Skin Care

Every facial should begin with a skin analysis, where the esthetician looks at your skin through a brightly lit magnifying lamp to assess your skin type and condition. The esthetician may also ask you several questions concerning your skin, its condition and type.

If the esthetician does not ask you any questions you should warn the esthetician about any special characteristics of your skin. For example tell him if your skin is sensitive to certain skin care

A facial is usually performed by a licensed esthetician in a beauty salon or a spa but you can also give yourself an at-home-facial. When you go to a beauty salon for a facial, make sure you will get high-quality treatment from a licensed professional esthetician. With the mushrooming number of beauty salons, parlors and lounges of all possible sizes and styles, one cannot always be sure in the quality of the treatment provided and of professional level of the beauty salon personnel. Inquire about your esthetician's qualifications and experience before the facial. During the treatment do not be afraid to communicate with the cosmetologist and express any of your concerns or discomforts you might experience.

There are several types of facials depending on the number of procedures involved as well as on the goal of the facial.

European Facial: Includes all the classical facial procedures plus a massage. It involves cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions of black and white heads, massage for the face, decollete, arms, and neck, customized treatment mask, toning, moisturizer. Sometimes it can also include treatment of the area around the eyes with specialized creams or a massage of the arms or the hands.

Basic or Mini-Facial: This facial does not include extractions or massage. Your skin will be cleansed and exfoliated, a mask selected for your skin type will be applied and following the mask a moisturizer as well.

Advanced/Targeted Facials:

These facials are targeted at certain skin conditions and aim to achieve a certain effect on the skin: detoxifying, rejuvenating, lifting, whitening, stimulating etc. A cosmetologist at a beauty salon or spa can give an extensive consultation and help you to decide on a facial that is right for you. However prior research can help you to make the right decisions.

Below is a list of facials you can find at a beauty salon and watch a video example of a facial. Each of the following facial has a goal to resolve a certain skin condition:

Dull, gray, lifeless complexion – you need an exfoliating, stimulating treatment that can help get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate renewal of your skin. Facials targeted at this often involve Enzyme Peeling (for example Papaya), AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) or Vitamin C treatment.

Alpha Hydroxy Treatment Alpha Hydroxy Acid removes the superficial dead cell layer of the skin and AHA-based products are used to exfoliate the skin to achieve smoother, brighter complexion. Glycolic acid is a fruit acid most frequently used for facial treatments, however lactic and citric acid can also be used.

Oxygen Facial This treatment is highly controversial. Some claim that by delivering highly concentrated oxygen to your skin it can improve circulation and give a glow to the dull looking, tired skin. But this treatment is still new and unproven.

Oily skin, black and white heads, occasional break-outs- Problem skin needs special care. Facials developed for this type of skin usually target unclogging pores, balancing oil production, treating and preventing break outs.

Deep Pore Purifying Facial/ Anti-Acne Facial First your skin will be thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated. Note that problem skin and skin prone to break-outs should be exfoliated with fruit acids or enzymes and not scrubs with irregular particles as these will damage the acne spots and cause even worse break-outs. Your esthetician will also use a steamer to open your pores for easier extraction. This can be followed by a special massage. Various clay masks with antiseptic properties intended to prevent break-outs or masks containing zinc oxide intended to absorb oily complexions and blemishes can be used in this type of facial.

Oily skin needs special skin-care routine at home as well as it is prone to break outs and unattractive dialated pores. Learn how to take care of oily skinat home.

Dark spots, acne spots, age spots, fine lines – To improve the condition of your skin you need a series of professional peeling procedures using enzyme or fruit-acid based products or even a blend of exfoliating acids. Peeling can be of various strength and intensity. Discuss the level of intensity that you prefer with your esthetician, since some treatments can lead to reddening of the skin and subsequent peeling.

Resurfacing Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids Facial This type of facial will involve all the classical procedures such as cleansing, steaming, massage but the most important part of it is of course a peeling. It is followed up a soothing hydrating mask. Your esthetician might request that before and/or after this treatment you use certain preparation/follow-up treatment at home.

You can also do a peeling treatment at home with either a peeling kit, a scrub or self-prepared natural enzime peeling. Read what measures you should take at various stages of your life to slow down skin aging: Skin Care by Age Read more:

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