Following a good skincare routine is a must if you want to achieve your skin goals; however, it’s not enough most of the time. As a result, some people seek advice and procedure from skincare professionals to achieve optimal results and one of the treatment they acquire is the basic facial.
As the name suggests, this method targets the face particularly to promote a glowing, healthier skin. But what exactly is a facial and who would benefit from it? If you want to know more about this treatment, just keep on reading.
What Is A Facial?
Facial treatment has many types but the common one is called “basic facial”. This skin treatment involves cleansing the pores, exfoliating dead skin cells, and a treatment using a custom mask. While almost everyone can have a basic facial, every treatment is different and is tailored according to the individual’s skin type. It follows various steps to achieve a healthier, younger-looking skin while providing relaxation and comfort at the same time.
What Happens During Facial
The multi-step method is meant to rejuvenate and nourish the face and it begins with a consultation. This allows the aesthetician to know more about the client and find out the right products according to the skin type and specific concerns. Every facial salon has their own version but basically, it involves this five steps:
Cleansing
To ensure a clear skin that will easily absorb the products to be applied, the treatment will begin by gently massaging a cleanser on to the face, neck, and décolletage. This will remove dirt, excess oil, makeup, and other debris on the skin. The cleanser will be removed using a facial sponge, cloth, or a cotton pad paired with a warm water. With a dry face, the aesthetician will evaluate the skin to know what the best custom mask to be applied afterward.
Exfoliation
Like in a regular skincare routine, exfoliating is important and facial salons do it by using a steam to open up pores and/or applying an exfoliating scrub or cream to remove dead skin cells.
Extractions
Now the fun part! A special metal tool is used to extract the pores on the face, especially the nose area. This removes blackheads, dead skin cells, and excess oils that can lead to acne.
Massage
Most clients consider basic facial as a way to pamper themselves and this is true! Typically, this treatment also includes a massage on the face — or the upper body, too. This improves lymphatic drainage to remove toxins and wastes from the body.
Masks
Whether you want to treat acne, shrink pores, hydration or whiten skin, or reduce signs of aging, a mask will be applied afterward. Normally, it uses a clay mask to the face which will be left to dry for about 10-15 minutes.
Additional Treatment
A moisturizer, serum, or sunscreen (if it’s still daytime), will be applied before the facial treatment ends. All in all, it takes around an hour or 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the process.
Who Will Benefit From A Facial And How Often?
A facial treatment is not advised for children or even teens but that doesn’t mean that you should start late. At the age of 21, the production of elastin fiber and collagen in the body slows down, thus resulting in early signs of skin aging and even acne-breakout. If you want to treat pimples, remove blackheads, and attain a younger, healthier skin, having a facial is recommended. However, there’s a possibility to have a damaged skin when you had too much of a good thing. That being said, it’s recommended to book an appointment only after three to four weeks. This gives your skin enough time to go through a full cycle of skin cell regeneration and exfoliation. Having another facial, after a month (or depending on the professional’s advice) helps the process to go along effectively.
Having a facial treatment on a regular basis will help your skin become clearer, cleaner, and toned. If you’re experiencing frequent breakouts or your skin is oilier than the usual, having a facial is advised. Schedule an appointment with us at least every two to three weeks to keep your skin acne-free and glowing. Once your skin has calm down and there are no acne flares anymore, you can visit our aesthetician at least once a month.
You can also have a facial treatment when you want to whiten your skin, shrink large pores, or combat signs of aging.
Is There A Specific Facial Treatment For Men?
Yes, there is and like women’s, there’s a tailored facial for men. This means giving the right skincare product and technique according to the unique needs of men. This addresses the typical issue of men such as ingrown hair, razor burn, sensitivity, and dullness.
What Results Should You Expect After A Facial?
A basic facial usually involves extractions and/or intense exfoliations, which often leads to the redness of the skin afterward. Normally, this lasts for a couple of hours or a day; however, if it stays for more than a few days, it’s best to consult your aesthetician. Even after the treatment, you might start to see visible changes such as a smoother skin or even texture. After a few days, you might see your acne calming down a little bit and your skin becoming clearer.
Although a basic facial can improve the skin’s texture and tone, it cannot be used as a remedy for severe skin issues like melasma, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. You may address these using more intensive solutions instead such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser treatments.
Most facial spas will advise you to stop using skin care products for a day or even wet your face but will ask you to resume afterward. It’s important to cleanse and moisturize the skin regularly and follow a good skincare routine because facial alone is not enough. This means removing makeup before your sleep, avoiding alcohol, quitting cigarette smoking, eating oily foods, etc. It’s a lot of things but if you want to take care of yourself particularly your skin, you need to invest in wellness and health.
