What Are The Basic Steps In A Facial?

Looking for a day at the spa, but don’t know what to expect? It actually surprises me that many women have never had a facial or don’t even know what that means. When you go to the spa for a facial, it should be a relaxing, refreshing experience. When I have clients in my facial bed, the last thing I want them to do is jump right when I go to touch them or to lay there with their arms crossed in discomfort. So, hopefully to assuage those “unknowns,” here are the basic steps when getting a facial!

1. Consultation: This is one of the most important steps in a facial because it allows your esthetician to understand your skin concerns; from there she will customize the facial based on your concerns and skin type.
2. Analysis: After you are changed and comfortably in the facial bed, your esthetician will look at your skin under a magnifying lamp. At this point she is checking for any impurities, pigmentation and analyzing any concerns you brought to her attention.
3. Steam and Cleanse: Steam will be placed on your face from a steamer (this helps to open pores, and also helps with decongestion). The cleanser will be determined from your skin type. During my facial, I cleanse the neck, chest and shoulders. Some estheticians only cleanse the face and some go further down, so don’t feel uncomfortable if your face is not the only thing being cleansed. I always tell my clients that their face ends at their chest. It may sound silly but you don’t want to have a beautiful face but have a very sun damaged, aged chest. The product will then be removed with warm towels and a toner will be applied.
4. Steam and Exfoliation: The steam is still left on through this step. The method of exfoliation will also be determined by your skin type and concerns. This could range from a simple enzyme that is applied to your skin to gently remove the dead skin to a chemical peel (of course your esthetician will go through a couple options with you if you need something that intense).
5. Hand and Arm Massage: Ahh, now the real relaxation begins. The steam will still be on you as well as the exfoliator and the tech will begin a hand and arm massage. Not only is this relaxing for the client, but it’s kind of like a “nice to meet you” by massaging your hand and arms.
6. Extractions: The steam is removed as well as the exfoliator and if extractions are needed the estheticians will begin. You do not need to do this step if it is too painful for you or uncomfortable but it is the most effective way of blackhead removal.
7. Facial Massage: Pretty self explanatory, during my facial I service my clients with an acupressure facial massage. This promotes sinus and lymphatic drainage, and also feels wonderful.
8. Mask: This is also determined based on your skin type and what your esthetician feels would be best for you, steam may also be used at this point. Again, any product is removed with warm towels.
9. Scalp, Shoulders and Neck Massage: While the mask is setting, a scalp, shoulder and neck massage will be provided.
10. Removal of Mask: The mask will be removed and a moisturizer and SPF will be applied depending on the time of day.
11. End Consultation: The esthetician will tell you more about your skin or if she noticed anything you should be concerned about. She will also recommend a product regimen for you.

Remember, everyone is different when performing a service and different states have different laws on products and procedures. Always be sure you’re going to a licensed facility to get proper treatments. I hope this helps you prepare for your next service, and if you’ve never had a facial, do treat yourself to one!

Content Provided By: Alexia Hites