Best Facial

People often wonder which one is the “best facial?” Today’s market is oversaturated with multiple offers for the “best facials“. It’s important to define your own goals to be able to choose the best facial. Some people want help with their acne and blackheads, others want to improve uneven skin tone and discolorations. Older people want some help with their sagging, wrinkled skin. And then there are the people who just want to relax and be pampered. There is no “one size fits all” solution for all these cases and there is a different “best” facial for each of them. Any facial treatment should begin with a consultation. You might fill out a form with questions about your skin concerns, water intake, drugs, supplements, and skin products.

A facial is essentially a multi-step skin treatment that is one of the best ways to take care of your skin. It cleanses, exfoliates and nourishes your skin, promoting a clear, well-hydrated complexion and a younger look. Any facial works best when it is part of an on-going program of skin care. It is important to find an experienced, licensed aesthetician who has special training in skin care and is knowledgeable, thorough, and passionate about her work. Cosmetologists are also allowed to give facials, but their primary training is in hair, so they should not be your best choice. There are also some dual-licensed therapists, licensed to give both massage and facials. This combination is acceptable in a resort setting. And finally, only licensed aestheticians working under supervision of a physician are allowed to use advanced medical-grade products and not just over the counter cheap creams.

These are some basic steps of a facial:

  • Cleansing. The first step is thorough cleansing, using cotton pads, wipes or sponges. Most professional facials do a double-cleanse.
  • Skin Analysis. The aesthetician might look at your skin under brightly lit magnifying lamp to determine your basic skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive or normal) and skin conditions (acne, blackheads, whiteheads, aging, sun-damage, dehydration, etc.) This step helps to choose the appropriate products and treatments.
  • Steam. Most facials use a machine that directs a thin vapor of warm steam to your face. This is relaxing and helps softens up any blackheads and whiteheads to be extracted. If you have very sensitive skin, the aesthetician may not use steam.
  • Exfoliation (mechanical or chemical). Mechanical exfoliants rub away the surface dead skin cells and usually happens during the steam. Chemical exfoliation uses enzymes and acids to loosen the bond between skin cells. A gentle enzyme treatment can be done during the steam. Stronger chemical peels can be a stand-alone treatment or part of the facial.
  • Extractions. This is the removal of blackheads or whiteheads.
  • Facial massage. This step both relaxes you and stimulates your skin and facial muscles.
  • Facial mask targeted to your skin type and condition.
  • Final application of toner, serums, moisturizer and sunscreen if it’s daytime.

At the end of your facial, an aesthetician should tell you about how to take better care of your skin and recommend products. It’s Ideal to get a facial monthly. Try to have a facial at least four times a year, as the season changes. You may need it more frequently if you are trying to clear up a case of acne, especially at the beginning. Feel free to arrange your complimentary consultation to find out which facial is really the best facial for you.

609 Plandome Rd. • Manhasset, NY 11030 • 718-357-2300
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