A facial, defined.

Too many people who I know and love still don't understand what a facial actually is. That's partially my fault I guess, so let's get it together here and start from the beginning.

Facials are not purely for relaxation. The massage portion is a wonderful benefit, but the facials that I give are about results. The first thing we do with a client is get a brief medical history, and then ask what she is hoping to see improve in her skin. If she is experiencing break-out activity, I'm going to structure a treatment plan for her during the time we have together as well as her home care. I'm going to educate her on what is causing her challenges, and how to reduce the symptoms. And yes, I'm going to give her a knockshersocksoff massage.

So the facial simplified goes a bit like this -

We cleanse the skin thouroughly, then look at it with the help of a magnifying lamp. We identify what areas need addressing, possibly things that the client isn't even aware of. We look for abnormal coloring (hyper/hypopigmentation), fine lines and wrinkles, dehydration, dryness, breakouts, etc. Next is exfoliation, which is the sloughing off of dead skin cells with the help of mechanical or chemical exfoliators. This is one of my favorite parts of the service, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles, deep cleanses the pores, and gives make-up the most amazing surface to play on.

If there is breakout activity, we address it after exfoliation, usually with extractions (also a super fun part for me personally). Then we will mask you with something specifically formulated for your skin's needs. Acneic? Something with a clay base will help to draw out impurities. Dehydrated? A water based mask jam packed with humectants will plump you right back up. This is typically around the time you'll get massaged, too. Love love love.

A couple of finishing products, and you're done.

The important thing to remember is that your skin will feel incredible for 2-3 days following your treatment, but if you don't maintain the work with the proper home care, you won't have the best outcome possible. And we all deserve gorgeous skin.

We're called Skin Therapists for a reason. We're here to help coach you through the process of changing your skin. And it's so freaking fun.

Esthetician's license, here I come!

Little A here.

I am in the last weeks of my esthetics program, and things are starting to get real. I've been researching bridal make-up artist's websites, ordering business cards, catching up on SkinInc.com, and answering TONS of inquisitive text messages from friends with skin care questions.

One to share:

"I love how I get a huge zit in the middle of my face right before I have to be in a wedding!"

This is something that has happened to ALL of us, no matter how fantastic our skin is. Everyone has their own answer, from toothpaste spot treating to standing in the mirror with your hands all over your face trying to pop the beast.

My favorite trick?

Ice.

Wash your face well, then grab a cube from your freezer. Wrap it in a paper towel, stand over your sink, and rub the ice gently over the offender in circular movements. Once ice is melted, apply a spot treatment with salicylic acid in it. Or if you're more into the organic remedies, touch it with a dab of tea tree oil. Magic.

Acne is due to an inflammatory response in the body to bacteria in the pores.

Inflammation is reduced by ice.

Makes sense, right?

Not everyone has a spot treatment or tea tree oil in their arsenal, or the time to run out and buy some before their face is due for an appearance. Ice alone will work miracles. Promise.

There are so many questions out there when it comes to beauty and skin care. And so many people trying to answer them all. Yet I am astounded that I am asked the question "What is a facial?" almost once a day.

I'll answer that question in tomorrow's post.

Toodles!