A facial is essentially a multi-step skin treatment that is one of the best ways to take care of your skin. A facial cleanses, exfoliates, and nourishes the skin,  including steam,  extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, and massage.promoting a clear, well-hydrated complexion and can help your skin look younger. You also receive advice on the best way to take care of your skin. A facial works best when it is part of an on-going program of skin care.

How Often Should I Get A Facial?

It varies from person to person. Ideally, get a facial monthly because that’s how long it takes the skin to regenerate. Try to have a facial at least four times a year, as the season changes. You may need it more frequently if you are trying to clear up a case of acne, especially at the beginning. Otherwise, once a month is plenty. You can overdo it, especially if you have sensitive skin.

The Basic Steps of a Facial

Cleanse. Your therapist will begin your facial by removing any makeup. Once your skin is bare, she will massage cleansing milk — or cream, gel or lotion — into your face, neck and décolleté. Using facial sponges, cloths or cotton pads, she will remove the cleanser with warm water and pat your skin dry.

Consultation. Your eyes will be covered with moistened pads for the next step. Using a lighted magnifying glass, she will evaluate your skin. She may lightly pinch your skin to check for elasticity or press on it to check thickness. She is determining your basic skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive or normal) and skin conditions (acne, blackheads, whiteheads, aging, sun-damage, dehydration, etc.).She will then chooses the appropriate products and treatments and consults with you about what he or she sees and recommends.During this phase, your therapist may discuss her findings with you and ask you about your skin care regimen and your expectations for the facial

Exfoliation: Now that your therapist understands your skin care needs, she will choose an exfoliation cream, gel, mask or peel to use. Certain exfoliation products, such as enzyme peels, require the product to be left on your face to dissolve the plugs that cause blackheads. Other products require either manual or machine stimulation.

Steam. Most facials use a machine that directs a thin vapor of warm steam to your face. This is relaxing and helps softens up any blackheads and whiteheads to be extracted. If you have very sensitive skin, the therapist may not use steam.

Extraction. This is the removal of blackheads or whiteheads if you want it and need it. People have different pain tolerance for extractions. They can be uncomfortable, especially on thin or ruddy skin. 

Facial massage. Facial massage stimulates and lubricates skin. Your therapist may use a massage oil or lotion during this process.  she may massage your neck, shoulders, decollete and scalp as well. You may notice that your sinuses feel clearer and that you feel deeply relaxed after the massage.

Facial Mask targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature) and condition. 

Final application of toner, serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen if it’s daytime.

Advice on home skin care.The therapist will tell you how she thinks you can take better care of your skin and recommend products. Some people feel uncomfortable with this step because it involves product recommendations, but it is part of her job. You aren’t obligated to buy anything.