pores and soften skin
- Extraction of blackheads and pimples
- Serums and other treatments chosen to address skin concerns
So Why Should I Consider Getting A Facial?
Beyond self care and relaxation, facials have many skin health benefits!
Unclogs and diminishes appearance of pores
One of the many benefits of a facial is that it can unclog pores. Often facials will include the use of hot towels or steaming the face. This helps to open up your pores so that they can be cleaned out more effectively. Facials also include exfoliation, which gets rid of dead skin cells and other impurities that can clog your pores. As a result, facials leave your skin looking and feeling much smoother.
Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Another great benefit of facials is that they can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is because facials stimulate blood flow to the face, which helps to plump up the skin. In addition, the exfoliation process can slough away the buildup of dead, dull skin, speeding up cellular turnover, helping to soften fine lines and wrinkles.
Reduces Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common condition that makes some areas of the skin darker, appearing as brown, black, gray, red or pink spots or patches. They are often referred to as age spots, sun spots or liver spots. With the use of proper exfoliation, specific topical treatments, serums, and SPF, your esthetician can help you reduce and prevent the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Improves Collagen Production
Collagen is a type of protein that gives our skin structure, strength and elasticity. As we age, we naturally produce less and less collagen, leading to wrinkles, sagging and other signs of aging. Facials help to increase blood circulation, which in turn, helps to kill bacteria and promote cell regrowth, all of which is important for collagen production, helping us maintain our youthful look.
Helps to balance your skin's pH Level
When your skin is too acidic or too alkaline, you could experience acne, dryness and flakiness. Your esthetician can help you figure out exactly what your skin needs to avoid chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, all commonly caused by a disrupted skin pH.