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Facials: How to choose the right one for you
IntroductionDecoding facial-speak
Keep it simple!
Introduction
Whether you're having a facial at the Sanctuary or Sal's Salon, you choose a facial based on three things: the brand, the experience and the outcome; what products do you want on your skin, how do you want them applied; and how do you want your skin to look afterwards?
The brand: some people find that a certain brand really suits them and will stick with those products, and the variety of different treatments offered with it.
The experience: some of us go for a facial because it's a lovely, relaxing and indulgent thing to do. We want something we can't get at home - so dribble me in essential oils, smother my head in hot towels, hold hot stones to my temples and turn up the whale song!
The outcome: you want your skin to be clean, glowing, fresh and even.
If you're shopping around for an effective outcome, choosing a facial can get very confusing.
There are so many facials on the market that it can be very hard to work out which one is which. Whether a facial is sold to you on the basis of the brand, the experience, the outcome or all of the above, the language can be very ambiguous. Different spas and brands give different names to the same or similar facials; often you'll find that the title of facials is very long, but still somehow doesn't seem to tell you anything!
Somewhere along the line they all seem to make promises beginning with "re": rejuvenating, refreshing, rehydrating, revitalising, rebalancing, relaxing, renewing, relieving, regenerating, restoring. You'll also find a lot of "detoxify" and "soothe" and "nourish" and even "inspire".
In addition to this, you'll find words such as "advanced" and "specialist" and "luxury". Does this refer to the length of the facial? Or the quality of the product? Or the qualifications of the therapist? Or is there something else thrown in free? Or does it just cost more?
Relentless in our search for clarity, we at the Good Spa Guide have tried (in true facial-speak) to de-confuse it all for you!
Decoding facial-speak
Before you start, you need to keep in mind that this is a facial. It is intended to improve the tone and health of your skin, make you feel better about how you look and leave you feeling pampered, relaxed and refreshed. Some facials (especially ones that feature head or acupressure massage, hot stones or towels) can leave you feeling very deeply relaxed. But unless you are really, really shallow, it is not going to satisfy your emotional needs as some of the blurb would have you believe.
Whichever facial you choose, you can expect all facials to include the basics of cleansing, toning and moisturising, achieved via creams, masks, serums, spritzers, tonics and oils. The difference between facials is the how and the how much of each you get.
Keep it simple!
Most people go for a facial for one of these reasons:
Your skin is dirty and clogged up and you want to cleanse it. Look for facials that include the words: Exfoliating, heat, cleanser, deep cleansing mask. sometimes blackhead-removal (less relaxing!), oxygen jets.
Your skin is sore and sensitive, perhaps tired, sallow or blotchy, maybe you have acne. You want to soothe and balance it for an even skin tone. Look for facials that include the words: Soothing, sensitive, brightening, relieving, revitalise, regenerative, enzyme peel, multi-vitamin.
Your skin is dry and you want to moisturise it: Look for facials that use the words: Nourishing, hydrating, restoring, revitalising.
Your skin is a bit wrinkly and drained and you feel old! You want to look younger, to firm, lift and plump. Look for facials that include the words: Collagen-based products, pressure point massage, Cathiodermie (electric currents).
You "go for a service" to make sure you maintain healthy, glowing skin. Look for facials that use the words: Mini facial, express facial, prescription facial.
See also:
* Facials
* Facials that use specific equipment
* Facials that use specific products
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