Facial Services Near Me

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FAQs:

What is a Facial?

A facial is a family of skin care treatments for the face, including steam, exfoliation (physical and chemical), extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, and massage. They are usually performed in beauty salons but are also a common spa treatment. They are used for general skin health and specific skin conditions.

What is a Mini Facial Treatment?

A mini facial cleanses, exfoliates, tones, moisturizes, and protects your skin in a shorter amount of time than a full spa facial would. It can help your facial muscles relax, helping prevent wrinkles from forming. It can relax you after a stressful day at work. A mini facial reduces puffiness and sagging in your face which makes you look older. Mini facials can be done in the privacy of your own home, with products you already know and trust. They are your way of taking time to pamper yourself because if anybody deserves pampering, it’s you.

Which Facial is Best?

Before booking a facial, it's important to understand what you want to get out of the treatment (is it lift? Hydration? or A deep clean?). Again, your esthetician will be able to tweak the best facial for your skin's needs, but here's what they'll generally recommend for each concern: 

1. Aging skin.

If skin aging is your main concern, you'll want to seek rejuvenating facials that promote collagen production and increase cell turnover. Think of firming or microcurrent facials to lift and tone, LED treatments (especially red LED light) to support elasticity, and lymphatic facials to improve circulation. 

2. Dry skin

For drier skin types, it's best to do treatments, like hydra facials, that focus on a deep clean and hydrating the skin at the same time. This treatment infuses a lot of calming ingredients like aloe, and hyaluronic acid, that help calm, soothe, hydrate, and plump the skin.

3. Breakouts

Those with breakouts will want to seek decongesting acne facials to target clogged pores, as well as LED treatments to minimize acne-causing bacteria. Blue LED is often used in tandem for the best results. If you do have active breakouts, your esthetician might also go light on the massage work or skip it entirely: "This step might be omitted for those who are dealing with severe breakouts, since it may be too much stimulation (skipping this would also allow the esthetician to spend more time on extractions),

4. Dull skin.

Typically, massage work is great for dull skin, as it stimulates blood flow, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells (resulting in a brighter glow). Estheticians are trained in facial massage to encourage brighter, glowing skin by increasing circulation. This is beneficial if you struggle with a dull-looking complexion.

That said, lymphatic facials (which encourage flow) are especially helpful, as are firming facials that help stimulate the muscles with sculpting tools. The vibrations also boost circulation to increase the skin's oxygen uptake, resulting in more glowing, youthful skin. Additionally, hydra facials can also work here since you're infusing the pores with antioxidant-rich serums—plus, hydrated skin appears much brighter.

What is Included in a Facial?

In any pro facial, you'll receive a professional consultation where you can voice your concerns to your esthetician and what you want out of your facial. Almost all facials consist of four basic steps: cleansing, exfoliating, massaging the face and neck, and applying a mask for your specific skin type. However, most salon facials are more complicated than that, and you'll find even more differences depending on the spa, esthetician, skincare line, and your specific skin type and concerns. Once you change into your spa robe, the esthetician will help you onto the facial bed, and wrap you up comfortably in a spa sheet or blanket. If you have any worries about feeling claustrophobic – just tell your esthetician. She'll work with you to make sure you feel completely relaxed. Next, she'll wrap up your hair in a towel to keep it comfortably out of your face. Then it's time to get started!

What is the Purpose of a Facial Mask?

There’s nothing wrong with a basic skincare routine, especially if it’s working. But if you’re one of the millions of Americans plagued by skin conditions from acne to redness, you may be looking for a skincare boost. And unfortunately, professional skin care procedures, such as facials, can be pricey. This is where face masks come in, offering intense skin treatment for a fraction of the cost. The “magic” behind face masks is simple. The ingredients from a face mask are kept longer in contact with your skin because of the occlusion phenomenon of the mask on your skin. The mask traps the moisture or ingredient in the skin and creates a film that helps to either hydrate, moisturize, dry, or exfoliate the skin depending on the ingredients used and its purpose. Therefore, face masks allow ingredients to penetrate better into your skin in a short amount of time. Whether it’s salicylic acid for acne, vitamin C for fine lines, or retinoid for brightening dark spots, a face mask can offer a more concentrated dose and more intense version of its ingredients compared to other forms of applications.

