Facials feel like the ultimate indulgence, though there's no need to reserve them for special occasions. Regular facials can help improve acne, blood circulation, skin cell renewal, and appearance while reducing puffiness and helping to clear toxins.
Facials feel like the ultimate indulgence, though there's no need to reserve them for special occasions. Regular facials can help improve acne, blood circulation, skin cell renewal, and appearance while reducing puffiness and helping to clear toxins. Not to mention they're excellent for reducing stress and helping you relax. If you've decided to try a facial, here's what you need to know before you go.
What are the benefits of facials?
Most facials usually include steaming, exfoliation, and sometimes extraction. Throughout each of these treatments, there's a healthy dose of massaging. The entire process can be incredibly relaxing, helping to relieve stress and promote calmness. Aside from mental benefits, facials promote skin health and appearance. Massaging the face encourages lymph drainage, removing toxins while decreasing puffiness. It also helps boost blood circulation, which can encourage skin cell renewal. The exfoliation and extraction process helps remove dead skin cells and harmful build-up. In the end, your skin should look and feel smoother, healthier, and more youthful!
How often should you get a facial?
Your skin's life cycle takes about 28 days or four weeks. During this time, cellular turnover occurs, and old, dead skin cells are replaced with new ones. In general, it's recommended that you get a facial once per skin cycle or about every three to four weeks.
However, a few factors can alter the frequency of your facials. If you have an intense treatment during your facial, like laser resurfacing, your skin may require more time to heal. Alternatively, treatments with a regimen, such as peels, may require more regular appointments. Additionally, how quickly your skin rejuvenates and the type of skin you have may change your facial regularity. Those prone to blackheads and clogged pores can certainly benefit from a monthly facial. At the same time, individuals with sensitive skin might prefer to see their esthetician every two months. Finally, your age plays a part, too, as younger individuals can usually get by with less frequent facials than those who are older.
What can you expect after a facial?
Different facial treatments produce different results. Gentle facials, such as those that focus on cleansing, firming, and hydrating, usually leave skin soft, rejuvenated, and glowing. Alternatively, more dramatic facials like microdermabrasion or clinical facial can cause short-lived skin sensitivity.
You may notice that your face is red, peeling, or irritated. Facials with intense exfoliation often require a bit of downtime, in which you should show your face some TLC.
How to care for your skin after a facial
Aftercare is important whether you get a facial every three to four weeks or bi-monthly. Letting your skin heal, normalize, and equalize post-facial is best. Changing your sheets and pillowcases so that they're clean and using fresh towels can maintain skin health post-facial.
You'll also want to skip heavy products and your makeup routine. Gently wash your skin without harsh cleansers, and don't use acne products, toner, or scrubs for the first few days. You can use a lightweight moisturizer and sunscreen, though it's best to stay out of the sun altogether. Fortunately, most skin calms within 48 hours, and you can return to your normal routine within a week.