The Latest Trend In Facial Is A Procedure Skin Treatments.

A facial is a procedure involving a variety of skin treatments, including: steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, and massage. They are normally performed in beauty salons but are also a common spa treatment. Facials are generally categorized, for example:

•                      European facial

•                      LED light therapy facial

•                      Mini-facial

Facials are used for general skin health as well as for specific skin conditions.

Most of us lead busy lives and taking care of our skin isn‘t always as high on our list of priorities as we‘d hope. Skin needs a thorough cleansing session at least once a week to prevent it from looking dull.

But a daily beauty routine should be followed if possible. However some women can go over the top with cleansers and exfoliators, vigorously stripping their skin of its natural defences and essential nutrients.

It‘s often hard to know exactly how we should be caring for our skin and with so many products available it can also be hard to know where to start.

A beauty professional will be able to look at your skin and recommend the best products to use (e.g. products for oily, dry or normal skin) and offer advice on the most appropriate routine for you.

They will also be able to offer treatments to restore a brighter, glowing and clear complexion. Although a good spa facial treatment will leave you glowing when you leave the salon, it‘s important to know that there are other factors determining how skin looks, such as smoking and the amount of water you drink.

What is a facial?

A facial is a beauty treatment to restore a healthy, clear complexion and give you radiant skin. Most treatments will involve cleansing to get rid of any dead skin.

Using toner to clean away dirt and unblock pores and moisturising to rehydrate and brighten the skin. Most spa facials will also involve a massage to leave you feeling pampered, relaxed and refreshed.

Spa facials can also involve creams, oils, gels and even oxygen jets, so it‘s best to enquire about the treatment beforehand. Some involve a consultation.

With a beauty professional before the treatment to assess skin type and texture, and to tailor the treatment around the individuals needs. If you‘re particularly unsure about your skin and how to care for it, this may be a good idea for you.

A spa facial treatment can last between 15 minutes to an hour and a half depending on the treatment you go for. Once the treatment is over, your skin should look and feel soft and fresh.

Facial mask

There are different kinds of masks (e.g. cactus, cucumber, etc.) for different purposes: deep- cleansing, by penetrating the pores; healing acne scars or hyper-pigmentation; brightening.

For a gradual illumination of the skin tone. Some masks are designed to dry or solidify on the face, almost like plaster; others just remain wet.

The perceived effects of a facial mask treatment include revitalizing, healing, or refreshing; and, may yield temporary or long-term benefits (depending on environmental, dietary, and other skincare factors). 

Masks are removed by either rinsing the face with water, wiping off with a damp cloth, or peeling off of the face by hand. Duration for wearing a mask varies with the type of mask, and manufacturer's usage instructions.

The time can range from a few minutes to overnight. Those with sensitive skin are advised to first test out the mask on a small portion of the skin, in order to check for any irritations.

Some facial masks are not suited to frequent use. A glycolic mask can only be used once a month without the risk of burning the skin.

Masks can be found anywhere from drugstores to department stores, and can vary in consistency and form. Setting masks include:

clay, which is a thicker consistency, and will draw out impurities (and sometimes, natural oils, too) from the pores; a cream, which stays damp to hydrate the skin; sheet-style.

In which a paper mask is dampened with liquid to tone and moisturize the skin; and lastly, a hybrid/clay and cream form that includes small beads for removing dead surface skin cells.

Non-setting facial masks include warm oil and paraffin wax masks. These different forms are made to suit different skin types (e.g., oily or dry), and different skincare goals or needs (e.g. moisturizing, cleansing, exfoliating).

Clay and mud masks suit oily and some "combination" skin types, while cream-based masks tend to suit dry and sensitive skin types.

What about face masks?

There are so many different types of facials and face masks. If you are going to have a spa facial then you are likely to have a choice of different types.

Some beauty therapists will talk to you about your skin type and choose the products to use on you based on your answers. This is great because it means that you don't need to try and work out what the best products are for you.

Face mask products can have different textures and consistencies such as:

•                      Thick and creamy

•                      Wet gels

•                      Thin peels

•                      Dry clays

•                      Oily

•                      Lumpy

When it comes to face masks that you apply yourself at home there are countless types and brands. If you know your own skin type then getting a mask that you can apply yourself can be a great way of keeping your skin.

looking great between spa facials. If you are using a face mask at home and have sensitive skin, it would be a good idea to test out a small amount of the mask on a small area of your face first to check How can I make sure my radiant skin lasts after a spa facial?

If your beauty routine consists of splashing water over your face or quickly removing the day‘s make-up with a harsh make-up remover then your skin will almost certainly not be looking its best.

If you‘re always wondering how other people have such a clear complexion and radiant skin (without any make-up) but yours always looks dull and lifeless then it may be time to start thinking over your beauty routine.

A skin treatment will help your complexion in the short term but it‘s up to you to ensure you keep your new found radiant skin looking healthy in between treatments.

It‘s important that skin is kept clean otherwise it won‘t be able to kick-start the cell renewal process that helps keep it looking young. So cleanser, toner and moisturiser should be used every day.

Whichever skin type you have. You‘ll need to base the products around your skin type, so if you have an oily, rather than a clear complexion, go for products that are formulated to help oily skin etc.

Try to exfoliate at least once a week and apply a face mask as part of your beauty routine to boost your skin. If your skin‘s left red and tight you‘ve probably been too harsh, or the product isn‘t right for you – try out new products.

Be gentle and take your time! Finally, try to drink at least two litres of water a day, eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and quit smoking to ensure your skin is healthy and hydrated.

Before heading to the parlor for the all-important monthly beauty ritual, the facial, you need to know which kind suits your skin. We tell you more.

