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Facials that use specific products
Collagen facialEnzyme peel / AHA or glycolic peel
Organic facial
Marine facial
Aromatherapy facial
Brands and their signature facials
Collagen facial
Collagen is a natural protein that supports all your body's cells. Collagen makes up 75 per cent of your skin and about 30 per cent of the rest of your body. Collagen is literally what keeps your cells in shape. As you get older, the collagen in your skin diminishes and gets tired. A collagen facial uses collagen-based creams and serums to plump up and boost your skin. The facial is nourishing and balancing and helps to improve your skin's elasticity. Collagen facials often feature a mask, massage, laser treatment and electrodes which stimulate and moisturise your cells. This kind of facial may also be described as a firming facial, anti-ageing/age-defying facial or a face-lifting facial; the latter may include collagen, or Restylane injections to fill lines.
Good for: reducing lines and wrinkles, moisturising, firming.
Enzyme peel / AHA or glycolic peel
An enzyme or glycolic peel is a gel containing chemicals that is applied to the skin and left for up to 30 minutes. After that, it is peeled off, taking with it layers of dead skin, scar tissue and blemishes, and revealing cleaner, smoother and more even-toned skin beneath. Peels often contain natural acids known as AHAs ('Alpha Hydroxy Acids'), such as glycolic acid, lactic acid or citric acid, which react with the upper layer of the epidermis, freeing dead skin cells to reveal the fresh skin underneath. The products used in these facials are for salon use only, so are far more potent than products you can buy, and so will have a greater effect. Spa peels use milder concentrations of the active ingredients than the intense treatments to be found in medi-spas and cosmetic surgeons, and are generally suitable for most skin types, although you should consult your therapist if you have sensitive skin or a skin condition that is easily aggravated. This is a popular treatment with people who have bad acne. It can also present a brighter, fresher complexion which can make you look younger. There is sometimes some superficial redness when the treatment's first done, but this will fade after a few days. If you have sensitive skin, then it is best to avoid intense peels, though your therapist will be able to suggest an alternative.
Good for: cleansing, even skin tone, anti-acne/scarring, lines and wrinkles.
Organic facial
If you're at all concerned about what food you consume, and buy organic food to take care of your inside, then chances are you won't be wanting to spread those chemicals and additives on the outside either! There are now many product ranges that offer a natural alternative to skincare, with ingredients wholly or mostly organic and natural. Pure cold-pressed essential oils and ingredients derived from herbs and minerals can have a much milder effect on the skin, making them perfect for sensitive skin, or for those concerned about the use of parabens and petrochemicals. Do still check the ingredients in products, though, as natural products can still be irritants or allergens, and it's always worth checking the labels to see if the ingredients really are as 'natural' as they claim!
Good for: Sensitive skin, as facials using good quality organic products contain fewer chemical irritants. Pregnant women wanting to avoid harmful ingredients.
Marine facial
The sea has become a useful resource for the beauty industry's growing interest in 'marine' treatments, harnessing the properties of sea water, seaweed, mud, and algae in various forms of skincare products. A marine facial may include treatment masks that nourish the skin with warm mineral-rich mud, seaweed or algae extracts, or even a splash of seawater.
Good for: marine minerals can be used for a variety of purposes, but the mineral-rich muds and plants are especially good for nourishing and revitalising skin with essential nutrients.
Aromatherapy facial
An aromatherapy facial tends to be a more holistic treatment than other facials and usually includes some neck, back and scalp massage as well as the facial itself. Essential oils are chosen according to your skin type and how you're feeling; you may feel you want to relax, you may feel you want to be invigorated. An aromatherapy facial should be a sensual experience that will leave you feeling blissful and your skin feeling smooth and clean.
Good for: cleansing, soothing and softening; relaxing and calming.
Brands and their signature facials
Some brands have a signature product that will be used in all their facial treatments. Examples include:
- La Prairie facials will be finished with their world-renowned caviar cream
- La Thérapie facials are described as 'cosmeceutical' as they often feature a glycolic peel or equipment with micro-currents for added effect.
- Thalgo and Phytomer facials use marine ingredients in all their facials.
See also:
* Glossary
* Facials
* Facials that use specific equipment
* Facials: How to choose the right one for you
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