Most people, men and women, start paying attention to their skin and hair only when it comes to attending a special occasion such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions and other parties. I think women especially go out of their way in their beauty regime to look their best, addressing every little beauty issue to be able to flaunt a flawless skin. But, what happens to our skin for the rest of the year? Most often, due to lack of time, we tend to ignore the basic skin care practises and think it is alright to do so.
When it comes to the basics of skin care, some people are apprehensive in getting a facial done. What are the benefits and what should one look out for? When should one get a facial done? These are some questions which trouble many a mind. But in today’s time, with pollution and stress levels hitting the roof, it often results in lack-lustre skin and its degeneration. This is why it is all the more important to pay attention to your skin and take care of it.
Facials should not be treated as something you do once in a while or during special occasions. They should be a regular part of your beauty regime. Yes, it is true that what you need in your twenties is nowhere near what you may need in your forties or fifties; nevertheless a facial is important at both ages.
What is a Basic Facial?
A basic facial should consist of cleaning, toning and moisturising. This is done with cleansers, gels and face washes. It is followed by moisturising the skin according to your skin and age type, and finishing off with a clarifying mask.
As you get older the skin tends to look tired and sluggish. Therefore, to avoid this, exfoliators and dermabrasive creams are used. High protein and vitamin emusifiers are also used with exfoliates and tightening masks that help improve elasticity and give the skin a youthful appearance.
Most people in their twenties should follow a daily skin care routine and a visit to the skin clinic once every 40days for a cleaning and moisturisng program. If you are in your 30’s or 40’s, once a month visit is a must, provided your skin care discipline at home is carefully worked out.
A good massage is vitally essential to improve blood circulation and nourish the skin. See to it that blackheads and whiteheads are cleaned out. Exfoliation should be done with grains that are suitable to your skin type and scrub very gently. You should ensure that professionals through whom you get your facial done should not use harsh strokes on the skin. When it comes to applying masks, I have very often noticed that professionals who have been trained for years fail to get it right. Firstly, the mask should cover wrinkle prone areas of the skin like the neck, forehead and the eye area. Secondly, the mask should always be removed in upward strokes after wetting it.
If you are in your late 40’s or 50’s, the skin therapist’s appointment should be considered as important as a doctor’s appointment. You cannot afford to be laid back on this one especially in a time where toxins and pollutants are daily enemies of the body and skin and do more damage than can be possibly seen by the human eye. Regular facials are a must and remember that if you have an important occasion to attend, the actual impact of the facial will happen atleast two days after you have done it.
For those who are considering the quickies like botox and fillers for that perfect look, my take on this is that they definitely have a tremendous impact on the skin and make you look super. However, as the injectables are used repeatedly the skin tends to age faster and starts giving the skin a haggard look. I have seen many people’s face change and age much sooner than it would have if they had gone for natural treatments.
Few Tips on How to Make the Most of Facials
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1. Let your skin breathe after a facial treatment.
2. Never start to apply make-up after a facial. Your pores have just been cleaned and require oxygen, so do not clog them.
3. Try and take a nap after a facial and avoid rushing back to work or taking up stressful activities. The facial tissues have been relaxed so let them be that way for sometime.
4. Try and drink some green tea or warm lime water and honey as the pressure points have been activated on the skin. They will help improve metabolism, relax the body as well as detoxify it.
5. Avoid having a bath with too cold or too hot water. Luke warm water bath is recommended after a facial.
6. Never visit a crowded or high pollution area after your skin pampering.
7. Above all be kind to yourself, you deserve it
