What Happens During a Facial Treatment?

A facial treatment works together to improve the appearance of your skin. Since skin types are not all the same, the procedures and products used in a facial may differ. A facial treatment is usually tailored to the needs of the client, but all facials have a basic routine that most skin care professionals use.

Facial massage stimulates blood flow and nourishes the skin's cells. (Image: Lighthaunter/iStock/Getty Images)

The Facts

The Facts (Image: Arne Trautmann/iStock/Getty Images)

The massage used in a facial treatment encourages blood flow and brings nourishing blood to the skin's cells. Facial treatments are relaxing, as well as therapeutic. Machines are used to treat skin, but this spa service can be performed manually.

Function

Function (Image: Don Bayley/iStock/Getty Images)

Most skin conditions benefit from the procedures and products used in a facial treatment, and a dermatologist or a licensed aesthetician should be employed to treat the skin. Treatment by a dermatologist is usually given in the doctor's office. An aesthetician may give a facial in a spa, a salon or in her home.

Types

Types (Image: Sheldunov Andrey/iStock/Getty Images)

Normal skin is analyzed, cleansed and steamed, and a facial massage is given by the esthetician. A nourishing mask is applied to the skin, and then removed accordingly. Moisturizer for normal skin is applied after the mask is removed.

Dry skin is analyzed, cleansed and steamed during a facial treatment. A massage may be performed, and a mask is then applied and left on for the appropriate time. A moisturizer for dry skin is applied at the end of the treatment.

Combination skin is analyzed, cleansed, steamed, massaged, and a mask for combination skin is applied to the skin during a facial treatment. Some skin care specialists use two different masks on the face to treat the different skin type areas. The skin is moisturized at the end of the treatment with either a combination skin moisturizer, or two different moisturizers.

Skin with acne is cleansed and steamed, and pimples and blackheads are extracted. A mask designed to treat acne is also applied and taken off after the appropriate time. Moisturizer appropriate for acne is applied at the end of the treatment.

Considerations

Considerations (Image: Andrei Zarubaika/iStock/Getty Images)

Before a facial is given, you must inform the skin care specialist of any allergies. The ingredients in some products used in some treatments may cause allergic reactions. If you have sensitive skin, you must tell your skin care specialist about this as well.

Benefits

Normal skin remains clear and radiant when regular facials are given. The steam and facial massage used on clients with dry skin, however, should make their skin more hydrated. Combination skin typically shows improvement from regular facial treatments as well. The products used on acne-plagued skin should greatly improve an acne condition over time if the client follows the skin care professional's instructions on how to care for his skin at home.

Aging Skin

Aging skin is cleansed, steamed and massaged during a facial treatment. An exfoliation mask for aging skin is used to soften lines and wrinkles. If a mask is applied, it will be removed after the appropriate time, and a cream or lotion made to treat mature skin is applied. Facial massage also tones sagging skin, encourages the production of natural oils and leaves the skin with a healthy glow.