Who Does Facials?

An esthetician is a trained technician who specializes in skin beautification. Estheticians (sometimes spelled aestheticians) are not medical healthcare providers. They perform cosmetic skin treatments such as facials, superficial chemical peels, body treatments, and waxing. Estheticians usually work in a spa or salon. Estheticians, also called skin care therapists, specialize in cosmetic treatments of the skin. If you’ve ever wondered about your skin type, or if you have trouble deciding which skin care products to buy, a visit to an esthetician may be helpful.

Although the term “medical aesthetics” is commonly used, esthetics is not a medical practice. As such, estheticians are not allowed to do certain things, including:

- Diagnose skin conditions

- Prescribe medications

- Suggest treatment for any skin condition outside of cosmetic products

Estheticians are limited to performing treatments that work on the superficial layers of the skin. Therefore, they can’t give any types of injectables like Botox (a procedure that treats wrinkles) or facial fillers (non-surgical face-lifts), nor can they do deep chemical peels. A licensed medical professional, such as a dermatologist, or a medical doctor specializing in treating skin conditions, must perform all invasive procedures, diagnoses, and treatments.

How Often Should You Get a Facial? 

Generally, the pros recommend opting for a facial once a month, if you can. The skin regenerates about every 28 days. The skin cells come back and accumulate. Therefore, it's best to treat the skin at the end of the skin-life cycle just about every month. On that note, you don't want to get more than one facial per month, lest you overwhelm your skin. Remember: It's a pretty deep clean. 

A monthly cadence is also great for people with specific skin concerns—like acne, scarring, dryness, etc.—as you're able to regularly check in with your esthetician and discuss results. 'Your esthetician will also be able to analyze your skin to determine the perfect routine for your skin, and monthly facials are a great way to see what's working and what isn't.  

If that time frame doesn't seem realistic for your budget or schedule, experts recommend getting a facial whenever the seasons change—so two to four times a year. And at the end of the day, the right esthetician for you will work with you on an individual schedule and honor any constraints you may have: A good esthetician should be able to curate your home care routine around how often you can or want to come in for a facial and still help you achieve your skincare goals.

What is a Facial Peel?

A facial peel (also referred to as a chemical peel) is a solution that is applied to the skin to remove the damaged or dead layers that sit on top of the skin. There are tons of different kinds of facial peels featuring all sorts of ingredients, but the most important aspect to pay attention to is strength:

1. Light Peel: Removes skin cells from the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin)

2. Medium Peel: Removes skin cells from the epidermis and top of the dermis (the middle layer of the skin)

3. Deep Peel: Removes skin cells from the epidermis and the top, mid, and lower layers of the dermis. This would be an in-office treatment.

The strength of a peel depends on its pH level. Quick science lesson: The pH of our skin is around 4.5 to 5.5. “The most important thing to know is the lower the pH, the more acidic the peel, and thus, the deeper the peel will penetrate. At-home peels are usually considered “light” or “medium” and typically hover around a 3.5 pH; anything lower (such as the “deep peel” variety) must be administered in-office by a medical professional.

What is Facial Toner?

Toners are skincare products that have the consistency of water. Traditionally, they were used to remove excess oil from the skin and were especially useful for people who had acne. Those products contain high concentrations of alcohol and therefore were drying. Today's toners contain a variety of soothing, brightening, and anti-aging ingredients. The new formulations of toners are completely different from their traditional counterparts. Traditionally, a toner's function was to completely cleanse the skin, and often they were formulated to be very astringent to remove any traces of oil and debris. While the newer generation of toners may still remove traces of debris, they're meant to nourish and replenish the skin after cleansing and act as a primer for the rest of your skincare products.

