Facials can be amazing for the skin, if done with the right products and the right massaging movements and techniques.
There are many types of different facials including cleansing, steam, exfoliation, masks, peels, creams and lotions. Lotions are great for moisturizing and massaging, both which are necessary for healthy and glowing skin. Facials are normally performed in beauty salons or spas but you can very well perform a facial in your own home. Facials can be used for general skin health as well as specific skin conditions. Facials are advised only for those 18 years and older, since the skin is very tender in the early teens and too much massage and external pressure on skin will lead to early aging (forehead wrinkles, wrinkles around laugh lines etc.). Below are the different types of facials:
- Cleansing: It’s important to start your facial with a clean canvas so you can work on removing impurities.
- Exfoliating: This step is important to remove dead skin from the surface and reveal healthy and glowing skin. This step ensures that skin is no longer flaky and dry.
- Steam: This type of facial is meant to open the pores. Steam is to be applied to the skin for 10-15 mins and not a minute more.
- Black head removal: Once your pores are open, it’s easy to extract the gunk out!
- Massage: Massage your face in upward strokes using a massage cream, and in circular motions around your eyes (with a light hand). Massage the neck in upward strokes. Don’t use downward strokes as this will pull the skin down and lead to aging.
- Face pack: Depending on your skin type and what your requirement is, there are various packs to choose from. Mud or clay packs are great for oily skin, Fruit packs for rejuvenation, cucumber aloe packs for calming the skin and so on. Leave these on the face for about 15-20 minutes. Let it dry naturally.
- Ice Pack: Not many beauty salons follow this step, but it is necessary to close the pores! Some salons use cold steam as an alternative which is good enough. If you’re performing a facial at home, use an ice cube, wrap it in a thin cloth and rub it across your face.
- Moisturize: Use a light weight moisturizer that will quickly absorb into skin. This will eliminate any dryness. If you are heading outside, don’t forget to use a sun screen!