Giving your face the spa treatment is one definition of a facial. It is the best way to keep your skin clear, healthy and hydrated. It also helps towards nourishing your facial skin and exfoliates it as well.
Here is how a facial is done:
1. First, you need to cleanse your face using facial sponges with a product that suits your skin type whether it is sensitive, oily, dry or normal.
2. Next, the esthetician analyses your facial skin using a bright lamp. This gives him/her an idea of the condition your skin is in. This kind of analysis helps towards deciding on products for your skin and the type of facial you need.
3. Next is the exfoliation process. One kind of exfoliation uses steam towels, while another, called mechanical exfoliation has a somewhat gritty texture to it, followed by the application of a steam vapour on your face.
4. The next part of the facial is slightly painful. This is where the esthetician removes whiteheads and blackheads. If this extraction is not done properly, it can cause skin discolourations and even broken capillaries.
5. Next, is the facial massage. This is done using strokes such as effleurage which is essentially to help you relax and provide stimulation to your facial skin and muscles.
6. Then, depending on the type of your skin, a facial mask is applied and left on for about 20 minutes.
7. The final leg of the process involves applying toners and a good moisturizing cream.
Remember, a facial is not a one-off thing. You need to get one done every 4-6 weeks, or more frequently in the case of acne.