Don’t you feel relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated after a facial session at the spa? This is because facials improve blood circulation and are a great way to pamper your skin. However, there are a plethora of facials available at salons today - from anti-aging to hydrating ones. It is important that you choose one that is right for your skin type. Let’s discuss how.
Highlights:
How Do Facials Help?
Facials help remove dead skin to bring brighter and younger-looking skin on the surface. Regular facials can delay the signs of aging, relax and destress you, while also increasing blood flow to your entire face.
Picking The Right Facial
You should choose a facial based on the type of skin you have and the problem you want addressed:
1. Normal/Dry Skin
For normal to dry skin, choose a facial that includes deep cleansing, a moisturising massage and steam treatment to remove extra dirt. Opt for a moisturising mask or a hydrating serum to finish off. If your skin is on the dry side, avoid too much exfoliating.
2. Combination Skin
Since combination skin has oily and normal to dry skin, make sure mild products are used. This is so that you don’t aggravate the oily skin into breakouts and the dry skin doesn’t get drier with products used for oily skin.
3. Oily Skin
For oily skin, opt for a facial that uses natural extracts, focuses on deep cleansing and extraction with toning, a face mask and a protective serum. The mask will remove excess oils, shrink the pores and make the skin soft.
4. Sensitive Skin
For sensitive skin, avoid facials that exfoliate, or use AHAs as these irritate the skin further. Opt for a facial with a gentle massage that uses products containing green tea or chamomile; oxygen facials and others that hydrate the skin also work for sensitive skin.
Types Of Facials
1. Classic Facial
This is the most common type of facial which involves cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising and a face mask. What differs is the products used based on skin type. It can be done at any time of the year.
Process:
The skin is cleaned with a cleanser, post which an exfoliating scrub is used to remove dead skin. A steam treatment to extract whiteheads and blackheads followed by a moisturising massage completes the facial.
Benefits:
The classic facial is a great way to relax and rejuvenate the skin with much needed moisture. The clean-up and exfoliation help to remove dead skin, giving you a fresh appearance.
Skin Type:
It is suitable for dry to normal skin types. If you have rosacea or eczema, avoid the steam and use a napkin dipped in warm water instead if you need extraction. It can also be avoided and is not mandatory.
2. Aromatherapy Facial
This facial uses aromatherapy oils for added benefits while following a similar process to the other kinds. It helps to rejuvenate the skin while relaxing the mind with the aromas. It can be done at any time of the year.
Process:
The plant cells present in the oils seep into the skin during the massage, reviving the skin at the cellular level. It stimulates cell regeneration and the facial is composed of exfoliating, moisturising cream, a mask, serum and an under-eye gel.
Benefits:
When the aroma oils reach the inner layers of the skin, they activate the cell replacement process which removes the dead and damaged cells. This in turn makes the skin look younger.
Skin Type:
Suitable for normal to dry skin.
3. Anti-Aging Facial
This facial uses products with ingredients that are effective in diminishing the signs of aging. Since it is for older skin, women over the age of 30 can have it done regularly for best results. It can be done at any time of the year.
Process:
The anti-aging facial consists of deep pore cleansing, exfoliating and microdermabrasion or skin resurfacing. This is followed by a skin tightening mask and a massage. A collagen-based serum completes the facial.
Benefits:
An anti-aging facial can revitalise the skin as the products boost the production of collagen, which makes the skin firm. The hydration also gives the skin much needed moisture to keep the skin from drying.
Skin Type:
It is suitable for all skin types; those with oily or sensitive skin should ask for products suitable for their skin.
4. Intraceutical Facial
Popular with Bollywood stars, this facial gives you brighter and hydrated skin. Suitable for women over 30, it is ideal for younger looking skin.
Process:
Besides the cleansing, this facial uses hyaluronic acid with pressurised oxygen to infuse your skin with peptides, antioxidants, and vitamins followed by a hydrating massage.
Benefits:
This treatment transports the peptides and vitamins deep into the skin which makes the skin glow luminously. It also makes the skin intensely hydrated.
Skin Type:
It is suitable for all skin types and can be done throughout the year.
Benefits Of A Facial: How Long Do They Last?
A good facial will give you fresh and glowing skin for at least a week. If you follow a good skin care regimen at home, you can follow through on the facial and keep your skin soft and supple for longer.
Dos And Don’ts After A Facial
Don’ts
Avoid touching your face and wearing heavy make-up. Don’t use a toner for a few days. Also, go easy while working out and do not scrub your face too hard while washing it or when you sweat. Avoid threading or waxing on your face.
Dos
Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before venturing outside. Reapply after every two hours of exposure during the day; use one with a higher SPF. Use a vitamin C based serum to protect your skin. Go for gentle moisturisers and soaps that are hypoallergenic.
Are You 30+? Is A Facial Necessary For You?
Yes, a facial should be an integral part of your skincare regimen after the age of 30. It helps to destress the body and mind, and the massage will drain the toxins from the body which build up due to a stressful and busy lifestyle.
How Often Should You Get A Facial?
You can go for a facial every 4-6 weeks and a clean-up every fortnight. Choose a salon with qualified professionals. If you know your skin type, you can even experiment with the different facial treatments on offer.
A facial is a great way to rejuvenate your skin and relax for a while. Regular facial sessions will nourish your skin and keep it looking younger and supple while undoing the damage caused by stress and the environment.
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