Why do I need a facial?
Never had a facial before? Are you itching to book an appointment but holding back because you don’t know what to expect? Stick with me, I’ll help you out. This facial 411 guide will have you on your way to glowing skin in no time. Now let’s get started. 
Why are facials important?
You exercise often, you eat right and you get frequent haircuts, so why wouldn’t you get a facial? As with most other beauty and health matters, facials help prevent and treat common problems such as aging, acne, rosacea and more. Facials are important because they keep on top of things that happen seasonally. (Did you know your skin changes seasonally?)
Take the fall season, for example. When you turn the heat on for the first time in October or November, you might notice a change in your skin. Inside heat can dehydrate skin and facials can drastically correct a lack of moisture. And every April when the weather warms up a bit, skin can get oilier and create breakouts. Facials can help with these and many other skin ailments.
What are the benefits?
So what can you expect from facials? Getting a facial can leave you a with smoother texture, proper hydration, a glowing complexion, fewer breakouts and firmer skin. You must be diligent in your home care as well.
The proof? When I see photos of me from 10 years ago, I look older than I do now. Before I started to properly care for my skin it was getting older, saggier, yellower and I was riddled with acne scarring. After working on correcting my scarring by regular peels and microderms I started to use better products, cleanse regularly and I saw a difference in just a about 6 weeks. Since then it’s I’ve worked on maintaining my skin.
How often should you get one?
Your facial routine will depend on your skin type, but I recommend seeing your esthetician once a month if you can manage it. For dry skin or dehydrated skin it is more important to be diligent in winter more than summer. In summer it is more important for oily skin to get facials. Sunscreen and being outside can affect oily skin. Facials prevent problems for everyone.
We all have different time and monetary budgets so work with your esthitician on a plan that works for you. Even if you get a facial 4 times a year it’s better than nothing but it must be paired with a good home care regimen.
What to know before you go
Facials are relaxing and good for you, but there can be a few uncomfortable moments in the process. But don’t worry, they’ll be well worth it in the end.
One seemingly unpleasant part: Extractions, when your esthetician deep cleans your pores. There’s a reason you shouldn’t pick at your skin at home; extractions should only be done by a trained professional esthetician.
An esthetician has a magnifying glass. There has to be the right pressure and angle to achieve good results. The skin is properly prepared and softened for successful extraction. The esthetician does NOT get emotionally involved with a zit. If it’s not ready it’s not ready. Premature extraction can cause scarring. Only a good esthetician will know that.
Another thing to consider: there’s some redness that follows a facial. But don’t worry, it’ll go away in about a day! The worst your skin will look is that same day in some cases. If your skin has a lot of breakouts, it may take a few more days to heal what was already there. But it should start improving with facials unless it’s a systemic problem. In that case the esthetician should tell you that you made need the services of a dermatologist.
At About Face we not only will give you a great facial treatment but you will feel relaxed and calm when you leave. Who says you can’t have an aggressive treatment and relaxation at the same time.
Make your results last
If you’re investing in a good quality facial, make sure you get your money’s worth. You wouldn’t go out and buy a $400 bag then throw it all over the place, would you? No, so when you get a facial, make sure you maintain the results: It’s like going to the dentist for a cleaning and brushing and flossing at home a few times a day. You can’t expect the results to last if you go home and sleep in your makeup or wash with a bar of soap. You have to use a cleanser and moisturizer for your skin type and season of the year. You need a guru. That would be your esthetician.”