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.

What are the 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 moisturizers and soaps that are hypoallergenic.

How Much Does a Facial Cleansing Cost?

Most patients seeking facials pay somewhere between $150 and $200 per session. However, prices can range from $150 for most treatment sessions and up to more than $250 for the more luxurious ones. You’ll also pay different amounts depending on the type of facial treatment you want. A simple cleanse is relatively inexpensive, but add pore extractions, peels, and light treatment to the mix, and the price can soon go up.

Why Facial Consultations are so Important

Facial consultations are essential because you will learn important information about your client and their skin type before providing them with a facial treatment. During this time, you have the chance to learn more about their medical history regarding the health of their skin, any diagnosis they’ve had for skin conditions, and any allergies that might cause a rash, itchiness, or redness to occur. You will also learn more about their skin type, such as whether they have normal, dry, oily, or combination skin. Be sure to ask questions about any spa treatments they’ve had in the past and whether they have had issues with prior facials.

4 Most Common Skin Types

Before doing an at-home facial, determine whether your skin type is normal, dry, oily, or a combination.

1. Normal: In the skincare market, a “normal” skin type means that your skin is balanced and doesn’t have any uncomfortable issues. Balance is generally the goal for all skin types, but even balanced skin sometimes experiences breakouts or dullness. A proper cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing routine will usually keep things in check.

2. Dry: Dry skin looks and feels rough and dull, sometimes also appearing red or flaky. If you have a dry skin type, your skin may feel tight, and you may see fine lines right after washing your face. Hydrating and protective skincare products are ideal products for this skin type, including gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, rich moisturizers, and face oils to fight flakiness.

3. Oily: If your skin produces excess sebum year-round, you’re likely in the “oily” skin type group. One of the benefits of oily skin is that your skin’s natural oils protect and moisturize, naturally staving off fine lines and maintaining elasticity longer. On the downside, oily skin is acne-prone, and excess oil can easily lead to breakouts. Make sure you have a good exfoliating non-comedogenic toner or serum to keep your pores clear. The ideal skin-care products for this skin type are oil-free.

4. Combination: As the name implies, combination skin has oily and dry characteristics. For example, some people have an oily T-zone—the forehead and nose—and dryness on their cheeks; others may have dehydrated skin that’s also breakout-prone. Learning the skincare requirements for every part of your face can help you address issues most optimally. For example, if you identify that your cheeks are prone to dryness, you can address this issue by moisturizing them during your daily routine.

16 Amazing Benefits Of Facials For Your Skin

Most of you follow a daily skincare routine at home. It might not be elaborate, but it at least helps you maintain your skin. But once in a while, it’s good to let professionals take care of your skin. Yes, I am talking about the benefits of facials.

1. Reduce Stress And Relieve Psychological Distress

According to a study published in the journal Biomedical Research, facial massage activates your sympathetic nervous system. This reduces your anxiety levels and uplifts your mood.

2. Cleanse Your Skin

An excellent facial will cleanse your face thoroughly, which is not possible at home. Think of it this way – you have all the medicines at home, but you still need to go for annual visits to your doctor. The facialist understands your skin type and knows what needs to be done to keep it in good shape. He/she uses steam to open up the pores and cleanse your skin thoroughly.

3. Prevent Aging

Regular facials and face massages boost cell regeneration and promote collagen development. This gives you younger-looking skin.

4. Facial Massage Promotes Blood Circulation

A study says that massage improves blood circulation in your body. The same applies to your face. Improved blood circulation in your face means that your cells get lots of oxygen and nutrients that are carried along with the blood. This translates to healthier and more efficient cells and a glowing face.

5. Rejuvenate Your Skin

With age, your skin loses its luster. That’s natural. Your lifestyle and pollution make it difficult for your skin to recuperate. Facials can help rejuvenate the skin. The therapist or the facial expert uses various methods, products, and technology that help improve your skin texture.

