The facial is the most commonly known of all the spa treatments but with such a huge range available, how do you choose the one that is right for you?  We’ve put together a guide to make the process a little easier.

What are Facials and Why are they so Beneficial?

Facials are deep skin treatments that are designed to cleanse, rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin.  They can minimise skin blemishes, acne, dry skin and wrinkles.  The effect of the facial will depend on your skin type, the kind of treatment that you are having, the products used, and your age.  Be aware that it is recommended that you start having facials in your late 20s, if not earlier.

Facials involve a cleansing, a massage, a steam, and a facemask.  They help to remove the dead outer layer of cells along with pollutants.  The massage aspect is designed to improve the blood circulation which in turn stimulates lymphatic drainage.  It also relaxes the facial muscles and is important for helping to delay the onset of wrinkles.  The steam helps the skin to absorb any creams better and it also softens blackheads and whiteheads so that they can be removed more easily.  The facemask helps to tone and clarify the skin, and they are also used to treat dry and acne-ridden skin.

The Types of Facials

There are several different types of facials for you to choose from, depending on your needs.  Some of them include:

• The basic clean up – this cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises the facial skin.  Done regularly, they can prevent and reduce skin problems.  First, the skin is cleansed with steam and then gently scrubbed.  The scrub is removed and followed with a creamy cleanser, further exfoliated with a soft brush, and massaged.
• Normal facials – this is a simple cleanse, steam and massage.  The difference between this and the basic clean up is that the skin is massaged for a longer period of time.
• Special facials – a step up from the normal facial, hypoallergenic creams are used to moisturise the skin. Face packs are applied depending on the client’s skin type and special cleansing and rejuvenating techniques are used.
• Bio-lift facials – as well as cleansing, massage and rejuvenation techniques, these facials use treatments that target the dark circles underneath the eyes.  This facial uses the characteristic bio-mask.
• AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) facials – AHAs are known for their anti-aging effects and these facials use creams made with AHAs to help the skin to look smoother and healthier.
• Paraffin facials – involve the application of a special paraffin mask over layers of gauze which helps to seal in the anti-aging and rejuvenating creams that have been applied to the skin.
• Antioxidant and pollution fighting facials – uses creams and masks enriched with antioxidants such as vitamin A and vitamin E.  Pollutants are removed and the skin is then deep cleansed.
• Acne facials – good for both teenage and adult acne. After cleansing, enzyme or glycolic acid exfoliation and a warm vapour mist is used, followed by extensive manual extraction, electric disencrusting, and a skin calming, antibacterial mask.
•  Collagen facials – uses a multi-phase technique of exfoliation, warm vapour, deep pore cleansing, lymphatic drainage massage, and a mineral or paraffin mask over a freeze dried collagen sheet to ensure ideal hydration.
• Aromatherapy facials – uses essential oils that have specific properties that are of particular benefit to the skin.  They help to clear skin congestion, and improve the normal function of the skin.  These facials relax both the body and the mind.
• Galvanic facials – a steady, direct galvanic current is used to introduce water soluble substances through the skin. This facial improves the skin’s capacity to absorb and improves the penetration of the products.  It is particularly good for dry skins.
• Gold facials – use creams containing pure gold which penetrates the skin easily.  Gold has a powerful effect on lymphatic drainage, helping the removal of toxins and wastes, accelerating the regeneration of new cells.  Masks that contain gold are also applied.