There's no denying that every woman loves a day at the salon. There's no better way to pamper yourself and get some much-needed relaxation than to book an appointment for a facial.

A facial has benefits which are aesthetic as well as psychological. Not only does it improve the look of the skin, it also takes that back-breaking stress off your shoulders.

However, beauty expert Shahnaz Husain advises, "The skin type should be kept in mind while selecting a facial. The beauty therapist analyzes the skin and suggests the treatment that's suitable for a particular skin type — oily, dry or combination." What's your type?

Normal-to-dryskin

For a woman with a normal skin type, a facial massage is provided by using nourishing creams. Moisturizers are also used. Husain suggests, "If you have normal or dry skin, ideally opt for the classic facial or a plant stem facial."

Classic facial: The classic salon facial includes cleansing, toning and massage (done manually or with the help of gadgets), mask and protection coverage.

All the areas of the face and the neck are treated according to specific needs. This facial is done following a specific direction and movement of the fingers. Different strokes and pressures are applied to various areas.

Duration: 1 hour

Plant stem cell facial: This facial helps rejuvenate the skin and makes it look younger. The plant cells are introduced into the skin through external cosmetic care.

They help the skin at the cellular level and activate the process of repair and replacement of dead and damaged skin cells. The facial stimulates the cellular regeneration process in the skin, reducing the signs of ageing. This facial comprises an exfoliator, cream, mask, serum and an under-eye gel.

Duration: 1 hour

  

Normal-to-oilyskin

"For those with oily skin, a facial massage with creams or moisturizers is not advised," says Husain. The facial treatment for oily skin includes deep cleansing with exfoliation, toning, maskand protection.

The masks and other procedures help remove excess oils, shrink the pores and make the skin soft and translucent.

Pearl facial: This facial is ideal for those with an oily skin. It helps remove tan and brightens the skin.

Deep cleansing is done next, to refine the skin. This is followed by a light facial massage with pearl cream and application of a pearl mask. It helps retain moisture and revitalizes the skin.

This facial ensures natural lightening of the skin, giving fair and radiant skin with an even color tone.

Duration: 1 hour

Silver facial: This facial is done to detoxify and purify your skin. The silver facial consists of a glow scrub, gel, cream and pack that offers dull skin an instant lift.

This facial not only restores the natural pH balance of your skin, but also clears the pores and deep cleans to prevent the formation of blackheads. Dr Shobha Sehgal, beauty head, says, "The silver facial revives your skin by giving it the right amount of moisture, and evens out your tone, leaving your skin evidently supple and charming."

Duration: 40 minutes to 1 hour

Combination Skin

Combination skin needs to be treated carefully, since the face has both dry and oily tissues. After cleansing, the dry area of the skin is massaged and the face is toned with a cold compress, using a

rose-based skin tonic.

Platinum facial: The platinum facial is said to recharge and energize your skin. It influences the skin at the cellular level and helps to ensure the strength of its supportive tissues.

It maintains the desired moisture level. It has powerful anti-oxidant effects which protect the skin's youthful properties and impart radiance.

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Gem therapy: Gemstone facial therapy utilizes the natural energy of gemstones and helps correct physical, mental and spiritual imbalances. This facial is based on the properties of different types of gems.

These stones work as a detoxification and exfoliating aid and slow down the ageing process. The key ingredients contain ash from gems like emerald, ruby and sapphire. The facial restores the ideal skin balance, keeps the skin free from blemishes and helps in the process of cell renewal.

The gemstone is ground to a micro-fine powder and applied using vitamin-rich oils and aromatherapy essences that relax the body, and improve skin tone and texture.

Duration: 1 hour

Benefits of a facial

-     Professional cleansing, exfoliating and toning are part of a facial, and hence protect and preserve youthfulness.

-   A facial delays the signs of ageing, fine lines and wrinkles and keeps the skin soft and supple.

-   Both, the skin and muscles, are toned, which preserves firmness and elasticity.

-   It induces relaxation and helps reduce stress and fatigue.

-      Improves blood circulation, strengthens the supportive tissues and improves the skin's resilience.

-    A facial also helps in lymphatic drainage, which flushes out toxins from your system and purifies the skin.

Keep in mind

-   You can go for a facial every 4-6 weeks and clean-up every fortnight.

-     Make sure your facial regime includes cleansing, exfoliation, black head removal, mask, steaming and moisturization.

-   Ensure that the face and the neck area is massaged thoroughly. The massage should be gentle and not harsh.

-    Skin specialist Dr Jaishree Sharad advises, "If your skin is dry, then ensure that a hydrating ingredient is a part of your facial mixture. For those with oily skin.

Make sure alpha hydroxyl acid or beta hydroxyl acid is used which help to reduce excess oil flow. Those with sensitive kin should stay away from fragrance-based ingredients which can lead to eruptions."

Side effects of facials and face masks

These treatments are generally very safe and not thought to have side effects but there are a few things you should be aware of and make your beauty therapist aware of.

1. If you have any allergies, always tell your therapist as they may need to change the products used on you
2. If you are pregnant, tell your therapist, who will be able to decide whether the products and treatment is suitable for you
3.  If you are uncomfortable, let your beauty therapist know
4. If the products used on you cause you pain or discomfort, let your therapist know
5.  If you are in doubt about the techniques that your therapist is going to use during your treatment then don't be afraid to ask questions. They should be well trained and able to answer your questions

Once you have had your facial treatment, it is recommended that you don't wear make up for at least 24 hours, to enhance the effects and to give your skin a chance.

To take in all the goodness you have just provided it with. Your skin is also likely to be a lot more sensitive in the hours following your treatment, so make up could cause problems.