Spa facials are generally beauty, pampering and relaxing procedures aimed at improving skin health and well-being.
Depending on the spa concept which should be reflected in the type of services offered, spas have different objectives and resources when it comes to facial treatments. While some offer manual treatments, others may adopt more complicated procedures and sometimes with the use of a variety of equipment, ranging from skin stimuli such as galvanic current, to the use of lasers or injections. All of these treatments involve the use of cosmetics and will vary depending on skin type, individual goals and the resources available in the particular spa.
Skin care for beauty has been a concern for millennia, and today with so many solutions to maintain radiant skin, the way we age is a choice.
Maintaining healthy and beautiful skin is the standard of our days, and the factors that cause aging are not to be neglected. Pollution is on the increase, everyday human stress is on the rise and we are getting busier and busier, resulting in fewer hours of sleep, all of which negatively affect the health and appearance of our skin.
Skin care is not just an aspect of beauty and self-confidence, but an important aspect of overall health, as the skin is the largest organ of the body and has several important functions, including:
Skin helps maintain body temperature by regulating heat loss. Sweat glands release sweat to cool the body, while blood vessels in the skin dilate or constrict to maintain an optimal temperature.
Our skin is a natural barrier that protects the body against bacteria, viruses, ultraviolet radiation, chemicals and other harmful agents in our environment.
The skin is full of sensory receptors that allow us to feel sensations such as touch, pressure or pain.
As an aspect of general health, skin care should be a lifelong concern. A proper skin care regime at any age can help prevent skin problems and maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.
Skin care involves:
There are a variety of spa facials available, and they sell themselves in terms of benefits. Here are some of the most common types of facials:
It refers to the deep cleansing of the face to remove dead skin cells and other impurities from the skin's surface. This can be done with products, or by using special machines such as ultrasound. Vapor treatments are being used less and less.
They are intended especially for skin that is affected by deep dehydration, or preventively, especially at certain times of the year when atmospheric factors favor dehydration.
They are intended to compensate for various skin deficiencies, which cause various less desirable looks.
These treatments can be used to treat problems such as pigmentation spots, fine wrinkles and acne.
This procedure involves exfoliating the top layer of the skin with fine crystals, which helps remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell regeneration.
A facial massage is an essential part of any facial treatment. It helps relax facial muscles, improving blood circulation and promoting relaxation. The French use the term 'modellage', which is what it is, a good facial massage shapes and recontours facial features. Performed regularly it is an ideal tool for maintaining a youthful complexion, and facials where massage is the key element are particularly relaxing.
Certain skin types are prone to redness, flaking, are reactive to most skin care products and need special attention. For them there are treatments with special products designed to soothe and prepare the skin to cope better with external factors.
These treatments include the use of specific products or techniques to reduce the signs of skin ageing, such as wrinkles and lack of firmness. These treatments may include injections with substances such as hyaluronic acid or botox, various facelift procedures.
The use of lasers in facial treatments can aim to reduce signs of ageing, improve skin texture, treat pigmentation spots or remove unwanted hair.
LED light therapy uses different colors of light to treat different skin problems such as acne or signs of aging.
It is to oxygenate and purify the skin, which can contribute to brighter skin, treat acne and other skin problems.
Ultrasound stimulates collagen production and helps to tone the skin and smooth wrinkles.
These treatments improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
These treatments are used to reduce wrinkles and restore volume to the face. Botox relaxes facial muscles, while fillers fill wrinkles and contour certain areas of the face.
In general, it's important to follow a twice-daily facial cleansing routine in the morning and evening to maintain skin health. In a facial cleansing is the first step, even before the so-called complexion diagnosis.
This first step opens the pores and prepares the skin for cleansing.
The cleanser should be suitable for your skin type, which is usually specified on the product packaging. For example, for dry skin a moisturizing product is chosen, while for oily skin a product that controls sebum production. There are several types of cleansing products, some of which also act as make-up removers. These can be: emulsions, commonly called 'cleansing milk'; creams, especially effective for removing make-up; micellar lotions; gels or foaming cleansers, especially preferred by men.
