Facials are often viewed as a way to pamper oneself, as a treat for a special occasion or as a reward for a job well done. While it is true that facials are very relaxing, they have so much more to offer. Facials, along with appropriate home care, can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots, as well as delay the arrival of these harbingers of age in some cases. In addition, they are essential for skin health and general well-being. Below are some of the myriad benefits that facials offer.
1) Estheticians can correctly diagnose your skin type.
Chicago based esthetician Liz Quesnelle, owner and esthetician at Le Bon Visage Corrective Skincare and Cosmetics says that facials provide the springboard to healthy skin. Says Ms. Quesnelle, “Often, individuals misdiagnose their skin type, usually thinking that they are oilier than they really are. When your skin is overly dry, it can compensate by overproducing oil, thus making you think you are oily, when you are actually dry. This becomes problematic as the products for acne-prone and oily skin are rather harsh. If you are using them without actually having oily skin, you are causing some serious damage. They can dry skin out which can cause accelerated aging and a dull appearance. More seriously, though, is the fact that the dryness causes breaks in the skin. These microscopic tears are invisible to the naked eye, but allow bacteria to penetrate your body’s best defense against the environment.”
2) Estheticians have access to stronger ingredients than the general public.
If you want a great exfoliation, seeing an esthetician is the way to go. Estheticians can use stronger alpha and beta hydroxy acids and enzyme masks than are available to the public. In the carefully controlled environment of the esthetician’s treatment room, the client is able to safely receive a stronger exfoliation, leaving the skin soft, smooth and glowing. Home exfoliation between esthetic appointments will keep the skin looking younger and suppler for years to come.
3) Estheticians can help recognize problems in home care regimens
Much like a good pharmacist, a good esthetician is able to recommend products and make sure that there are no contraindications between each individual product, as well as with any physician recommended treatments or medications. Says Ms. Quesnelle,” Often I will see clients who are complaining of hypersensitivity or are exhibiting signs of it. When we take a closer look at their daily regimen in combination with lifestyle and medications, we usually are able to determine the culprit. Often, it is a situation where every product in their regimen contains an acid or other potential irritant. I then work with the client to find appropriate replacements for the offenders in their price range. This almost always corrects the hypersensitivity.”
4) Estheticians can safely extract pore congestion without scarring or inflammation.
When pores get clogged or blackheads appear, it is normal to want to extract them yourself. Without proper preparation of the skin, as well as knowledge of what to extract and what to leave alone, it is very easy to permanently damage the skin. In improper conditions, home extractions can lead to scarring, broken capillaries, discoloration or the spreading of acne causing bacteria around the skin. A good esthetician can prepare the skin in such a manner as to significantly reduce the chances of any damage being done to the skin. Extractions leave the skin brighter, cleaner and healthier.
Although they feel amazing, facials are not just for relaxation anymore. They are essential for skin health and well-being. Not only is the actual treatment beneficial, but also through your relationship with your esthetician you will learn appropriate home care treatments and have a trusted expert to turn to when navigating the confusing and expansive skincare jungle.