Facials: Worth It Or Just An Expensive Luxury?

It is the best way to find out if your skin needs anything or how it is reacting to hormones, pollution, stress, and other elements. 

Nothing can match the feeling you get when you glide your fingers over your face and feel that soft and clean skin. Most of us follow a daily skin care routine at home. It might not be elaborate, but it at least helps you maintain your skin. But once in a while, it’s good to let the professionals take care of your skin.
If you think that facials are nothing but an hour (and money) wasted in the salon, think again! There are countless benefits for you and your skin when you get regular facials.
Even if you do not have any skin problems like blemishes, hyperpigmentation, severe acne, or any other problems, your face still needs to be pampered by a trained professional to keep it healthy and free of skin issues.
Moreover, it is the best way to find out if your skin needs anything or how it is reacting to hormones, pollution, stress, and other elements. Through any of these factors your skin can change and a moisturiser, for example, your skin loved a year ago may not be the nest one for it anymore. 
What is a facial?
A facial is a multi-step skin treatment that is one of the best ways to take care of your skin. A facial cleanses, exfoliates, and nourishes the skin, promoting a clear, well-hydrated complexion and can help your skin look younger. You also receive advice on the best way to take care of your skin. A facial works best when it is part of an on-going program of skin care. Remember, it is best to find an experienced, knowledgeable licensed therapist who has special training in skin care and is knowledgeable, fastidious, and passionate about their work.

What kind of facials are there?
Some facials are highly moisturising, others are firming and restoring, while some focus on problem areas and certain skin conditions. No matter the type, all facials have some amazing benefits for your skin.

Deep cleansing
A better, deeper cleanse than the one you do at home – a cleansing facial will help your skin get rid of oil build-up, toxins and dirt from your everyday environment, thoroughly removing all the bacteria that could cause skin issues. A good exfoliation like microdermabrasion will remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin and unclog your pores, allowing the absorption of other products. This will also make your skin look and feel softer and smoother, making your makeup blend easier and look better. 
Extraction, if needed, is great for removing blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and preventing breakouts. This is a must do step for everyone struggling with acne because it clears out the skin and gives it a purifying effect.

Anti-ageing
Facial treatments can help slow down the ageing process and prevent the appearance of wrinkles. Massaging your face with an anti-ageing cream will immediately increase the blood circulation and oxygen flow, which promotes collagen production and enhances the elasticity of your skin. This leads to a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and preventing their appearance. Remember: It’s never too early (or late) to take good care of your skin! 

Relaxing
Massages are great for relaxing, relieving stress and balancing your mind. Just like your body, your face muscles need a massage and most facial treatments include one. The boost in circulation you’ll get will stimulate the lymphatic vessels and detoxify your skin, making it look healthy and youthful. The nice smell of face masks is only another incredible addition to a soothing, relaxing experience. 
Treating a variety of skin issues
After being diagnosed with a skin condition, getting a regular facial treatment will help treat it and heal your skin. Issues like blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, sunspots and sun damage, acne, inflammation and redness, rosacea, dehydration, wrinkles, acne scarring, loss of firmness and elasticity can be minimized or completely treated with the right facial treatment. 

Skin rejuvenation
The exfoliation, extraction, massage, steam and mask application during a facial treatment lead to skin rejuvenation, or in other words – a fresh, renewed skin. This improves the appearance of the skin, giving it a healthy, radiant glow and balanced complexion. You might not see the results instantly, but on the long run, your skin is going to get restored! So keep in mind that being regular and consistent with your facials is a key. 

How often should you get a facial?
It varies from person to person. Ideally you should be aiming for every 4 to 6 weeks because that's how long it takes the skin to regenerate. Try to have a facial at least four times a year, as the season changes. You may need it more frequently if you are trying to clear up a case of acne, especially at the beginning. Otherwise, once a month is plenty. Be careful, you can overdo it, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Laura Doyle, Mum of 4. Kyle 9, Noa Belle 4, Briar 2 and Milla 12 months. Breastfeeder, co-sleeper, coffee drinker. Staying positive and inspired by the chaos of it all. Follow her on Instagram.

 

Laura Doyle

Mum of four, Gentle parent living on coffee and trying always to stay positive and motivate in the midst of the madness.

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