6. Facials Help Detoxify The Skin

Your skin needs to get rid of the waste that accumulates on it regularly. And if this is not done correctly, it results in breakouts. That’s why a skin detox is necessary. Apart from cleansing and washing your face every day, you need facials to detoxify it. Therapists use ingredients, such as antioxidant-rich creams, sea salt, herbal extracts, and oils, to make your face fresh and radiant.

7. Treat Acne And Acne Marks

When you squeeze a pimple (or acne), you run the risk of scarring. Acne marks can be stubborn, but facials can help you in treating them. Estheticians often use products containing salicylic acid to treat acne. A study shows that salicylic acid peels help reduce acne and the resulting scars.

8. Eliminate Whiteheads And Blackheads

Extraction is a crucial part of the face. A skilled person uses the extraction tool to extract all the whiteheads and blackheads without hurting your skin. This is not possible at home. Blackheads and whiteheads clog the pores and make your skin dull. So, if your skin looks a bit bumpy, it’s time to go for a facial.

9. Open Up All The Pores

It’s impossible to avoid all the pollution and damage caused by environmental free radicals. Your skin is bombarded with UV rays and other toxic substances daily. These accumulate on its surface and clog the pores. During a facial, the professional uses steam to open up the pores and remove all dead cells, thus preventing acne and other skin issues.

10. Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliation is the process where the dead skin cells are gently sloughed off your skin’s surface. The cells die and tend to pile up on the surface (if not removed), making your skin rough and dry. While you can exfoliate your skin using a scrub at home, if you want to remove the dead skin cells properly, going for a facial is the best option. It involves using chemical peels that thoroughly clean the skin surface, revealing a healthy layer of skin beneath.

11. Tighten Your Skin

With age, your skin loses its elasticity as the production of collagen diminishes. During facial treatments, the professionals use chemical peels, face packs, masks, lotions, and creams that are enriched with botanical extracts that stimulate the production of collagen and reduce the signs of aging.

12. Eliminate Under Eye Bags And Dark Circles

The estheticians know how to treat the delicate under-eye area. The eye creams used by them are specially prepared to treat the sensitive skin around your eyes and have anti-aging benefits. Many use cucumber slices during treatment for soothing your eyes. Cucumber contains vitamin K that rehydrates tired skin and eliminates dark circles and wrinkles.

13. Facial Masks Make Your Skin Soft And Glowing

The esthetician prepares a mask that’s specially designed for your skin type. It hydrates the skin and refines the skin pores. It also contains ingredients that diminish hyperpigmentation and make your skin firm.

14. Boost The Absorption Abilities Of Your Skin

This is another advantage of going for a facial regularly. It increases your skin’s ability to absorb other products effectively. You might be spending a lot of money on cosmetic products but find that they aren’t being absorbed by your skin. Why? Because your skin’s surface is so rough that it cannot permeate it properly. With regular facials, your skin becomes smooth and ready to absorb the products.

15. You Get Expert Care

Facials come along with expert opinions and advice. Before any facial treatment, the expert esthetician asks you about your skin type, issues you are facing, and what problems you want to address. They examine your skin and analyze the problem before offering a solution. They pick products and treatments that are beneficial for your skin.

16. Give You An Even Skin Tone

A facial evens out those dark spots, giving you a bright skin tone.

What to Expect During A Facial

Prepping your skin prior

While your beautician will be doing most of the work during your facial session, it is still imperative that you get your prep work done prior so that your skin is ready for the treatment. Generally, sticking with your usual skincare routine is perfectly fine. However, we would recommend steering clear of potent products such as retinol for at least a week before your facial session. This is because such harsh ingredients may result in severe reactions after your facial treatment. Similarly, carrying out DIY extractions at home is something you should strictly avoid – they often cause more harm to your skin than good. Instead, leave it to the professionals!

