What Is a Facial?

A facial is a skin treatment to keep skin healthy. It includes cleansing or deep cleansing, exfoliating, massage (for face, neck and shoulders), masking and moisturizing. This treatment is performed by a licensed esthetician.


What can you expect when you come for a facial? Hopefully you will lie back, close your eyes, relax, and let me do the work. But you may be wondering what to expect.


Although I custom design each facial for each customer, picking the special products just for your skin type, here are some of the basic steps I follow:


1. A full analysis of your skin. What I look for: Dry skin? Oily skin? Dehydrated skin? Combination skin (T-zone)? Broken capillaries? Sensitivity? Whiteheads? Blackheads? Fine lines? Large pores? Acne condition? Signs of premature aging? Hyper-pigmentation? Uneven tone skin from acne scars? And more!


2. Exfoliation. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells. It can be done mechanically or chemically, depending on your skin type.


3. Vaporizing. Vaporizing helps to soften the pores before performing extraction (when done correctly). It also helps re-hydrate your skin and stimulates the circulation of blood flow.


4. Face, shoulder and neck massage. A massage helps to relax and stimulate your skin muscles, using different technique from effleurage to lymphatic drainage movement, depending on your skin type.


5. Mask. There are many masks to choose from, depending on your skin type or current condition. Masks include ultra hydrating, rejuvenating, tightening, soothing, and skin brightening, and more.


Most facials last about an hour, but I always give a little extra. Mini-facials last about half an hour and are perfect for maintaining healthy skin in between your regular facials. Normally I always give an extra treat, such as more antioxidants, etc.