What is a Facial?
A facial is an excellent way to refresh and cleanse your skin while enjoying a relaxing experience. It's especially beneficial when you're feeling overworked and need some pampering or when you're with friends for a bonding experience.
As a Medspa in business for 15+ years, we have ample experience with the ins and outs of every type of facial. So, here’s a simplified breakdown of what a facial is:
Step 1. Meet Skin Care Provider for Consultation
Picture of one of our clients getting a facial. A facial typically will be in a relaxing environment, with properly clean and sanitary conditions.
Facials are usually performed at Day Spas, Medspas, Dermatologists, or other licensed establishments. Depending on the country and state you are in, the Facial Provider must be licensed to perform the specific skin care treatment.
The most common provider of a Facial is a Esthetician (aesthetician), who is a licensed professional who has spent at least 300 to 1500 hours in training and has passed both a written and practical exam overseen by the state that they will be practicing in.
Although depending on your local regulations you may also be able to receive a facial from an RN, NP, Dermatologist, and other licensed professionals.
Most professional skin care providers will start with a consultation before beginning a Facial treatment.
This is a crucial step in the process of a facial that cannot be looked over. It’s important for your Esthetician to know what your skin concerns are before selecting the right facial for you.
Another crucial reason for a consultation, is to determine if you have any preexisting skin conditions, allergies, or other medical conditions which could affect the Facial treatment, and possibly result in a reaction with your skin.
If a facial provider suggests not to do a consultion, or does not require to to fill out any medical questionaire then we would heavily advise proceeding with a facial at that provider.
Understanding Facials
Now that you understand the importance of working with a trained esthetician, you can feel assured that your skin will be in capable hands.
A facial is essentially a series of skincare treatments focused on exfoliating your skin and eliminating dead skin cells and impurities.
These treatments are commonly offered at beauty salons, day spas, and even in the offices of dermatologists, with some dermatologists employing estheticians as part of their practice.
The type of facial treatment you receive can vary greatly depending on the provider. Some facials may be more luxurious, including a full-body massage as part of the package, while others might focus only on the essentials.
Generally, facials will involve steps like steaming, exfoliation, and extraction, but many providers will also offer additional treatments such as facial masks, chemical peels, and relaxing facial massages. The exact services you receive will depend on the specific package you select and the provider you choose.
Important Steps in a Facial (how it’s performed)
Preparation Before your facial begins, you may be asked to change into a robe, especially if you’re receiving a full-body massage afterward. Some spas offer a soothing foot bath with a shoulder massage, while others will simply escort you to the treatment area. Often, the esthetician will invite you to lie on the bed, where you'll receive a calming shoulder and facial massage followed by the relaxing scent of oils like lavender. The preparation step largely depends on the package you have booked.
Cleansing In some cases, you may be asked to cleanse your face with a specific soap tailored to your skin type, whether oily, dry, or sensitive. Alternatively, the esthetician might cleanse your face themselves. This step is very gentle, with soothing products being used to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities. During this process, the esthetician will massage your face softly, helping you to relax even further.
Exfoliating After cleansing, the next step is exfoliation, which involves removing dead skin cells and impurities from the surface of your skin. Some spas use gentle exfoliants, while others might apply a more traditional facial scrub. Regardless of the product used, the goal is to ensure that your skin feels fresh and renewed, with any rough or dry patches smoothed out.
Steaming Although not every spa includes steaming in their facials, many consider it a key step. Steaming opens your pores, preparing your skin for the extraction process. The esthetician will position a steam nozzle near your face and ask if you're comfortable. The steam should feel warm but not too intense, and you’ll typically be exposed to it for 10-15 minutes. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, make sure to let your esthetician know.
Extraction The extraction process is often the most intimidating part of a facial, but rest assured, it shouldn’t be too painful when done properly. Under the care of a skilled esthetician, many clients find this step to be surprisingly relaxing, even falling asleep. The esthetician will gently remove impurities like blackheads, whiteheads, or small pimples from the outer layers of your skin. If any blemishes are deeper or more severe, your esthetician may suggest seeing a dermatologist for additional treatment. They typically avoid extractions that involve unripe pimples or those that could be harmed by popping.
Finishing Touches The final steps of a facial vary by provider. Some spas may simply apply a cold towel to close the pores, while others may use light lasers or a gauze mask for added benefits. Additionally, facials often end with a facial mask or chemical peel, tailored to your skin type. Whether you have acne-prone skin, oily skin, or are looking for skin lightening, your esthetician will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
It’s important to note, not all facials are the same. Although the general steps of a facial remain the same, there are many different methods to perform each step. For example, some forms of exfoliation include the Esthetician using an exfoliating mask, while sometimes they may use a “manual” form of exfoliation such as micro-dermabrasion (a device usually with a diamond tip which helps removed the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin)
Facials are just as beneficial for men as they are for women, and there are a variety of masks and treatments available to address a range of skin concerns.
In future posts, we will dive into the different types of chemical peels and discuss the benefits they offer.