Facials – What You Need to Know
Having a facial can be relaxing and therapeutic, and now there are more options than ever. You may have had a classic facial from an esthetician at a salon or spa or a new-age variety with cutting-edge tools and products. No matter how you approach your facials, working with an experienced aesthetician like Anna Politi is an important first step toward skin rejuvenation. She will evaluate your skin and discuss treatment expectations.
The Steps to a Facial
A classic facial consists of elements that are just as important today as ever. Facials typically involve a high-quality cleanser, exfoliation, massage, and hydration. One crucial and traditional aspect of facials is extractions, where comedones and pustules due to acne or keratin buildup are removed with steam and extraction tools. Extractions should not be performed at home since incorrect use of tools and lack of steam can cause trauma to delicate facial skin- often causing scars. And never use your fingers for popping or squeezing pimples, especially those that are deeper or do not have a head. Further, picking at facial skin is a sure way to cause permanent damage and can even make pimples larger or infected when not dealt with appropriately.
For those without the need for extractions, exfoliation is critical to removing the upper layers of dead skin. This step is crucial for brightening, improving texture, and smoothing.
Stimulating the facial skin and blood vessels with a massage, jade rollers, stones, and other tools is important. Traditional massage tools such as wood and quartz have been used for centuries to restore and relax. Microdermabrasion and microneedling are just a couple of other options for further treatment.