FACIAL 411

The benefits of getting a regular facial

We always want to put our best face forward, literally, and a little professional help is always welcome. Integrating a facial into your regular beauty regime will help to keep skin looking and feeling great. But with all the treatments out there it can be difficult to know what type of facial to try and what to expect. For our three part Facial 411 series we spoke to a few experts to help you figure out what will work best the next time you step into a spa.

Here are the bare basics on the benefits of a regular facial and what’s involved.

Why should someone get a facial?

“Regardless of age or gender, a facial can dramatically improve the look and feel of an individual’s skin,” says Pauline Bakowski, holistic skin therapist at 889 Yonge. It is also important to consider integrating facial treatments as a part of one’s own regular beauty regime as maintenance. Danielle Edwards, education manager for Dermalogica Canada agrees. “Just as you brush your teeth every day and go to the dentist for regular cleanings, skin care is the same.” It is also important to note, depending on needs and skin condition, a general guideline is to have a facial once every four to six weeks.

What should you look for when getting a facial?

“The number one thing to look out for is a knowledgeable skin therapist,” states Edwards. “The skin treatment should always start with a thorough consultation process, so that it is designed specifically for you and addresses your concerns.” Don’t fret if the esthetician gets to work cleaning off makeup before the consultation, as s/he is making the skin visible for a proper diagnosis.

It is also important to look at area where you will be receiving your treatment. “Sanitation is very important,” says Bakowski. “Make sure your esthetician washes her hands before she starts the treatment, to prevent transfer of bacteria and illness.” Bakowski also suggests checking that the area is clean with new supplies such as sponges and fresh towels are used.

Aside from the must-have consultation and skin analysis what are the basic steps that are typical for most facials?

Cleansing: A through cleansing will remove makeup and pollution as well as the skin hiding under it all. Be sure that the esthetician is working extra carefully around the eye area where skin can be quite delicate.

Exfoliation: Dead skin cells are removed from the skin’s surface.

Extractions: Extractions remove excess build up of sebum and dead skin cells trapped in the pores.

Mask: A mask is applied to treat the skin and is left on for 15-20 minutes.

Finishing: Before the client leaves, moisturizer and sun protection is applied to the treated skin (which includes the face, neck and décolleté) to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental factors. In some cases cream, gel or oil is allied around the eye to protect the delicate area and minimize any dark circles, puffiness and crow’s feet.

In some cases additional steps may be included, such as:

Toning: A toner may be applied prior to exfoliation to help rebalance the pH of the skin.

Steam: A client may be placed under a steamer for about 2-10 minutes to help soften pores and prepare them for extractions. Make sure your eyes are protected with cotton pads if placed under a steamer.

Massage: Depending on the time allocated, the shoulders, upper back, arms, neck and face are massaged while the mask sets.

Also note, that facials are typically customized or tweaked to meet the needs of your skin, so the treatment you receive may be slightly different from your BFF. These basic steps are typically a part of most facials. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel any itchiness or burning at any point in the treatment. The strange sensation may not be the product “working,” it might actually be an irritation or reaction from the product, so be sure to say something immediately.

Next week our experts will discuss specific skin types and the treatments that work best for each.