Spa Facial Benefits
Go ahead, give yourself permission to indulge. Going to the spa for a facial has lasting benefits that can drastically improve the look and feel of your skin. Whether you're seeking a thorough cleansing, pore refinement or anti-aging benefits, speak to your beauty professional about your needs in order to target your specific areas of concern. If you have sensitive skin, consult your dermatologist before booking your first facial appointment to determine whether the treatment is right for you.
A man wearing a facial mask relaxing at a spa. (Image: Steve Mason/Digital Vision/Getty Images)Refined Pores
The dirt and bacteria that accumulate on your skin throughout the day can settle in your pores, causing unsightly blackheads and whiteheads. During a facial, a cosmetologist or esthetician performs extractions to safely squeeze blackheads, whiteheads and accumulated dirt and oil out of your pores. The result is the appearance of more refined pores and an overall smoother complexion.
Skin Renewal
A portion of your facial will be dedicated to exfoliating your skin's outermost layers of skin. By sloughing away dead skin cells, bacteria and debris, your beauty provider helps reduce the chance of these particles clogging your pores. Exfoliating ingredients, such as glycolic and alpha-hydroxy acids, are often used in such treatments. Be honest with your facialist at the beginning of the treatment about your skin's sensitivities -- this allows the esthetician to provide the maximum level of exfoliation without irritating your skin with more aggressive ingredients.
Product Absorption
Because of the exfoliation and extraction, your facial will bring your newest, freshest layer of skin to the surface. This paves the way for products to be more readily absorbed by your skin, allowing for maximum hydration. In addition to the moisturizer your beauty provider applies during your facial, any hydrating products you use within the hours or days immediately following will likely have their efficacy increased. Also be diligent in applying retinoids or dark-spot correctors after your beauty treatment to maximize the products' full impact.
Anti-Aging Benefits
During your facial, the beauty professional may administer certain treatments designed to offer anti-aging benefits. For instance, chemical or herbal peels and brightening masks incorporate ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, plant extracts and other age-defying antioxidants. When incorporated into a facial, these powerful treatments can boost collagen production, plump the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and brighten your complexion.