The general process of a facial

To give you an idea of what to expect during your session, here is a brief overview of common steps of a facial treatment.

1. Cleansing

Cleaning your skin will be the first step of your facial. Your skin care specialist will use a cleanser to gently massage your face and neck to get rid of any makeup or dirt on your face. They will then gently wash the cleanser off your face with warm water and a gentle facial sponge, towel, or cotton pad. This helps to create a clean, blank canvas for your skin to receive all that goodness later on.

2. Extractions

The extraction process aids in unclogging pores with excess oil, dead skin cells, and other impurities found in the skin. These clogged pores are often a result of acne, blackheads, or whiteheads. A skin specialist will perform the extraction either by hand or with a special metal tool.

3. Facial masks

Arguably the highlight of any facial treatment, your skin specialist will apply a rejuvenating facial mask as one of the final steps of the session. Then, you can shut your eyes and take a rest as your mask sets (typically for about half an hour) and delivers all that goodness to your skin.

Post-facial

If you are experiencing some redness and breakouts after your facial, fret not! Although there are several potential causes for a breakout, stimulation is the major one. Whatever is clogging your pores will rise to the surface as a result of the facial massage, extractions, and the products used on your skin. Simply put, your skin’s condition will often get worse before it gets better. Most skin specialists will also advise that you avoid wearing makeup for at least 6 hours after your facial. When in doubt, consult your skin specialist – do not hesitate to ask them questions and get their expert opinion.

Picking The Right Facial

You should choose a facial based on the type of skin you have and the problem you want to address:

1. Normal/Dry Skin

For normal to dry skin, choose a facial that includes deep cleansing, a moisturizing massage, and steam treatment to remove extra dirt. Opt for a moisturizing 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, and 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

Microdermabrasion Facial

The fastest way to get a healthy, youthful glow is to buff away the layers of dead skin that have accumulated from age and sun exposure. In microdermabrasion, a pressurized jet scours the skin with micronized crystals (usually aluminum oxide) and then vacuums the dead cells away. Make sure the spa uses a device on which they can adjust the grit so that it is appropriate for your skin type. And don't book this service on the day of an event, since your cheeks may be a little rosy immediately afterward.

Acupuncture Facial

During this procedure, about 30 needles are pushed approximately 1 millimeter into your frown lines, forehead, and crow's-feet. Sounds fun, huh? It doesn't hurt as much as you'd think—some people barely even feel the pricks. The needles are plucked out after about 15 minutes—and an hour later, skin looks radiant and eyes are brighter.

Lymphatic Massage Facial

If clenching jaws or grinding teeth are your equivalents of a stress ball, you may want to consider a facial with a lymphatic massage. Kneading targeted points on the face can unlock strain (goodbye, tension headaches) and even help temporarily reduce puffiness. Some spas call out the service specifically, usually including the word "lymphatic" somewhere in the name. Otherwise, you can ask which facial includes the treatment when booking.

Led Facial

This space-age-y facial harnesses the specific wavelengths in LED light to calm breakouts and inflammation, making it ideal for those with acne-prone skin and redness. A single treatment can improve both, but for severe breakouts, it may take closer to three sessions to notice a dramatic reduction.

Diamond File Facial

This is the Elizabeth Taylor of facials. Actual crushed diamonds are filed over the skin (it feels more like a cat's tongue than an electric sander). And although the service's claims of completely resurfaced skin are lofty, this one does fade dark spots.

Brightening Facial

"Dull," "ashy," and "tired" are three words no one wants to use to describe her skin. A brightening facial usually involves a combination of masks, enzyme peels, and acid treatments to remove dead skin buildup. The result? Dewy, megawatt glowy skin.

Hydrating Facial

When none of the lotions or creams in your bathroom seem to be cutting it anymore, you may need to dial up the intensity of your hydration routine. Look for a facial that focuses on moisturization. This usually includes humectant-rich products and masks designed to soften and plump skin.