In general, the cleanser is applied to the face and gently massaged in circular motions, except for micellar water which can be applied to cleansing disks and gently wipes the entire face with them. Be sure to cover all areas of the face, neck and décolleté. Then rinse with lukewarm water or a moistened cleansing pad.
In a facial treatment, only after removing the impurities of the complexion and make-up, a correct "reading" of the complexion with all its problems can be realized. In the spa, as a guest, you are invited to say how your skin feels and how you would like it to feel after the treatment.
Applying a toner can help restore the skin's pH and it has the quality of removing even the last traces of makeup. Toner also prepares the complexion for the next steps.
Don't forget to apply a moisturizer suitable for your skin type to keep your skin velvety soft and hydrated.
Apply a sunscreen in the morning to protect skin from the damaging effects of UV rays.
You can use balanced cleansers that maintain optimal moisture levels.
Opt for fragrance-free cleansers and avoid harsh scrubbing. All ingredients should be gentle on and soothe the skin.
Use a cleansing product that controls sebum production, avoid regular soaps that don't respect the skin's normal pH.
Choose moisturizing cleansers and avoid those containing alcohol or perfumes.
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to make it look brighter, smoother and healthier. Exfoliation can be carried out with cosmetic products, or with exfoliating brushes or sponges.Exfoliation helps stimulate cell regeneration, unclog pores and improve skin texture.
There are two main types of exfoliation:
This type of exfoliation involves the use of chemicals, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) or certain enzymes, which dissolve dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. This process is less aggressive and may also be suitable for people with sensitive skin.
This type of exfoliation relies on the use of abrasive particles to remove dead skin cells, or various rough materials. It is important to use gentle pressure and avoid excessive rubbing to avoid irritating the skin.
People with sensitive skin should be more cautious when choosing exfoliating products and avoid aggressive exfoliation.
Excessive exfoliation can lead to irritation and damage the skin's protective layer. It is important not to exfoliate too often, depending on your skin type. How often you exfoliate also takes age into account, older skin regenerates at a slower rate than younger skin.
After exfoliation, skin can become more sensitive to UV radiation, so it's crucial to apply adequate sunscreen. It is best to exfoliate in the evening before bedtime.
once or twice a week, depending on your preferences and the type of exfoliator.
People with sensitive skin should avoid over-aggressive exfoliation and use only products designed specifically for their skin.
People with oily skin may benefit from regular exfoliation to control excess sebum production and prevent pimples. Chemical exfoliation with salicylic acid (BHA) may be appropriate.
For dry skin, exfoliation should be gentler. Chemical exfoliation with glycolic acid (AHA) or mechanical exfoliation with fine particles might be good choices.
It is always advisable to consult a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.
Facial massage in a facial treatment is a relaxing and therapeutic step that involves gently manipulating the muscles and tissues of the face, neck and décolleté to improve the circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients to the skin, as well as to reduce tension and stress.
Before starting the facial, the skin should be cleansed and exfoliated to remove all traces of make-up, excess dirt, excess oils and dead skin cells.
The therapist applies and spreads the chosen massage product evenly all over the face, neck and décolleté, using gentle smoothing and effleurage movements. She may use essential enriched oils or special creams to facilitate smoothing movements and moisturize the skin.
Massage techniques are varied, such as, gentle pressure, circular movements, light strokes or kneading to stimulate blood circulation and relax the muscles of the face and neck. These are chosen according to the treatment objectives and may focus on drainage, toning, relaxation, de-stressing, soothing inflammation, etc. A course of massage may include learning no less than 90 movements.
Specialized therapists may use specific massage techniques to stimulate pressure points to reduce tension and promote relaxation.
These areas are also included to reduce tension, improve neck mobility, and the décolleté is given special attention because the skin is thinner and more delicate here too.
Hot or cold stones, quartz rollers or Gua Sha, compresses filled with herbs soaked in warm oil, are all popular accessories that make facial massage an unforgettable experience and enhance the benefits.
Facial massage helps reduce stress and muscle tension, promoting a general state of relaxation.
Boosting blood circulation can bring more nutrients and oxygen to the skin, improving its appearance.
Massage can help increase collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity.
