Facial

One of the joys of womanhood is taking the time to pamper ourselves so we can face each new day looking and feeling our best. Our skin is our largest organ, performing several functions, including protecting us from invasion by foreign substances and serving as the transfer point for the release of toxins from our bodies. The skin provides an honest mirror of our inner health and well-being. It is thus especially important to use only natural, gentle ingredients on our skin whenever possible. Application to the skin of fresh, natural products such as essential oils, plant waters (also called "hydrosols") and cold pressed unscented oils helps maintain a youthful, glowing complexion. Essential oils and hydrosols are the fragrant liquids that are distilled from different plant parts, such as flower petals; herbs leaves and tree barks, and are fundamental components of any solid, natural skin care regime. Cold pressed unscented oils are extracted from various fruits, nuts and seeds, and include olive oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil and jojoba oil. Used in tandem, essential oils, hydrosols and cold pressed unscented oils work together to soothe and nourish the skin, encouraging a healthful, radiant complexion.

Facials are deep skin treatments that cleanse, rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin, apart from minimizing skin blemishes, acne, dry skin and, of course, wrinkles. Facials vary depending on your skin type, the kind of treatment you've chosen, the products used and the person's age. However, it is advisable to start having facials in your late 20's.

The benefits

Facials involve a cleansing procedure, a massage and steam, and the application of a facemask. What they help to do is remove the dead, dull outer layer of cells that make up the skin's surface or epidermis along with pollutants. The massage, which is an important part of a facial, helps blood circulation, which in turn aids lymphatic drainage (the removal of toxins and waste from the body). A massage also relaxes the facial muscles and is very important to delay the onset of wrinkles. The face is steamed during a facial for two main reasons. Firstly, steam helps the skin absorb cream better. Secondly, it helps in softening blackheads and whiteheads so that they can be removed easily. The application of a facemask in the end helps tone and clarifies the skin. Facemasks are also used to treat dry and acne-ridden skin.

The different types of facials

A basic clean up
A clean up cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises facial skin. Ugly blackheads and whiteheads are cleared by gently steaming the face. Regular clean-ups can prevent and reduce skin problems. The skin is first cleansed under steam, and then very gently scrub granules are massaged over the skin. After removing the scrub, another creamy cleanser is applied and the skin is exfoliated further with a soft rotating electric brush and massaged. These are recommended for all skin types and can be done on people under the age of 25.

The advantages of Clean-up are :
It reduces tanning
Removes dirt and blackheads
Provides a clean and glowing complexion.

Normal facials
These facials are a simple cleanse, steam and massage affair. They're the least expensive of all facials. They're also the best option for normal skin that isn't prone to acne. The difference between these facials and a clean up is that the skin is massaged for a longer period of time in a facial.

Special facials
These are a step-up from the normal facial. Specially formulated hypoallergenic creams are used to moisturize the skin. Face packs are applied depending on different skin types and special cleansing and rejuvenation techniques are also part of the process. These are recommended for people with sensitive skins.

Bio-lift facials
In addition to cleansing, massage and rejuvenation techniques, these facials include treatment that targets dark circles under the eye. The characteristic of this facial is the bio-mask, which tones and tightens the skin on the face, making it look younger.

AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) facials
AHA acids, which are derived from fruits and flowers, are known for their anti-aging effects. These facials use creams formulated with AHAs, which help the skin look smoother and healthier. They are also recommended for people who have pigmented skin, and are prone to wrinkling easily.

In these, creams containing flower extracts are used, which improve action of the capillaries, skin texture and tighten pores-- inducing relaxation and calming the mind. In ancient times, the fragrance of rose, lavender, jasmine, neroli, etc., was used to cure depression, insomnia, anxiety and other mental states. Fresh fruit facials are done with pulps of fresh fruits; mostly seasonal fruits. For e.g. Orange or sweet Lime pulp. Fresh fruit facial is very good for very sensitive skin, which cannot tolerate any chemically prepared cosmetics. Fruits are chosen according to the skin type. Banana for dry skin and Orange for oily skin.

Paraffin facials
These facials are offered as part of bridal beauty packages. It involves the application of a special paraffin mask on the face over layers of gauze, which helps seal in the special anti-aging and rejuvenating creams applied to the skin. It aids better absorption and brings back the radiance of the skin.

Anti-oxidant and pollution-fighting facials
This facial uses creams and masks enriched with free-radical fighting agents like vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E. Pollutants are first removed and the skin is then deep cleansed in this procedure. This is recommended for people who have to be outdoors often-on account of their work.

Acne Facials
A treatment for those who suffer with troubled skin; particularly effective on teenage and adult acne. After cleansing this treatment begins with enzyme or glycolic acid exfoliation and a warm vapor mist, followed by extensive manual deep pore extractions, electric disencrustation and a skin-calming, anti-bacterial masque. This facial should be performed at regular, two-week intervals until problem clears.

Collagen Facials
This type of facial includes use of a multi-phase technique of exfoliation, warm vapor, deep pore cleansing, lymphatic drainage massage and self healing mineral or paraffin masque over a freeze dry collagen sheet to ensure the ideal hydrating effect. Normally in this kind of facial, liquid nutrients in the form of vials or ampoules are used and for quick absorption of liquid nutrients in the skin, laser or galvanic treatment is done. This is an effective preventative treatment against harmful environmental damage, wrinkles and dark circles. Recommended for all skin types.

Aromatherapy Facial
In these essential oils are used, which have potent and specific curative properties that are of particular benefit to the skin. They are effective for relaxation of body and mind. Aromatherapy facials help clear skin congestion and improve the normal functions of the skin. The mask, which is applied at the end of the massage, also contains essential oils. The elimination of toxins, the improvement in the skin's normal functions, including cell regeneration and the uplifting effect, all combine to make aromatherapy facials revitalizing and rejuvenating.

Galvanic Facial
In this Galvanic gadget is used, by which a steady, direct galvanic current is utilized, to introduce water-soluble substances through the skin. It heightens the skin's capacity to absorb and improves the penetration of the products. The treatment of specific problems becomes easier. This benefits dry, dehydrated skins, improving moisture retention. It also helps remove congestion.

Gold Facial
This facial makes use of creams containing 24-Carat pure gold, which penetrates the skin easily. It is a powerful rejuvenating treatment. Gold has a powerful effect on lymphatic drainage, facilitating the removal of toxins and wastes. This accelerates the regeneration of new cells. Masks, containing gold, are also applied. The gold facial helps to restore youthful qualities, like softness, smoothness, elasticity, resilience and radiance.