What Does A Facial Do For Your Skin?

Experts explain all the benefits of this popular skin care product.

Facials are skin care we talk about a lot, and assume they're good for us. But is it really personal care? And most importantly, what does a face mask do for your skin?

Simply put, or as celebrity esthetician Joanna Chick told InStyle , a facial is "a multi-step, multitasking skin treatment designed to address your specific skin concerns while keeping skin balanced, hydrated, clear, healthy, and radiant."

"It helps improve the appearance of your skin," adds Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and member of the Skin of Color Society. "Plus, it cleanses and repairs your skin, leading to an overall improvement in its health."

So, now that experts have confirmed that it's good for skin health, let's dive into what exactly happens during one of the most popular skincare routines.

What are the benefits of personal care?

In general, personal care can solve a number of skin problems. Czech lists moisturizing, brightening, cleansing, balancing, calming, sculpting and skin tightening as some of its facial benefits. B.

What types of facials are there?

Whatever your skin concern, we will find a facial tailored to your needs. New York-based licensed esthetician Sophie Buffett explains that some of the most popular facials include:

Deep facial creams with a focus on exfoliation and extraction.
A facial massage consisting of deep massage techniques aimed at relaxing and sculpting the face.
Chemical peels , where a chemical exfoliator is used to rejuvenate the skin.
Hydrafacial , which includes a device to penetrate and absorb the serum into the skin.
Facial laser rejuvenates the skin and removes redness, dullness and fat.

You can also find personalized face masks that combine many of the above. In her private practice, Chech creates her own personal care system with clients during the consultation process. Depending on what a client wants to treat, he says his personalized care combines different technologies, such as LED, cryotherapy, negative ionization, ultrasound, radiofrequency, high frequency, water and micro-punctures, as well as manual massage or extractions. . (if necessary), as well as appropriate care products.

Where do I go for a facial?

As with any skin care, you should go to a place where licensed professionals perform personal care for a client. So do your research. "First, identify the skin care problems you want to solve," says Buffett. "Then you can search in your area to see if there is anyone who specializes in that."

You can't go wrong with a visit to a dermatologist's office or medical officer if you have any questions; Dr.

Who is the specialist who performs this treatment?

Czech says you should look for licensed estheticians and dermatologists for facials. If you want to make sure your technician is actually licensed, he says you can check with your state boards. Buffett adds that the studio or spa you go to must also have an esthetician's business license, so be sure to check it out to be comprehensive. "This is for your protection and for getting professional treatment," he says.

You will also need a licensed professional to give you an initial consultation before they touch your face. Cech recommends making sure that the person you see asks questions about your skin and your condition so that they can put together an appropriate treatment plan that will best meet your needs.

How long is personal care?

It all depends on the type of facial you're planning on going for, but Dr. Mitchell says they can usually last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes.

How much does personal care cost?

Buffett says the cost of personal care can vary by location and the type of care a person receives. (Right now, she says, a basic New York facelift can cost between $150 and $200 at a reputable spa.)

How do you take care of your skin before and after the operation?

What you can and cannot do before caring for the person depends on the type of treatment you receive. In general, Czech says you shouldn't wear any face creams for at least 72 hours after fillers, Botox, dental or oral surgery, or certain laser procedures because you don't want to cause any adverse reactions. Buffett adds that you can avoid using exfoliants or active ingredients on your face for a few days to reduce the risk of irritation. You should also avoid shaving your face for at least 24 hours.

The specialist will also advise how to take care of the skin after the procedure. Each person needs a specific skin care program based on their condition and needs, Chick says, and you should get recommendations for your facial at home.

In general, Buffett says you should avoid any exfoliation for a few days and stick to gentle products like Pacifica Botanical Ceramide Extra Gentle Face Wash to calm and soothe skin. You'll also want to make sure you protect your skin from the sun, so using sunscreen every day is a must. She recommends something like iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 30 for daily use.

Dr. Mitchell adds that you should avoid toners, especially those that contain alcohol, which have exfoliating or astringent properties. Try to stay away from makeup if you can, and make sure all cosmetic and skin care tools are thoroughly cleaned before use to avoid pimples. In addition to wearing sunscreen, she recommends drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydration to keep skin healthy.

How long do the results last?

Czech says your age, budget, health, and other skin treatments you receive can affect how long results last. "The results of a facial are cumulative, meaning the more often you get them, the better the results," she explains. "Think of personal care the same way you think of healthy eating or exercise."

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Czechs say that if you're seeing an experienced professional, negative side effects should be minimal. Some facials, such as hair removal and laser treatments, can cause redness and pain, but she says these side effects should go away within a day or two.

Buffett adds that you should skip treatment if you have anything irritating (like perioral dermatitis), as grooming can cause even more irritation. Accutane users will also want to wait until their skin has healed to undergo additional treatments.

But this is exactly why an initial consultation is so important before individualized care is undertaken. You should contact your technician to find out what products you use regularly and whether you have recently had injections, Botox, or dental or maxillofacial surgery. You should also tell us if you are pregnant or have other health problems. The technician will help you get the correct facial to prevent skin damage.

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