About Face: The Facts on Facials
A French massage text from 1907 describes a treatment invented by Dr. Jacquet
which included a vigorous repetitive mobilization of the facial skin. Nearly a
century ago, his method revolutionized skin care. Nonetheless, this method had
certain disadvantages for the therapist (fatigue, reduced finger sensitivity)
and for the client (discomfort and inadequate finger pressure). Today's facials
are much less strenuous. After all, facials are not only meant to provide deep
cleansing and hydration to the skin, the second-most popular spa service
provides relaxation and rejuvenation as well.
A cosmetic treatment of the
face, facials involve a variety of skin treatments during the hour-long
procedure. After a light cleansing, an esthetician examines a client's skin
through a brightly lit magnifying lamp. With a steam vapor directed at the face,
the esthetician then begins the process of exfoliation, which removes dead skin
cells from the skin's surface. Exfoliation is an important step in the facial as
it helps to reveal younger and healthier-looking skin underneath. Exfoliation
also provides rejuvenation to the skin and helps to prevent acne. Extreme cases
of exfoliation, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, actually remove the surface
layer of skin by abrasion, or sanding. Both procedures are effective for
sun-damaged skin or to remove scars and dark spots. Estheticians then extract
blackheads if suitable for your skintype.
A facial massage follows to
help relax the client and stimulate skin and facial muscles. Then, a rich
mineral essential mask is applied to the skin. The type of mask varies according
to skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature). Afterward, the
esthetician applies toners and protective creams to the skin.
Spas may
offer different types of facials. The first, a Basic European Facial, is ideal
for combination or sensitive skin. The deep cleansing and calming massage help
to hydrate and purify the skin. A Mini Facial is ideal for someone who doesn't
have a lot of time. The relaxing procedure cleanses and balances skin. It
includes a natural exfoliation and stimulating massage. Renewal Facials is a
great anti-aging treatment. For dry, mature, or damaged skin, the Renewal Facial
retexturises skin, helping to elimated fine lines while evening out skin tone.
Seaweed, a natural hydroxy acid is combined with alpha hydroxyl acids to
exfoliate the skin. The result is fresher, supple-looking skin. An Oxygen Facial
uses a mist of pure oxygen in part of its treatment, while the Acne Facial pays
special attention to extractions.
Also gaining popularity, a Gentlemen's
Facial is designed with the masculine skin in mind. The deep-cleansing facial
addresses the needs of a male face, using products to exfoliate, cleanse, and
relieve irritation from shaving, pollution, or environmental
aggressions.
It's important to find a reputable day spa before making an
appointment for a facial. Your esthetician should be a professional who has been
trained in the field of skin care. Prior to beginning your session, the
esthetician should wash her hands and have prepared an impeccably clean set-up.
As the session begins, a good esthetician should inquire about your skin care
regimen, and will provide advice on how to take care of your skin between
facials.
Spa-goers also require an esthetician that will be responsive to
any needs, especially as it applies to discomfort caused during the procedure.
For the most part, facials are very relaxing experiences, so it's important any
extractions are done without causing too much discomfort to the client. As with
massages, a professional esthetician will follow your lead in how much chatting
you want to do. During the facial, an esthetician may bring up any skin problems
she has identified that may require a dermatologist.
Ideally, for those
who can afford it, facials are recommended every four to six weeks because that
is the time it takes for skin to regenerate. However, a facial at least four
times a year can have great benefits as well. Most facials begin at $75 in a
local day spa. However, they can be quite a bit more in larger cities,
destination spas, and resorts. Specialized masks and serums can also increase
the price. It's a good idea to speak to a spa staff regarding your skin type and
needs prior to booking a facial.
Geologix Inc.
manufactures spa, massage, skincare, and therapeutic pain relief products using
a proprietary formula featuring 34 natural minerals contained in the ancient sea
water from the famous Michigan Basin, 1400 feet beneath Mount Clemens, Michigan
-- a concentration of minerals higher than that found in any known body of water
in the world. The company's Mineral Essentials line focuses on spa, skin care,
and massage products to moisturize and provide anti-aging protection for great
skin. For more information on Geologix, Inc. and Mineral Essentials, please
visit mineralessentials.com
and acheaway.com.
