Spa Facial
Ive heard they use needles, and that scares me.
That really depends upon how long youd like your facial to last. Like massages, you can usually specify a facial in 30-minute increments, from 30 to 90 minutes. Because facials work best when done regularly, you may be better off getting the shorter facial more often (preferably monthly). This won't be such a huge hit to the pocketbook. Of course, if you're in the mood for a splurge, go for the longer sessions!
An aesthetician may use a special light to determine your skin type before beginning. This will help him or her to better determine exactly what type of treatment youll receive. If you have any special skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, nows the time to speak up. Not only can aestheticians offer more tailored products for those areas, they can also make sure they dont overwork the skin and irritate it further.
The first step is simply cleansing, and this often involves an exfoliating cleanser that is much stronger and more effective than those you can find in the stores. After cleansing your face, the aesthetician will steam your skin, whether through an isolated steam bath or a hot, damp towel. This helps to open your pores and makes it easier for your skin to be rid of the nasty pore-clogging dirt and oil as well as to absorb the healthier products your aesthetician will apply. At some point in the process youll receive a facial massage which, as you know, helps reduce stress and increase circulation to the blood vessels in your face.
Now for the needles. Some spa-goers may freak out a bit at the thought of having needles poked at them especially their faces when theyre supposed to be relaxing, but its not as bad as it sounds. Spas typically use very small needles to extract blackheads and pimples from your skin, as the needles and perform these actions more cleanly and healthily. Youll barely feel a thing, and when you look in the mirror youll realize that the needles do more good than harm. Your aesthetician may finish with a mask to help seal in the moisture and products that have been applied to your face. When you leave, youll notice that your skin has a glow to it and looks plumper than when you went into the spa.
Facials are similar to dental cleanings. Your teeth feel fantastic when you come out of the dentists office, but you can keep that feeling up at home with daily brushing and flossing. While you dont need to give yourself facials on a daily basis, you should use the proper cleansing and moisturizing techniques to keep your skin healthy, then return on a regular basis and have the professionals maintain it for you.
I just got out of a facial, but my skin looks gross! Im starting to break out and it looks kind of slimy. What happened?
Breakouts and reactions to facials usually happen when you haven't been caring properly for your skin at home. Also, if this is your first facial, your skin may have a slight reaction to the service because its not used to such intense cleaning. These effects die down in a day or two, and you should see that fresh, plump skin shining through! Don't let one bad experience get you down on facials. Reactions typically mean you need regular facial treatments even more, so try and book another in a few weeks to get your skin up to par. Have your aesthetician teach you the proper techniques to keep it healthy at home, and you'll notice fewer and fewer reactions every time you get to the spa.
