What is a Facial? How often should you get one?
Facial 101: The Basics
What is a facial?
A facial is a multi-step skin treatment that cleanses, exfoliates, and nourishes the skin. Done right, it promotes a clear, well-hydrated complexion, helping your skin look younger. Plus, it feels oh-so-relaxing!
Why Get a Facial?
Apart from the luxury of being pampered, facials offer many benefits:
Deep cleansing: It’s not a face wash. Facials target deep into your pores, removing toxins caused by pollution, grease, and dirt.
Exfoliation: By sloughing off dead skin cells, facials promote cell turnover, revealing fresh and youthful skin.
Increased circulation: Massage techniques used during facials boost blood circulation, which aids in the natural rejuvenation process.
Relaxation: It’s not just about the skin. The massage, ambient music, and soothing scents offer a therapeutic escape.
Targeted treatments: Whether you’re dealing with wrinkles, blemishes, or dryness, there’s a facial for most skin concerns.
Basic Facial Treatment Steps:
While specific facial steps and products used will vary depending on the type of facial, skin concerns, and your preferences, a classic facial often includes these steps:
Cleanse: Licensed estheticians will assess your skin and will then pick a cleanser according to your skin type + concerns that will help to thoroughly remove all unwanted dirt, oil, makeup & sunscreen.
Steam: Steam may be used to open pores to prepare the skin for the following steps.
Exfoliation: Dead skin cells are gently removed using either a physical or chemical exfoliator depending on the facial services you choose.
Extractions: If needed, your esthetician may perform manual extractions to remove whiteheads and those hard-to-get blackheads.
Massage: A gentle massage of the face (and sometimes shoulders and neck) helps relax and stimulate your skin and muscles.
Face Mask: A face mask is applied to address your specific skin concerns such as oil control, acne/congested skin, hydration, anti-aging, or redness/sensitivity.
Moisturize: A moisturizer may be applied to hydrate and nourish the skin leaving you with a gorgeous glow.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen will be applied to provide protection from the harsh UV rays.
How often should you get a facial?
Our estheticians recommend booking a facial every 4-6 weeks. This is how long it takes for the skin cells to move through a full life cycle of cell growth.
If you are dealing with a specific skin concern, please consult with one of our estheticians. During this consultation, they will assess your skin to provide personalized recommendations on products and how often you should receive facials that will best help you reach your skin goals.
How long does a facial take?
The duration of a facial will vary depending on the specific treatments you choose. However, here's a general breakdown of facials:
Express or mini facials: This is a condensed version of a classic facial, focusing on the essentials like cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing. It typically lasts about 30 minutes.
Classic facials: These facials include cleansing, exfoliation, extraction (if necessary), massage, a face mask, and moisturizing. A standard facial usually takes between 60 to 75 minutes.
Specialized or advanced facials: These can include treatments like dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, high frequency, and more. The length of specialized facials can vary widely but often range between 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the type and number of procedures involved.
Luxury or extended facials: These facials may include additional steps like longer massages, multiple masks, or treatments extending to the neck, décolletage, or even hands. They can last upwards of 90 minutes to 2 hours or more.
In Conclusion
Think of a facial as a rejuvenating retreat for your skin. It not only addresses specific skin concerns but also provides a much-needed break in our busy lives. Whether you're getting ready for a special event or just treating yourself, a trip to the spa or salon for a facial is a gift to both your skin and spirit.