Facials 101: How They Benefit Your Skin
Facials are relaxing and invigorating services offered by licensed estheticians. Facial services are typically stand-alone treatments that last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, but sometimes they’re offered as a combination service with a massage.
At Massage Now, we offer a 60 and 90-minute massage and facial services combo performed by our very own massage therapist and esthetician, Caitlin Andes.
Click here if you’d like to book a massage+facial today.
Read on if you want to learn more about facials, what they do for your skin, and what you need to know before your appointment!
What does a facial do?
A professional facial service is designed to help you relax and improve the skin on your face, neck, and decollete that can help prevent and treat common issues.
Facials can also:
- Boost collagen production
- Remove dead skin cells
- Improve the appearance of fine lines and blemishes
- Clear your pores
- Moisturize and hydrate
The end result? Glowy, healthier, younger-looking skin!
What are some of the different types of facials?
There are tons of different facials out there, each designed for a specific type of skin or concern like:
- Deep cleansing facials
- Acne prevention facials
- Anti-aging facials
- Hydrating facials
- Lymphatic drainage facials
Make sure to speak with your esthetician first to see what they offer and recommend for your skin type.
How should you prepare for a facial?
Here are our best tips to prepare for a facial, especially if this is your first time!
- It’s essential to be knowledgeable about your home skincare so that you can tell your esthetician what you’re using–this helps them avoid using something that may counteract or irritate your skin.
- Skip harsh exfoliating products about four days before your scheduled treatment.
- For men, it’s best not to shave the morning of your facial.
- We recommend rescheduling your facial service if you have a sunburn.
- Leave your jewelry at home
How do you care for your skin after a facial?
After your facial service, some minor post-treatment breakouts and irritation are possible. But these are rare.
Follow the aftercare directions your esthetician gives you following a facial. Sometimes they recommend keeping your skincare to the bare essentials–a gentle wash and moisturizer–for the next few days.
Overall, it’s best to avoid hard cleansers, exfoliates, toners, and scrubbing 48-72 hours after your treatment.
What can you expect during Massage Now’s massage and facial service?
The massage will be the first service that happens. You’ll lay on your front for the massage first, then flip to your back for the rest of the massage. Once the massage is through, the facial service begins.
Here are the steps of our facials:
- Cleansing – Our esthetician will cleanse your face and neck with a gentle cleanser using gentle, moderate strokes, which also serve as a massage! Most of the time, your skin will be prepped during your massage with warm steam.
- Exfoliating – After cleansing, your skin will be treated with a gentle exfoliator. This step helps get rid of dead skin cells and other skin impurities. This will also be washed off before proceeding to the next team.
- Face mask – A hydrating mask will then be placed on your skin using a relaxing silicone brush to ensure full coverage.
- Face massage – Our esthetician will massage your scalp, neck, and decollete while the mask sits.
- Finishing up – After the mask is washed off, the end of the facial service will be a warm towel over your face and then locking in all that incredible moisture with a hydrating lotion.
What’s next?
A facial is a treatment meant to relax and invigorate your skin and can help improve specific skin issues like acne, aging, or dry skin. There are all different types of facials, so be sure to speak with your licensed esthetician for the one that’s right for your skin.
We hope that this blog answered any questions you had regarding facials. If you live in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and you’re looking for the perfect place to schedule a massage and facial service, book an appointment today.