Facial massage can reduce swelling of the face and eyes, eliminating a tired look.
By stimulating circulation and drainage techniques, massage helps eliminate toxins from the skin.
If you have very sensitive skin or various dermatological conditions, consult a specialist before having a facial massage.
Tell your therapist about any allergies and make sure they use massage products with safe ingredients.
Do not get a facial massage if you have open sores, irritations or skin infections on your face.
Normal to dry skin can benefit from a regular facial massage to keep skin moisturized and supple.
For oily skin, lighter emulsions and techniques that do not over-stimulate are used, and acne-prone skin is not massaged until after healing.
Gentle products and techniques are used for sensitive skin.
Masks and peels are two skin beautifying procedures that can improve the appearance and health of the skin. If they are part of a full spa treatment, they, either together or separately depending on the type of treatment, are the stages of an intensive treatment, which benefits from ingredients in higher concentrations.
Facial masks are cosmetic products or natural remedies applied to the face to improve the appearance of the skin. They can include ingredients such as clay, essential oils, other natural or synthetic cosmetic ingredients with proven effects on the skin, even fruits, yogurts in hand-made formulas.
These can be:
The best-known masks are those made from clays. Salicylic acid is also a well-known ingredient. The mask helps to clean the pores and remove impurities and excess sebum from the surface of the skin.
Some masks can help moisturize the skin and maintain optimal moisture levels. Perhaps the most popular ingredient at the moment that provides intense moisturization is hyaluronic acid, along with urea, glycerin, provitamin B5 and others.
For skins that are deficient in nutrients, almond, jojoba, shea, avocado, olive, vitamin A and E, pomegranate, rose, acai anti-oxidizing extracts work wonders. Also, collagen which is a protein, omega-3, omega-6, peptides, are important constituents.
These are formulas that fight the passage of time and may contain: resveratrol, selenium, vitamins A, B, C, E, coenzyme Q10, plant polyphenols.
Chemical peeling is a procedure in which chemical solutions are used to exfoliate the top layer of the skin. These are based on: glycolic acid, lactic acid, kojic acid, salicylic acid, etc. These procedures can only be done by specialized people. In treatments they are combined with the subsequent application of soothing skin masks.
Both procedures can help smooth and even the skin, improving the overall appearance of the complexion.
Chemical peeling can stimulate collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Chemical peeling can help clear pores and reduce acne and blackheads.
Fading pigmentation spots and even skin color is an important effect.
Some people may have sensitive skin or develop irritation or burns following a chemical peel. It is important that these procedures are only done by a specialist or doctor.
If these chemical peels are not performed correctly, skin pigmentation changes can develop following these procedures, such as darker or lighter spots than the rest of the skin.
After a chemical peel, it is crucial to avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen to prevent further skin damage. The skin becomes more prone to such damage.
People with oily skin can benefit from masks and peels that control excess sebum and reduce acne.
For dry skin, choose moisturizing masks or milder chemical peels to avoid aggravating dry skin.
If you have sensitive skin, avoid concentrated chemical peels and opt for natural masks with gentle ingredients.
For mature skin, chemical peels can help reduce wrinkles and stimulate collagen for a more youthful appearance.
Regular facials along with correct and consistent daily care ensure a healthy, radiant complexion and increased self-esteem. It's up to you how you want to age, and in facials you can have a reliable ally to age beautifully.
There is no specific age to start going to the spa for a facial. Good habits are learned early.
Find out about available facial treatments and choose what suits your age or skin condition, consult a specialist or dermatologist if you need advice.
It is important to speak with a skin care specialist or dermatologist to determine which facial is right for your needs and goals, especially if you have certain skin concerns. You should also take care of your skin at home by following a regular skin care routine and protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure to maintain a healthy-looking skin.
Facial treatments are the solution to skin health problems as well as to various imperfections and alterations in the appearance of our complexion.
The face is not only a mirror of the soul but also a barometer of health. Spas are a safe place where you can benefit from facial treatments and opportunities to discover with your therapist the first signs that you need to go for a medical check-up.
When it's harder to fight stress, remember that a facial can be just the solution you need!
Spa Specialist
