Let’s just start by saying that good skin care really is a lifestyle choice. It’s choosing to put your skin, and your well-being at a higher priority. And while, yes, getting a facial is definitely one of those “pampering” services, it is also essential in order to keep your skin clean and healthy.
As most of us remember from High School Biology, the skin is the largest organ in the human body! Our skin is also our last form of defense from the pollutants and toxins that we face everyday. That is why we need to take special care to treat and nurture our skin.
What is a facial good for?
Exfoliation!
Your skin is on a cycle where the dead skin cells slowly fall off to allow the newer, more youthful looking cells to reach the surface. As we age, this cycle slows down and the dead skin cells take longer to slough off. This means a few different things – one, that the more youthful looking cells don’t reach the surface as quickly, and two, the nourishing products we use have a more difficult time penetrating the skin. If you feel like you constantly apply moisturizer and your skin is still dry, this is probably the culprit! In order to achieve that youthful “glow”, and to help our products penetrate the skin, we exfoliate! There are a number of products out there that can be used at home to help your skin exfoliate quicker (we LOVE the new Lexli line!). During a facial, your esthetician applies products that give you a deeper exfoliation which promotes cell rejuvenation, leaving your skin softer, smoother, and cleaner.
Cleansing!
It’s similar to going to the dentist for a regular teeth cleaning – you can wash your face twice every day, and be extremely thorough, but there will always be dirt and grime that stays behind, clogging up your pores. During a facial, your esthetician spends more time cleansing your skin using methods that help products deeply penetrate into your pores, and manually extracting stubborn pore-clogging bacteria, leaving your skin fresh and clean.
Nourishing!
After the exfoliation and cleansing, it is very important to nourish your skin! Just like you give your body vitamins and minerals every day, you should be giving your skin nourishing vitamins as well. We love the antioxidants and fruit stem cells in our Image line, as well as the aloe-based formula of our Lexli line. At Barris, our estheticians apply a series of products that nourish, repair, and revitalize the skin, and use methods that allow these products to more easily and deeply sink into your skin.
Protection!
Once you have received the best exfoliation, your fresh skin cells need to be protected! At the end of your facial, your esthetician will apply protects to protect your skin against the pollutants and toxins in the environment. At Barris, we’ll recommend products to use to prolong the results of your facial, and to keep your skin healthy and glowing!
Interesting, and Frequently Asked Questions About Facials.
Do men get facials?
YES! Actually, considering that most men sweat more than women, which causes more dirt and grime to enter the pores daily, we highly recommend that men receive regular facial treatments. If you’re nervous about starting a “man pampering” routine, we suggest committing to coming in for a one-time facial – that’s 60 minutes of your time, and we promise you’ll love the results!
Will a facial cause breakouts?
Breakouts rarely occur after a facial. If your skin is congested with blackheads or whiteheads underneath the skin, a breakout is possible. Be assured that they won’t last for long, as your esthetician will have brought these to the surface and thoroughly cleansed your skin. If multiple breakouts occur (as in more than one or two, and they last for more than a couple days), let your esthetician know so adjustments can me made.
What age should I start receiving regular facials?
In your 20’s to early 30’s – receiving regular facials is a perfect anti-aging regimen.
Do I need to wash my face before a facial?
No! It’s recommended to not wash your face before coming in for a facial to allow your esthetician to feel the type of oil production that your skin has naturally. It is not recommended to wear makeup, as this will be removed prior to the procedure anyway.
What does my esthetician need to know?
Excellent question!
- Certain Medications or Allergies: We need to know if you’re on any type of medication, or if you have any allergies.
- Pregnancy: We also need to know if you’re pregnant, as products with large amounts of anti-acne and anti-aging products should not be used, as well as vigorous massage.
- Contagious Disease: We definitely need to know if you have a contagious disease (such as pink eye, ringworm or warts), as a facial and massage can cause these to spread!
- Cancer: Clients undergoing chemo or radiation will have highly sensitized skin, and should refrain from having this service. Recently, some skin care companies have released product lines specifically for patients who have undergone recent chemotherapy treatments. Check with your doctor before scheduling a facial, and check with the spa to see if they carry one of these lines.
- Cosmetic Procedures: ask your doctor if it’s OK to get a facial before scheduling your appointment. During your consultation, let your esthetician know and indicate areas of sensitivity.
How often should I get a facial?
It’s recommended that facials are received once a month. However, if you’re on a budget, you can still see the benefits of regular facials by receiving one every 2 months, or one per season (4 per year).
