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a) What is a facial and is it worth it?
A basic skincare facial cleanses pores, exfoliates away dead skin cells, and treats common skin complaints. Skincare products are specifically selected for oily, dry, sensitive and normal skin types.
The multi-step process of a facial is designed to rejuvenate and nourish tired skin, thus allowing a healthier and youthful glow. Facials are a popular pamper treatment and an easy way to enhance other skin treatments like chemical peels and micro-needling.
b) What happens during a facial?
A good facial treatment will begin with a consultation. This aids the practitioner in product selection and helps identify possible reasons to prevent the treatment. A consultation is also the time to discuss any skin concerns and goals.
Following a consultation, a cleanser will be chosen to begin the treatment. The facial will then continue with the following steps:
Step one: Cleanse & tone
A cleanse is designed to prep the skin. It's used to remove any surface debris and makeup. A typical facial will include 2 cleanses. Areas covered include the face, neck and décolletage.
Step two: Skin analysis
The practitioner will examine the skin under a magnifying lamp. This process helps to identify skin type and condition; contraindications or areas on the skin that must be protected during treatment.
A basic facial may include a woods lamp analysis. This device will show skin conditions not visible to the naked eye. Premium facials may include skin analysis through an advanced computerised system. Such devices can show us in real-time skin classification and more.
During skin analysis other aesthetic treatment may be recommended or advised as beneficial. Blemishes or skin lesions may be identified that are suitable for advanced electrolysis for instance. Once the analysis is complete, the practitioner will have a solid idea of skincare selection and method.
Step three: Steam & exfoliation
Steaming is beneficial to all skin types and can form part of any cleansing routine. It opens pores, softens skin and prepares the skin for further treatment. Steam can be provided through hot towels or a steamer with or without ozone.
The effects of steaming with ozone are drying, antibacterial/germicidal promotes healings and helps to normalise skin Ph. Ozone steaming is, therefore, is a great choice for oily, congested and blemished skins.
Deep cleansing is provided through exfoliation. It's essential for further treatment and provides a beneficial and stimulating treating in its own right. Examples of exfoliation include electrical brush cleansing, AHA cleansers, exfoliation creams, and facial scrubs.
Step four: Massage
Regular facial massage helps reduce the effects of stress, tension and tiredness. It desquamates, revitalises and tones facial contours. The 2 main mediums used for massage are oils and creams.
Oils are especially appropriate for dry, sensitive and mature skin. Oils can be selected for their beneficial properties. For example, calendula is great for healing irritated skin. Almond & avocado are a great choice for dry, dehydrated skins. Creams are suitable for everyone. A rich cream may nourish dry and mature skins. Creams with a higher water to oil ratio are best for oily skin types.
Step Five: Mask
A mask will be selected to suit both the clients' skin type and skin complaint. Popular masks include –
Clay masks
Clay masks and their active ingredients have a variety of cleansing, toning, refining, and stimulating effects. The constituents and proportions in a mask can be varied to create products with many different overall effects. Some examples of active ingredients include –
- Witch hazel – an astringent, drying and stimulating effect, for oily skin.
- Orange flower water – mildly toning effect, suitable for all skin types.
- Rosewater – middle toning effect, for mature, dry and sensitive skin.
- Almond oil – slightly stimulating and nourishing, helps hydration of dry skin.
- Glycerine – soothing and moisturising for dry dehydrated skin.
Peel-off masks
Peel-off masks form a sealing layer over the skin preventing moisture loss. They work by intensifying the penetration of an underlying cream. They are based on gels, latex or plastic resin and a milder effect than clay masks as they are not absorbent. They peel off in one piece taking with them surface dirt and dead skin cells.
Hot oil masks
These masks combine therapeutic effects of the underlying oil – such as olive, arachis or almond – with those of infra-red heat. Hot oil masks are used to improve elasticity, smoothness, and softness in dry, dehydrated and mature skin. They may also improve skin tone.
Natural or biological masks
Masks using natural products are simple but effective as plant enzymes can trigger reactions even in the deepest layers of the skin cells. Natural masks are made from fruits, plants, herbs and natural products such as honey, eggs, yoghurt and oatmeal. Natural masks can be made up to suit and benefit almost all skin types.
Oily, blemished skin – natural masks deep cleanse and desquamate, removing oil, adhesions, and bacteria from the skin's surface.
Dehydrated and dry skin conditions – natural masks can stimulate without further loss of moisture, leaving the skin fresh and soft with a fine texture and cleansed of dead skin cells.
Hypersensitive skin conditions – natural masks can freshen and refine the skin gently while keeping optimal skin pH levels and improving cell renewal.
Step six: Moisture
A facial will always end with moisture. Depending on the facial this may also include serums, growth factors, pigmentation agents and so on. A good facial can be determined by the end product used and how the skin feels. Final product selection should reflect skin type and condition. Oily skins can expect something lighter.
c) What type of facials are available?
Variations of both basic and luxury facials exist. The same principles and steps will apply. Facials will vary in product usage and combinations. Advanced facials can include treatments such as microdermabrasion, LED, derma planing or even a chemical peel or micro-needling treatment.
It's best to begin with a basic facial, following this, discussions can determine additional treatments, products or systems that may be beneficial. Most basic facials on average last 60 minutes.
d) Who benefits mosts from facial treatments?
Everyone can benefit from facials. They're relaxing, soothing, deep cleanse and renew the skin. Facials are a great starting point to kick start a new skincare regime. Skin type, condition, and complaints can be identified and tailor-made treatments can be produced.
If we decide to commit to a course of aesthetic treatments such as chemical peels or micro-needling, facials are a quick and cost-effective way to boost those treatments further. Besides all this, facials can simply be used as a timeout or relaxation session.
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