The Importance of a Facial – How to Slow the Aging Process
Why should I get a facial?
Unfortunately, with the staggering amount of pollution that the world now produces, our skin is constantly being exposed to dirt and grime and over time, this build up, along with the dead skin cells that accumulate on your face, block the pores and occasionally require help with having a deep cleanse. But let’s face it, (see what I did there?) facials can be a bit pricey. However, although you brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis, you still go to the dentist, right? Because, by regularly visiting your dentist, you can avoid having extensive work done to your teeth (hello root canal).
The same applies with your face and facial skin. By regularly visiting an esthetician (also called a facial specialist - a skincare specialist who can examine the condition of your skin and perform treatments like facials, hair removal, and makeup applications) you can keep your facial skin clean and looking healthy for years to come, thereby slowing the aging process. Your skin needs to be evaluated and cleansed by a trained professional every so often to maintain a healthy complexion.
So what exactly is a facial?
Whilst the style and products of a good facial may depend on the esthetician, the following are the main steps taken when receiving a facial:
Deep Pore Cleansing
Normally, the first step in a facial is deep pore cleansing, by way of steaming. However, some estheticians start with a facial massage in order to increase the circulation and encourage muscle tone before beginning the pore cleansing. Some even use specialised equipment to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to the skin, to assist with a deeper cleanse and stimulate circulation. It is important not to disrupt the skin’s natural barrier function, which has a balanced pH, as well as oils and lipids that are essential to your skin’s health.
Skin Analysis
One of the most important steps of a facial, the esthetician then figures out what skin type you have and whether you have any skin conditions, thus determining which products and treatments will be used on your skin for the rest of the facial. This is where finding a trained esthetician is vital, as they are taught the correct steps in evaluating your skin, along with which questions to ask in order to discuss a facial treatment and skin care routine that will suit your type of skin.
Exfoliation
This is where the outer layer of dead skin is removed, either through a manual scrub or microdermabrasion (a type of surgical skin planing, generally with the goal of removing acne, scarring, and other skin or tissue irregularities). Your skin continuously generates more cells, with the older cells being replaced by the newer, healthier cells. The older we get, the slower this process becomes and causes the old dead cells to build up on our skin. This is what gives our skin that dull, rough and dry appearance. By exfoliating and thus removing the dead skin cells, the healthier, newer cells will emerge, giving you a much healthier, younger looking skin.
Extractions
The next steps of a facial is usually extractions. This is usually a gentle force (either with gloved fingers, or a specialised extractor) to extract or push out any congestion of the pores, such as blackheads, or whiteheads. This step is important, and it is good to remember that estheticians and dermatologists are professionally trained to remove these impurities correctly, and handle the skin afterwards.
Complete the Facial
From here, your esthetician may decide to give you a massage in order to stimulate circulation, and bring oxygen to the skin, promoting relaxation. They could also possibly apply a toner or antiseptic agent, appropriate for your skin or the condition they are trying to treat. They may even apply a face mask, to enhance the deep cleaning process, to moisturise by deeply penetrating your skin with a hydrating solution, or perhaps a mask with specific anti-aging properties.
Tone and Hydrate
No matter how your facial specialist decides to end off your facial, it is always good to remember to tone and hydrate – even after your treatment. Toners help to restore the skins natural pH levels and helps to prepare the skin for proper absorption of moisturiser. Moisturising (or hydrating) your skin is very important. By doing this, you are putting the much needed water back into your skin. Even if you tend to have a more oily skin, your skin still needs water. You just need to ensure that you pick a moisturiser that is right for your skin type.
Fast Facial from Home
Many of these steps can be done from home, by making use of the correct tools and products. BWG Botanics offers a wide variety of items that could be beneficial to your own “at home” facial routine, such as:
Rechargable Face Deep Cleaning Peeling Shovel
Shop BWG Botanics wide range of washes, scrubs, masks and moisturisers here.
Benefits of having regular facials
There are two main reasons you should consider having more regular facials. Anti-Acne, and Anti-Aging. If you are prone to acne and congested pores, having regular facials can speed up the healing process, by deep cleaning those pores, especially with extractions therefore minimising further congestion and in the long run, scaring.
We have already determined that a facial stimulates circulation and when it comes to aging skin, this is vital. A facial will also assist with flushing excess water and toxins, by encouraging lymphatic drainage. It also stimulates collagen production, specially when combined with microdermabrasion and LED light therapy.
Regularly scheduled facials will leave your skin feeling fresher, cleaner, looking clearer, smoother and more radiant. In the long run, having regular facials will actually save you money, by reducing the chances of needing expensive procedures and injections to keep your skin looking younger.
You should also begin noticing that your makeup will be easier to apply, looking smoother and more even. Don’t be surprised if you start using less makeup, as your skin begins to clear and look more revitalised!
The best part about getting a facial is that the results are almost instant. Very rarely do you come across a skin treatment or product that lives up to expectations. However, after just one facial, you should see an immediate improvement in the appearance of your skin.
And if you think about it, a healthy skin is our body’s first line of defence against illness, bacteria and certain diseases. So what are you waiting for – book a facial or try our awesome range of at home facial products today!