Understanding the Types of Facials Will Help You to Make the Right Choice

If you want to age gracefully, choosing the right types of facials along with the correct skin care products will keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.

Have you ever had a facial?

If you have, then you know the results are wonderful! You leave with your face feeling so clean and pampered.

When your complexion looks tired and stressed, a facial provides the revitalization you need.

If you have never had the benefits of an esthetician giving your face a deep pore cleansing, exfoliation of the dead skin, masking to draw out the impurities and a moisture treatment you are not alone. A facial treatment is a pampering luxury that not everyone can afford.

Facials can last anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour and range in price depending on the types of products used for the treatments.

They are professionally recommended every 4 weeks for maximum results.

I would recommend a minimum of 4 treatments yearly usually to coincide with the changing of the seasons.

Understanding the Types of Facials

Need help deciding which facial is best for you?

Consider the following types of facials:

• Essential Facial - the purpose of this type of facial is to do a general reconditioning of your skin. It includes the basics of cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and massage. This is the most cost effective facial and is intended for normal skin.
• Aromatherapy Facial - essential oils are used to revitalize, cleanse and renew your skin. The aromatherapy oils are extremely beneficial for body as well as mind. This is total pampering.
• Specific Facials - do the same as an essential facial but the products used are specifically formulated for the different skin types. They would be a good choice if you have Rosacea, acne, oily, sun damaged or extremely sensitive skin. For example:
• Paraffin facials - a quick fix for special occasions. A paraffin mask is applied to your face over layers of gauze sealing in special creams. Quickly restores radiance to your skin.
• Anti-oxidant and pollution-fighting facials - recommended for you if you are an outdoors person whether for sport or work.
• Acne Facials - highly recommended at least once a month. An oily skin is very active and needs deep pore cleaning and extractions frequently.
• Collagen Facials - if your skin suffers from aging, sun damage and dehydration.

Skin Peels: More Aggressive Types of Facials

More aggressive types of facials are the chemical skin peels which remove a layer of damaged or wrinkled skin and replaces it with a whole new layer of healthy skin.

Skin Peels - as you age the impact of daily living has effects on your skin.

Consult with your dermatologist to determine whether you can achieve the results you are aiming for. Not all peels give the same results.

Some common skin peels are:

• Alpha hydroxy acid peel - uses glycolic, lactic or fruit acids for an all purpose peel. The acids help your skin look smoother on a temporary basis.
• Trichloracetic acid peel - is a popular peel that gets results without causing any discoloration. The acid is applied to your face. Over the next 7 to 10 days, the outer layer of skin will die off and peel away. Since this is a process you will probably want to not be in the public eye.
• Phenol peels are very aggressive in removing wrinkles, some pre-cancerous growths and sun damaged skin. Consulting with your medical professional is advised.

Other Alternatives

Beyond facials and peels lays the world of more extensive procedures; namely laser and plastic surgery.

More On Skin Issues

• Alpha hydroxy acids
• Skin care and wrinkles
• What causes skin cancer
• Anti aging discoveries
• Anti aging botox treatment

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