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.

Microneedling has gained popularity as a delivery system and for rejuvenation. Microneedling creates tiny punctures that trigger the natural healing process to generate collagen and elastin, stimulating and plumping the face. Specific products can be applied after treatment, so instead of simply laying on top of the skin’s surface, they can make their way into the epidermis, which can be more effective.

Besides these essential steps, facials are all about customizing the experience for your unique skin and skincare needs. Since there are so many different approaches, knowing your goals is essential. Whether you have dry or oily skin, having a facial focusing on pore reduction or rejuvenation might make sense. For inflamed skin, a soothing product should be the focus. A more aggressive approach might be a good option for anti-aging or wrinkles.

So, what are some of the latest and greatest facials? The list is endless if you consider all the products and processes available today. A few of the more popular ones involve using newer technologies and advancements in skin care approaches.

The Photo Facial: A photo facial typically involves using Intense Pulsed Light or IPL as part of the service. It also may refer to using other types of light instead of IPL, such as LEDs, red light therapy, or any different wavelengths shown to improve texture, color, or firmness. These facials range in price but speak to us about an option where your skin type can benefit from the first service and only requires a few sessions for results. Usually, results from IPL can be appreciated after a single session, though repeated treatments are recommended for lasting and more noticeable improvements.

Other popular specialized facials include masks for tightening, injectables like tox, and peels using acids or other chemicals. The sky is the limit with product options, and with a bit of insight from Dr. Boger or our aesthetician, Anna, you can choose an option that matches perfectly with your specific skin type.