Many of my patients enjoy getting facials and other spa treatments because they can be very relaxing — after all, it’s not often we get to lie down during the middle of the day with our eyes closed. There are many wonderful, experienced facialists (also known as “aestheticians”) who can help your skin. However, not all facialists are created equal. Here are some tips to help you find a good one:
Ask for Referrals. As with any professional with whom you entrust your health, it’s important to choose your facialist carefully — not out of the yellow pages. A good place to start is to ask your dermatologist for a recommendation, especially if you have medical skin issues (such as acne, dermatitis, or allergies) that require prescription medications and that may affect how you respond to a facial. If you have friends or family members with good complexions, you could also ask them for a recommendation.
Do a Background Check. After you’ve collected the names of a few facialists, check their credentials. At the minimum, they should be licensed. Many salons and spas also have Web sites that list a facialist’s qualifications and additional certifications.
Stop By for an Inspection. Before you book an appointment, visit the facility in order to make sure that it’s clean and hygienic. If you find it to be less than spick-and-span, look elsewhere.
On the day of your appointment, be sure to notify the facialist of any skin conditions you have or any medications you’re using or taking. During the treatment, your facialist may recommend certain products for you to use at home. Don’t be shy about gently but firmly saying “no thanks” or about asking for a sample if you’re not ready to make a purchase on the spot.
There are two specific situations where I feel that facials can really help your skin. People with oily skin who have a tendency to get blackheads and breakouts can often benefit from deep-cleansing acne facials. During this type of treatment, the facialist will typically cleanse your skin to remove makeup, dirt, and oil. He or she may use products that contain ingredients like glycolic acid and enzymes in order to help loosen and dissolve clogged pores.
This may be followed by “extractions,” in which the facialist gently presses on the skin to remove blackheads and superficial whiteheads. It’s normal to be slightly pink for a few hours after getting extractions. However, if you have bleeding or scabs, then the extractions were too aggressive and could potentially injure your skin. Remember, gentle is always better.
Some facialists also perform a procedure called “microdermabrasion,” which uses a combination of fine crystals and a vacuum device to unclog pores and exfoliate dead skin cells. For mild breakouts, monthly acne facials, along with topical acne medications, can help keep the skin clear.
For those with moderate to severe acne, occasional facials can help reduce the appearance of blemishes and mild acne scars. If you are taking prescription medications, you should definitely ask your dermatologist whether a facial is a good idea — for certain creams and pills may make you more sensitive to ingredients like glycolic and salicylic acids, which are commonly used in acne facials.
The other patients that I often refer to get facials are those with extremely dry skin. A hydrating facial can temporarily soothe dry, sensitive skin. Facialists typically perform a facial massage to help stimulate circulation, and they might also apply topical ingredients such as oils and hyaluronic acid, which helps to bind moisture to the skin. This may be followed by a warm mask to help the products penetrate and further hydrate the skin.
Since dry skin can be especially sensitive, tell your facialist ahead of time whether you tend to have itchy reactions to any products, so he or she can select ones with gentle ingredients. Also, be sure to notify your facialist if you experience any itching or tingling during the facial. If so, the facialist should rinse off the product immediately.
Monica is an esthetician colorado springs
