What's a Good Facial, and What's a Waste of Money?

Answer 1

You enter a semi-dark room at a luxurious day spa to enjoy a facial. The aesthetician enters the room. Examining your skin, she notices the fine lines on your forehead and says the oxygen facial will eliminate them. You were planning on a basic facial, which is $50 cheaper. Having no time to make anything but a quick decision, you have no way of knowing if the oxygen facial is worth the extra money. How can you tell the difference? Facials are great, but spas offer a dizzying selectin of techniques and exotic ingredients which suggest dramatic effects. How can you tell which ones are good for your skin and which ones are a waste of your money? Well, for one, an oxygen facial supposedly hydrates and immediately plumps your skin. Maybe, but it's certainly not worth any extra cash layout. There have been no clinical studies on their effectiveness. Avoid treatments containing products you'd wear as jewelry: Gold, diamonds, etc. That's just silly and they don't do anything at all for your skin! Here are two types of facials worth the money, and how they work: Galvanic facials involve electrically stimulating the skin with a hand-held device. Electric currents enable moisturizers to penetrate the skin deeply. Anything which helps products get into your skin will help them to work much better. Also a good choice are facial which include retinoic acid, which helps to slough off older skin cells, build collagen, and reduce the signs of aging. The downside is, you'll need a treatment every four to six weeks before you'll see results. Alpha and beta hydroxy chemical peels offer medical benefits. Each has different benefits: Beta hydroxy is salicylic acid which penetrates the oil glands and is very good for acne-prone skin. Best also for older skin types, alpha hydroxy acids are good exfoliators. Get a good start on your facial. A quality spa will give you a questionnaire to fill out about your skin, its care, and any medical conditions you may have. And keep in mind that organics aren't for everyone. They're popular, but a lot of us are allergic to plant oils. Speak up if you have sensitivity to any plants. Go easy. Extractions are a way to rid your skin of blackheads (not whiteheads), but don't let the aesthetician dig too deep. A good practitioner will back off from anything not coming out easily.