Classic Facial

Sometimes, you just want to close your eyes and drift while having your face pampered. A typical classic facial provides deep cleansing, extractions, and a head and neck massage. The goal is to wake up looking—and feeling—rested and refreshed.

Firming and Contouring Facial

Yes, your face may twitch and vibrate awkwardly. And yes, you may experience a metallic taste in your mouth. But microcurrent devices can temporarily tighten muscles in the face for a more lifted appearance. Some contouring facials also incorporate massaging techniques to firm. Not everyone finds this intense—but often effective—sculpting to be super-relaxing, so consider skipping it if you're just looking to indulge.

Decongesting Facial

A decongesting facial is like a professional pore excavation. It's designed to clear out clogged sebum and eliminate blackheads. Extractions (sometimes with a lancet) do most of the heavy lifting. And although they may leave your skin slightly pink immediately after, they should never hurt. Gentle acid peels, like lactic or AHA, also help dissolve the outer layers of skin to resurface it and keep pores clean.

Anti-Aging Facial

This one attacks signs of aging on all fronts: cleansing, resurfacing (often as microdermabrasion), brightening (acid peels), and hydrating. Book this one about a week before a big event, since skin can flake and peel depending on the strength of the peel. And be extra diligent about wearing SPF every day—skin can be especially photosensitive.

Hydrafacial

There's a hydrating facial, and then there's a super-charged HydraFacial. The device essentially sucks all the gross stuff out of your face like a vacuum. Then the same tool helps infuse your skin with a vitamin-packed serum. It's surprisingly gentle, so the skin looks soft and radiant without any redness or inflammation.

7 Steps That the Best Spa Facial Should Include

If you’ve wondered what’s happening to your skin during a facial treatment, keep reading. We’re breaking down seven steps that every spa facial should include.

1. Skin Analysis

The first thing an esthetician needs to do is perform a thorough inspection of your skin. They may need to use a bright magnifying lamp, which enables them to see every detail of your pores. This step is performed to give them an idea of the type of skin you have. Whether your skin is dry, oily, very sensitive, or relatively normal will help determine the type of treatment you need. They’ll also be looking for other skin conditions. These could include acne, sun damage, blackheads, aging, or dehydration. This will give the esthetician an idea of what products they’ll need to use and what areas they need to concentrate more on.

2. Cleansing

This step involves cleansing your skin in preparation for the application of exfoliates and masks. Your face needs to be clean to absorb these products. Any makeup you’re wearing will get removed and either cleansing milk, lotion, or gel will be applied and massaged into your face and neck. This ensures no oils are present during the procedure. Then, the esthetician will remove these cleansing agents using either a facial sponge or cloth and warm water. They will then pat your skin dry.

3. Exfoliating the Skin

Your skin generates new cells all the time. As they die, they fill with keratin, a substance that protects your skin. As you age, your skin develops new cells at a slower rate, which means the dead cells start to collect unevenly. This leads to dry skin and a more dull appearance. This is why exfoliation is essential. Your esthetician will use either a chemical or mechanical product to clear away dead cells.

4. Extractions

After your skin has gone through exfoliation, your esthetician will extract any whiteheads or blackheads. This ensures all pores are thoroughly cleared. Blackheads are sebum that has become impacted within the pore. Whiteheads, on the other hand, result when bacteria collects in a pore. This bacteria causes inflammation, which is why whiteheads are usually larger. These clogged pores are typically the result of oily or acne-prone skin. However, even people with relatively clear, healthy skin can get them. Your esthetician will need to remove all traces of these clogged pores. Sometimes this process can be somewhat uncomfortable but usually doesn’t take too long.

