5 Benefits of Facial Treatments — Plus How to Know If They're Right for You
Too often, facials are seen as a ‘treat yourself’ service. They’re a luxury that you should only indulge in every so often. But scheduling facial treatments regularly is actually one of the best things that you can do for your skin. Facials offer many benefits and can treat various skin concerns. So, getting the right facials to treat your skin concerns can yield amazing results.
Here are five benefits of facial treatments; plus, popular facials that treat different skin concerns.
1. They Treat Signs of Aging
Premature signs of aging have a way of creeping up on you. Things like sun damage and other environmental factors can cause fine lines and wrinkles as well as dark spots. Loss of elasticity and firmness just happens over time. Preventative care can be a lot to keep up with. And even if you’re taking a ton of preventative measures, you might still notice signs of aging over time.
Fortunately, facial treatments are a great way to address signs of aging. The anti-aging properties found in various products can help to provide these benefits during the facial experience. For instance, many facial masks and serums contain ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. These are known for their remarkable ability to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
For best results, your esthetician may recommend take-home products as well. It’s not a bad idea to use an anti-aging treatment in tandem with products as well as regular facial treatments. This holistic approach can significantly enhance the efficacy of facial treatments, ensuring that you're consistently working toward maintaining a youthful and revitalized complexion.
2. They Treat Acne Breakouts
Another common skin concern that can be very difficult to treat is acne. From over the counter products to prescription treatments, those who have suffered from severe acne know the struggle of finding a treatment that works. If you’re looking for a solution for your acne-prone skin, it’s likely a good idea to add routine facials into the mix.
Facials are great for removing blackheads and whiteheads because estheticians perform extractions, which removes pore blockages. Certain types of facials also use products specifically formulated to treat acne. Professional-grade products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may be used, for example.
If you are a little overwhelmed while looking at the options for facials, look for treatments like acne facials, hydrafacials, or customizable facials. Acne facials focus on deep cleansing and extractions, and use professional-grade skincare products specifically formulated to fight breakouts. By consulting with a skincare professional and tailoring your facial treatments to your specific skin concerns, you can take a proactive approach to managing acne and achieving a clearer complexion.
3. They Deeply Cleanse the Skin
Cleansing is an important step in an at-home skincare routine, but it doesn’t quite compare to the deep cleanse of a facial. The steps performed during a professional facial are meant to remove buildup, dirt, oil, and bacteria. When this is done, it allows the rest of the products used during a facial to soak up into the skin and provide maximal benefits.
Too much buildup without proper cleansing can worsen several unwanted skin issues like acne and signs of aging. To treat these issues or prevent them from getting worse, you should deeply cleanse the skin on a regular basis. Deep cleansing facials are a great routine facial since they include most aspects of a professional treatment all in one.
Many facials also include a steam treatment, which serves multiple purposes. The steam helps to soften the skin, making it easier to perform extractions and remove impurities from deep within the pores. It also opens up the pores, allowing skincare products to penetrate more deeply and effectively. This step is particularly beneficial for individuals with acne-prone skin, as it can aid in the gentle removal of pore-clogging debris.
4. They Provide Gentle Exfoliation
In addition to removing surface-level impurities, facials often incorporate exfoliation techniques that effectively slough off dead skin cells. This gentle, yet very effective, exfoliation is great for treating a variety of skin concerns. Dead skin buildup can lead to a dull complexion and clogged pores, exacerbating issues like acne and uneven skin texture.
There are two types of exfoliation you may experience during a facial treatment: physical and chemical exfoliation. Typically, chemical exfoliation is used in professional facial treatments because it’s less abrasive. Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic acid are applied to encourage the shedding of dead skin cells and promote a smoother complexion. Beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, on the other hand, penetrate the pores and are especially effective for individuals with acne-prone skin.
As this dead skin is removed, the overall look, feel, and texture of your skin improves. Exfoliation also speeds up the cell turnover process, increases blood circulation, and increases collagen production. This results in brighter, glowing, firmer skin. By including exfoliation in the facial process, professionals ensure that the skin's surface is smoother, promoting better absorption of subsequent skincare products and a more radiant appearance.
5. You’ll Get Custom Recommendations
Still not convinced that you absolutely need to start getting facials? Well, if the benefits haven’t sold you yet, think of facials as your own personal skin consultation. When visiting a licensed esthetician for a professional facial treatment, you’re not just receiving the facial service itself. In fact, many facials are customizable. If you’re unsure of what to book, an esthetician can usually analyze your skin before the service to provide their recommendations.
Yes, facials are great, but skincare goes beyond the spa. A comprehensive skincare routine includes regular facials and a proper at-home regimen. Luckily, this is an area where your esthetician can help you out. Once they get familiar with your skin and understand your concerns and desires, they can recommend take-home products. Facials plus high-quality skincare products? Yes please!
Facial treatments are a wonderful way to relax, but they also help you achieve great looking skin. If you have any skin concerns or just want to take better care of your skin, start getting facials regularly. If you make it a priority, you’ll be very pleased with the results.
