Darling, you look fabulous! …
A sentiment frequently relayed between two people, sometimes the words ring true while other times they come up hollow.

Yet, for those desire to truly look fabulous regardless of their age or cavalcade of life experiences, getting a facial on a regular basis can immeasurably contribute to making them genuinely look and feel fabulous.

What exactly is a facial?
Generally speaking, a facial is a popular spa cosmetic treatment. Though there are numerous types of facials, the common thread is that all involve some form of steaming, exfoliation, extraction and purification. On average, facial sessions last either a half hour or an hour and cost, on average, $40/half hour and $80/hour.

Purpose of Facials
Formerly thought of as an indulgence, today, getting a facial is looked upon as an essential part of the skincare regimen.  Taking this idea a step further, facials used to be thought of merely in terms of cleansing purposes. Nowadays, men and women alike look to them for resolving a host of skincare problems like these:  rosacea (red spotting on the cheeks and forehead), acne and sunspots/premature aging, crow’s feet, puffiness, sagging and creases.

In the recent Vegetarian Times Magazine article entitled, “About Face—Various Types of Facials” Tamara Marcus, a well-known aesthetician based in New York, stated, “Facials are really preventative medicine…as we age the cell process slows down. Facials are one way to keep this in check.”

In line with Marcus’ line of thinking, more and more spas and salons are offering facials as part of an overall maintenance regimen for both men and women of all ages.  The younger you start, the better!

Past versus Present-day Facials
In the past, the approach to facials was rather straightforward.  The aesthetician would analyze the client; employ steam and vapor to open up the client’s pores and soften the skin, and then extract dirt, blackheads and other impurities interfering with the skin’s natural cellular process.

While many of these steps still apply, modern-day facials have blossomed out in myriad ways. Some of the most notable improvements include the use of diverse and exotic ingredients in masks and procedures, the use of supplements (herbs, minerals and vitamins) in treatments and the custom-approach based upon a client’s individual needs and skincare type.

Further, in light of huge demand for anti-aging treatments, spas and other health and wellness facilities have expanded their core facial services to include such advanced skincare procedures as microdermabrasion, Botox, fillers, collagen injections and chemical peels.

For the more advanced, sophisticated treatments, spas and other wellness forums often have one or more dermatologists on-staff.  Aestheticians typically handle the more surface layer (superficial) procedures.

Progressive-minded Facials
To illustrate the far-ranging facial options currently available, the following is an example of the services menu from the Lehigh Valley Hospitals’ health and wellness facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania:

  • Hydrating Facial Treatment relies upon multi-fruit acids for the purpose of decongesting the skin followed by a hydrating cream mask to relax the lines of the face while replenishing moisture that is needed.
  • Algomask Facial Treatment--a natural seaweed-based mask designed to eliminate toxins while restoring minerals and purifying the skin.
  • Vitamin Sea-C Spa Facial Treatment—Via use of Vitamin C, organic mud and an algae pack, this specially formulated application is used to stimulate collagen and elastic synthesis (tautness of the skin.)
  • Collagen Facial Treatment—Relying upon alpha-hydroxy acids, this intensive anti-aging treatment helps to revitalize and renew the skin.


Similarly, spas all over the country are expanding their facial menu options, too!

Profiled by writer Heidi Schiller in Shape Magazine’s article entitled, “The Best Facials for your Skin Type”, were several spas that stood out on account of their premiere skincare offerings.

A-List Facials: 
Vitamin C Booster Facial, Spa Space, Chicago, Ill.—A consistent crowd-pleaser, the benefit of the added Vitamin C (lascorbic acid) is that it leaves skin looking positively radiant.  An antioxidant, Vitamin C, helps to both ward off skin damaging free-radicals in the environment and exfoliate the skin

Oxygen Activator Facial, Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami, Fla.—This renowned facial treatment purportedly has the ability to plump up sallow-looking skin.  A thorough process, the service includes a cleansing, toning and exfoliation portion followed by two masks: an activator and an oxygen mask.

C & Sea Facial, Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, Lenox, Mass.—A powerful facial, as a result of giving pores a thorough cleansing, the skin is left looking fresh and revitalized. Ingredients include enzyme-based cleansers, Vitamin-C serum and a freeze-dried seaweed mask.

Epicuren Double Mask Facial, the Hotel Crescent Court, Dallas, Texas—Epicuren is a top-tier skincare line used by world-renowned spas. The products are laden with such beneficial-to-the-skin botanicals as aloe vera, arnica and green tea (a powerful antioxidant).
 
Wrapping up
From the facial treatment examples cited above, the following elements seem to be universal: use of Earth-friendly, healthy ingredients; emphasis on hydration and oxidation; and commitment to provide clients’ with relaxed, glowing skin.

Facials are fabulous in so many ways. As clients continue to seek out these treatments, they realize beauty really is more than skin deep.  Your skin speaks volumes about you, the life you lead, and how much you prioritize your health.  Let it tell a positive story!