5. Applying a Facial Mask

The next step involves the application of a facial mask. At this point in the process, your esthetician will know which mask is best suited for your skin. There are many different products that spas will use. For more oily skin, a clay mask is good for getting rid of excess sebum. For skin that’s dehydrated, a rejuvenating mask is more appropriate. This product must remain on your face until fully dry. During this time, the mask is hydrating your skin or pulling out sebum that has built up in your pores. This is typically the most relaxing step in the process. Your esthetician may even message your neck, scalp, or shoulders after applying the mask. Once the mask has fully dried and had enough time to do its job, your esthetician will remove it. They’ll also rinse your skin with warm water.

6. Final Application

After the mask gets removed, a final product will get applied to your skin. Again, your esthetician will know exactly what to use based on your specific skin type. This application could include a serum, moisturizer, or sunblock. The intention is to fully protect your skin after the treatment. Your esthetician may also apply an eye gel that works to reduce inflammation. In addition, you may opt for a toner that suits your skin type. This final application could also include an anti-aging product, which will reduce the appearance of lines or wrinkles. Make sure you talk to your esthetician about your options for a final application.

7. Consultation

After your spa facial, your esthetician will give you some information on how to take care of your skin. They’ll now have a full understanding of your skin type and condition and can make informed recommendations on how to make your skin look its best. They can also recommend products that will help you keep your skin healthy and also take care of problem areas. Many spas have these products on hand for purchase. This is the time to ask any questions you may have. Your esthetician can give you advice on how to better protect your skin based on your lifestyle and will let you know if there are things you can change that will result in better-looking skin.

How to Give Yourself a Facial at Home

Light some scented candles put on the most relaxing, meditative music you can find, and line up the facial care products you need. First up is a guide to an at-home facial for most skin types. If you have acne-prone skin, please skip forward to the next section designed for you.

Here is your step-by-step guide for giving yourself a quality facial:

Step ​1. Prepare Your Facial Products

Make sure you pull your hair away from your face and secure it with a headband or towel so you can apply your skin care products easily. Now, it’s time for makeup removal! Start by applying an oil cleanser before rinsing or removing it with a warm washcloth. If you’re battling against stubborn eye makeup, in addition to the oil cleanser, you can pour a little eye makeup remover onto a cotton pad and wipe your eyes gently. 

Step 2. Cleanse 

After removing your makeup, double-cleanse by massaging a small amount of another cleanser into your face and neck for 1-3 minutes (dilute with water if needed). Not only do facial massages allow your skin to better absorb the product, but they encourage the drain of build-up in your face that causes puffiness. Make sure to push the skin up as you massage to give your face a natural lift. Gently smooth forehead and eye area wrinkles as you go. This will relax the facial muscles. Rinse thoroughly.

Step 3. Tone

Next, spray or apply toner with cotton pads. Remember the neck and decolletage (avoid the eye area here), as they are the first areas, other than the face, to show age. Toners are essential to complete the cleansing process and protect the skin from environmental stressors. 

Step 4. Steam

If you particularly enjoy facials that get a little steamy, never fear — this is something you can DIY. Pour boiled water into a large bowl and place your skin six inches away while covering your head with a towel to trap the steam. This will open your pores and prepare your skin for exfoliation and absorption. You can steam for up to 10 minutes, two minutes at a time.

Step 5. Exfoliate

Gently massage an exfoliant into the skin. Be careful not to scrub or drag, particularly around the delicate eye area where the skin is thinner. Massaging an exfoliant onto your skin gently removes dead cells and any remaining dirt or makeup. Rinse thoroughly.

6. Facial Masking

It’s masking time! Apply a thin, even layer of your mask (it may be tempting to go thick, but it’s not necessary) and leave it on for five to 10 minutes before removing it with a damp face cloth. For extra facial benefit, employ massaging techniques to maximize absorption and natural lift. Remember to include your neck and decolletage. 

Step 7. Massage

To deeply hydrate the skin, reach for your facial oil or moisturizer for another massage. Make sure to avoid acne-prone areas. Gently knead your face for five to 10 minutes before rinsing the product off. 

