What is it?
A basic facial cleanses pores, exfoliates away dead skin cells, and treats common skin concerns with a custom mask. It is meant to rejuvenate faces and pamper clients.
What happens during a facial?
Each facial begins with a consultation that helps the aesthetician determine the right products for your skin type and concerns. Once that’s been determined, the relaxing part begins! Most basic facials include some version of the following steps:
1. Cleansing
Aestheticians massage a cleanser into the face, neck, and décolletage to remove any traces of makeup and dirt. Using warm water paired with a facial sponge, cloth, or cotton pad, they remove the cleanser, dry faces, and evaluate skin. This step helps them determine what type of custom mask they will apply later.
2. Exfoliation
Your aesthetician may buff away dead skin cells with an exfoliating cream or scrub and/or open up pores with steam.
3. Extractions
This process is done to clear individual pores that have become clogged with excess oil or dead skin cells, which can form blackheads and acne. Aestheticians will perform the extractions either by hand or with a special metal tool.
4. Massage
A facial typically also includes a massage of the face that may be used to improve lymphatic drainage.
5. Masks and more
Depending on any additional/customized services you chose, the Aesthetician may apply a custom mask, perhaps a clay-based one to treat oiliness, a hydrating one to combat dryness, or a number of other add-on treatments. The facial concludes with a serum, moisturizer, or sunscreen.
How long does the treatment take?
The procedure takes roughly an hour.
How long do the results last?
The healthy glow immediately achieved following a facial should last typically 48 to 72 hours, as the skin is deeply hydrated and circulation has been boosted allowing fresh blood to bring new nutrients to the cells. But the long-term benefits of a facial are its ability to impact cellular regeneration, a process that occurs over 28 to 45 days. Because daily care is synergistic with a professional regimen to achieve ongoing benefits, a facial should be scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks, removing dead skin cells and allowing the skin to be cleared of impurities.