People always ask me what the point of a facial is. They’re a bit spendy (depending on where you go), it’s an hour (or more) of your time, and some people really don’t understand the benefits of an appointment dedicated specifically to your skin. Alas, don’t fret, I’m here to explain!
Generally people are more focused on spending their money on hair or nails before their skin, because it’s where you see immediate results. You get a highlight and wash/dry, voila! Lighter hair. Get a pedicure, bam it’s socially acceptable to wear your sandals again. Yes, you see an immediate glow after a facial service, but it’s so much more than that! Keep reading to find out why everyone (yes men, you too) can benefit from facials.
Benefit Numero Uno*: Massage
Facial massage boosts circulation throughout the face, neck, and décolleté (aka your chest area if you’re not versed in facial lingo). If you didn’t know already, blood is what supplies nutrients to the skin. Any vitamins you take go to your bloodstream. If you don’t have proper circulation, your skin can’t receive nutrients, resulting in lackluster skin. Estheticians are trained in proper massage techniques that encourage blood flow. Plus, you have no idea how much tension we hold in our faces until someone gives you a facial massage. Trust me on this.
Benefit Numero Dos: Stress Relief
A large part of skin ailments are due to stress. Ever see a huge pimple pop up right before you have a big, important event? Ding ding ding! Stress raises hormones in the body that cause our sebaceous glands to secrete excess oil, which in turn causes breakouts. Especially if you’re not properly cleansing and exfoliating. The aromatherapy and relaxation associated with facials is proven to reduce stress. An hour under the care of an experienced professional can seriously change and improve your stress levels.
Benefit Numero Tres: Exfoliation
Such a large portion of clients that I see fail to exfoliate their skin, or over exfoliate in general. Either of which can be detrimental to your skin. In a typical facial service, your technician will determine the best route of exfoliation for your YOU, whether it be mechanical or chemical. Both of which will reveal a brighter complexion underneath. It encourages cell turnover, which is essential to the health and youthful glow of the skin. It makes fine lines appear less prominent since your products are able to soak into the skin better; and it also helps alleviate congestion, which is what causes uneven texture on the skin as well as breakouts.
Benefit Numero Cuatro: Proper Treatments
I can’t tell you how frustrated I get when I see “beauty bloggers” using horrific DIY masks, trendy machines or tools that don’t really work (or that actually damage your skin), and just giving bad advice in general. They are not licensed professionals and you should not trust them as if they are. Not to say they’re all necessarily wrong, but people blindly follow what they do and not everything is good for you. I know we all like to save a few bucks and do things ourselves, but some things are best left to professionals who were trained to do them properly. For instance, extractions. Anyone can go to the store and buy an extractor tool and go to town on their face. However, most of you are probably damaging your skin and pores due to incorrect methods. Surprise, estheticians are trained to do this for you! Plus, we’re able to get a perspective on your skin that you just don’t have access to. Since, you know, your eyes are attached to you.
Benefit Numero Cinco: Knowledge
An Esthetician is specifically trained and licensed to analyze the skin and its current state. We spend 600 hours (or more depending on what state you live in) gaining an understanding as to why the skin does what it does, and we use that information to determine what routine is right for each and every client we see. Everyone’s facial needs are so different, it’s impossible to read an article about someone’s favorite skincare and use the same products to get the same results. I can’t give people a proper skin analysis over an Instagram message, even though I try. I have to be able to see your skin to tell you what you need, which requires a visit to yes, you guessed it, the salon! We like to see clients every 4-6 weeks because that’s when the skin has gone through a complete cell turnover cycle, and we can assess and treat the skin all over again for YOUR benefit.
PSA: You don’t have to use the exact products I recommend, but know that you will not get the results you want with a $4 moisturizer from Walmart. These are facts. We cannot guarantee results if you fail to use proper home care. Just like if you color your hair with nice products, then you turn around and use Suave. HOME CARE IS ESSENTIAL PEOPLE!
I hope this answered any questions you may have had about why you should be receiving regular facial treatments. Spa expenses may seem like a waste of money to some people, but if you’re interested in preserving your youthful appearance for as long as possible they are essential. Even going in at the start of each season can benefit you greatly, but 4-6 weeks is that sweet spot for optimum results.
Any questions? Leave them for me below! Now call your salon and schedule a facial ASAP! You can thank me later.
xoxo Shelby
*I don’t know why I decided to number these in Spanish, because I don’t speak the language. I got a C in 7th grade Spanish. 7th grade Spanish.
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