Step 8. Apply Serum

Now to lock in the moisture: Apply a serum that suits your skin and massage it into the skin in circular motions. For example, the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum has a potent dose of non-irritating Vitamin C that brightens the appearance of all skin types. You can leave most serums on and follow with a moisturizer (only two steps away!). 

Step 9. Eye Care

Next, you want to target dark undereye circles, puffiness, or fine lines around your eyes. Reach for your favorite eye cream, lightly blending and tapping the product until it’s absorbed. 

Step 10. Moisturizing

Take your moisturizer and apply a thin layer to the face, neck, and decolletage. And you’re done with your first at-home facial! If you deal with acne, and you’re concerned that any of the steps would trigger further breakouts, see below for insights on how to give yourself a facial designed for acne.

Side Effects of Facials You Can Help Clients Avoid

Here are a few typical adverse effects that some individuals may suffer after a facial, as well as tips on how you can help clients avoid them.

1. Irritation and Redness

The most typical side effects of a facial are redness and blotchy skin. This might be related to the exfoliation pressure and any extractions or substances used during the operation. Allow the client's skin to recuperate by instructing them not to wear makeup or use any other products on their skin for the first day or two following their facial. Advise them to schedule their treatment three days before a major event where they want to look their best so their face can have time to dissipate the redness.

2. Breakouts

Bacteria that get into the skin during a facial typically cause post-facial outbreaks. Steam machines and inadequately sanitized instruments can serve as breeding habitats for these germs. Avoid or minimize this effect by using facial instruments immediately after taking them out of the machine.

3. Scarring

When aestheticians use their fingers or equipment to remove impurities from pores, they risk harming the client's outer skin layer. Extractions that are too forceful might result in wounds and bleeding. If you damage the client's skin, the injury might lead to an infection, or worse, scarring. Make sure to always wear gloves to protect your client and reduce their risk of infection.

4. Dryness

One of the primary goals of a facial is to exfoliate the client's skin and bring the freshest layer of skin to the surface. However, exfoliating too vigorously may leave the client's skin feeling dry and sensitive. Help the client avoid dryness by recommending a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer. Avoiding the sun after a facial is also recommended since UV rays can further aggravate dry skin.

How to Find an Esthetician Near Me

Trying to find an esthetician for the first time can be overwhelming. Here are a few ways to get started.

Ask Friends

Choosing the right esthetician ultimately comes down to personal preference, so what works for your friend might not work for you. That said, word of mouth is a powerful tool and can be a great way to find a reputable skincare professional. Try to talk to friends whose skin types or concerns are similar to yours. This is especially important if you have a specific condition such as rosacea, acne, discoloration, or sensitivity. How well you connect with an esthetician is also about personality. You want to find someone you have a good rapport with and can talk to easily—someone you feel listens to you and understands your concerns. If a friend recommends an esthetician based on having a good relationship with them, this is a good sign!

Use Social Media

If you don’t get any good responses from your immediate friend group, try reaching out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for recommendations.

Search Online

Read reviews. While online reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, they’re a good way to suss out whether a spa is reputable before you take the plunge. You can use key search terms such as spa, facial, and esthetician. 

Search Facilities/Spas

Look through facilities in your area to find out which ones are recommended by the community; a high rating isn’t everything, but it’s a good start. Once you identify a few different spas, go through reviews to see if any estheticians’ names repeatedly pop up. You may also be able to narrow your search down to spas that cater to your skin condition by adding filters. You can also search for certain keywords in the search bar of the review section (i.e. acne or sun damage).

Sources:

Wikipedia

Beauty Answered

MBG Lifestyles

Bioelements

Penn Medicine

VERSED

BYRDIE

Groupon

Skinkraft

Allure

Rejeuvine

Very Well Health

Vanilla

Style Craze

Master Class

Eminence Organics

Aycock MD

Renee Rouleau

NOCOAAA

Ogle School

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.