A facial is one of the more common procedures performed at spas across the country. They provide a number of health benefits, including clearing away dead skin cells and providing anti-aging effects.
You may take advantage of regular facials for the great things they do to your skin, or you may just like pampering yourself. Regardless of the reason, they’re a great investment.
Professional spa facials all typically follow very similar steps for a reason. There’s a science behind the procedure, and each step is performed with the others in mind.
If you’ve wondered what’s actually happening to your skin during a facial treatment, keep reading. We’re breaking down seven steps that every spa facial should include.
1. Skin Analysis
The first thing an esthetician needs to do is perform a thorough inspection of your skin. They may need to use a bright magnifying lamp, which enables them to see every detail of your pores.
This step is performed in order to give them an idea of the type of skin you have. Whether your skin is dry, oily, very sensitive or relatively normal will help determine the type of treatment you need.
They’ll also be looking for other skin conditions. These could include acne, sun damage, blackheads, aging or dehydration. This will give the esthetician an idea of what products they’ll need to use and what areas they need to concentrate more on.
This step is very important, as the esthetician can work with you to treat problem areas over time.
2. Cleansing
This step involves cleansing your skin in preparation for the application of exfoliates and masks. Your face needs to be clean in order to absorb these products.
Any makeup you’re wearing will get removed and either a cleansing milk, lotion or gel will be applied and massaged into your face and neck. This ensures no oils are present during the procedure.
Then, the esthetician will remove these cleansing agents using either a facial sponge or cloth and warm water. They will then pat your skin dry.
At this point, your face will be ready for the facial treatment.
3. Exfoliating the Skin
Your skin generates new cells all the time. As they die, they fill with keratin, a substance that protects your skin.
As you age, your skin develops new cells at a slower rate, which means the dead cells start to collect unevenly. This leads to dry skin and a more dull appearance.
This is why exfoliation is essential. Your esthetician will use either a chemical or mechanical product to clear away dead cells.
Mechanical products have a gritty texture needed to rub the skin cells away. You may also opt for a chemical peel, which contains acids and enzymes and has much stronger exfoliating effects. Some people have chemical peels done as a stand-alone service in order to exfoliate their skin.
4. Extractions
After your skin has gone through exfoliation, your esthetician will extract any whiteheads or blackheads. This ensures all pores are thoroughly cleared.
Blackheads are actually sebum that has become impacted within the pore. Whiteheads, on the other hand, result when bacteria collects in a pore. This bacteria causes inflammation, which is why whiteheads are usually larger.
These clogged pores are typically the result of oily or acne-prone skin. However, even people with relatively clear, healthy skin can get them.
Your esthetician will need to remove all traces of these clogged pores. Sometimes this process can be somewhat uncomfortable but usually doesn’t take too long.
5. Applying a Facial Mask
The next step involves the application of a facial mask. At this point in the process, your esthetician will know which mask is best suited for your skin.
There are a number of different products that spas will use. For more oily skin, a clay mask is good for getting rid of excess sebum. For skin that’s dehydrated, a rejuvenating mask is more appropriate.
This product must remain on your face until fully dry. During this time, the mask is hydrating your skin or pulling out sebum that has built up in your pores.
This is typically the most relaxing step in the process. Your esthetician may even message your neck, scalp or shoulders after applying the mask.
Once the mask has fully dried and had enough time to do its job, your esthetician will remove it. They’ll also rinse your skin with warm water.
6. Final Application
After the mask gets removed, a final product will get applied to your skin. Again, your esthetician will know exactly what to use based on your specific skin type.
This application could include a serum, moisturizer or sunblock. The intention is to fully protect your skin after the treatment.
Your esthetician may also apply an eye gel that works to reduce inflammation. In addition, you may opt for a toner that suits your skin type.
This final application could also include an anti-aging product, which will reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles. Make sure you talk to your esthetician about your options for a final application.
7. Consultation
After your spa facial, your esthetician will give you some information on how to take care of your skin.
They’ll now have a full understanding of your skin type and condition and can make informed recommendations on how to make your skin look its best.
They can also recommend products that will help you keep your skin healthy and also take care of problem areas. Many spas have these products on hand for purchase.
This is the time to ask any questions you may have. Your esthetician can give you advice on how to better protect your skin based on your lifestyle and will let you know if there are things you can change that will result in better-looking skin.
Take Advantage of Spa Facials and Enjoy Healthier Skin
Having regular facial treatments performed is one of the best ways to maintain youthful, healthy skin. They’re also a great way to relax.
Each of the steps discussed above should be performed during each one of your spa facials. If you have any questions about this process, don’t hesitate to ask your esthetician.
We perform a wide range of spa treatments for people in Carlsbad, Encinitas and the surrounding areas. Contact us for an appointment.
