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Facials that use specific equipment
Oxygen facialMicro-dermabrasion facial
Hot stone facial
Microcurrent / Galvanic facial
Brands and their signature facials
Oxygen facial
An oxygen facial uses high-pressure jets of oxygen to deliver serums containing vitamins, minerals and (helpfully!) collagen to revitalise and nourish tired skin. It's popular with celebs such as Jennifer Aniston and Madonna, who find it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and brings back the glow that is often dulled by air pollution. Some oxygen facials include a bit of microdermabrasion or exfoliation at the start. This facial is similar to a hydrogen facial which works on the same principle of getting oxygen to your skin, but does this via oxygenated water.
Good for: cleansing, revitalising, looking younger.
Micro-dermabrasion facial
The centrepiece of a micro-dermabrasion facial is an exfoliating blast of tiny particles of sand or crystals to remove dead skin cells and smooth uneven skin. It also stimulates the skin to produce its own collagen and improves lymphatic drainage which will encourage your immune system to heal itself. Because it does not use chemicals, micro-dermabrasion can be a good treatment for people who have sensitive skin.
Good for: brightening, cleansing, anti-acne/scarring, anti-wrinkles. Also referred to as "skin resurfacing".
Hot stone facial
Hot Stone Massage is also known as Thermotherapy. This treatment uses heated (and sometimes cooled) basalt stones laid at strategic points, or rolled along your body to add another dimension to massage. This direct heat relaxes the muscles, which means that the massage itself is more effective and intense than it would be otherwise. The size of the stones varies, according to which part of the body they're being used on. The stones are often coated in fragrant oil to increase your sense of relaxation and calm. Don't underestimate the feel-good factor. Hot stone massage is popular because it's so relaxing, and will make you feel nurtured, pampered and special. Note: La Stone is a brand name for this treatment.
Good for: hot stones expand the blood vessels; cold ones constrict them. The warm stones sedate the nervous system and the cooler stones gently wake it up again. The combination of relaxing warmth and refreshing coolness is thought to encourage the body to detox and heal, increasing lymph flow and helping to flush out waste. The body becomes relaxed in a much shorter space of time, and the therapist can focus on a deep working of the tissues using both stone and hand strokes.
Microcurrent / Galvanic facial
These skin treatments use a very low electrical or galvanic current to help boost circulation and cleanse your pores deep down. It sounds scary but in the event it's not, and is actually very effective. A galvanic current is applied to pressure points on the face - sometimes using an electrode with a rotating tip - stimulating muscles to tone, and helping the products seep into the skin. There are branded versions of micro-current equipment such as Ionithermie, and Guinot's Hydradermie or Cathiodermie.
Good for: deep cleansing, helping products penetrate deep into the pores, and uplifting, rejuvenating skin.
Brands and their signature facials
Some brands have signature equipment that will be used in all their facial treatments. Examples include:
* Matis SK4 facials utilise ultrasound.
* Karin Herzog facials are famous for their pioneering use of oxygen in many of their treatments.
* Guinot facials often use their own 'Cathiodermie' or 'Hydradermie' equipment which use electrodes to increase the penetration of products into the skin.
* Carita facials often use their exclusive 'Pro-lift' machine which helps to increase circulation and tone, giving a natural facelift effect.
See also:
* Facials that use specific products
* Facials: How to choose the right one for you
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