In a professional facial, there are eight steps; double cleanse, tone, exfoliate with steam, extractions, massage, mask, treat, moisturize. Let’s go through each step and the purpose it serves:
Step One- Double Cleanse: double cleanse is necessary for all skincare. The double cleanse may be makeup removal followed by a cleanser or just two rounds with a cleanser. Double cleansing is important, as the first cleanse breaks down oils on the surface of the skin (sebum) while the second cleanse targets dirts and excess oils within the skin (lipids).
Step Two- Tone: Toning is an extremely important step in skincare. Using toner not only ensures removal of excess product left on the skin, but it also restores the pH of the skin while removing any bacteria that could cause conditions such as acne, irritation, or redness. Returning the skins pH to normal keeps the skin from drying out or overproducing oil during the facial process, allowing us to work with a clean canvas. And! With witch hazel based toners, you can never over tone!
Step Three- Exfoliate (Steam Optional): Exfoliation is something many people neglect to do. While exfoliating should only be done 2-3 times a week, it’s essential for healthy skin. Exfoliating buffs and removes dead skin cells that may not be able to shed away, revealing the healthy cells underneath and leaving a smooth canvas for treating. Over exfoliation can lead to redness, irritation, and sensitivity so only exfoliate for 30 seconds and rinse with cool water!
Optional: Steam- steaming the skin helps softens the oils and dirt within the pores, allowing it to come out more easily! Professionals start the steam during cleansing and continue steaming the skin through exfoliation to provide the deepest cleanse! Simply using steam from a shower or a sink of hot water is enough to aid the skin but personal facial steamers are also available on Amazon!
Step Four- Extractions: Extraction is the process of removing blemishes such as pimples and blackheads from the skin using an extractor tool (which you can buy at Walmart, Target, Amazon, and literally anywhere that sells skincare). By this point in the facial, the skin is cleansed and cleared of surface buildup and the oils and dirt in the pores are softened for easy extraction. When doing extractions at home, use light pressure and never push if it’s painful. It’s always best to leave it and let it heal on its own. Should you want to treat blemishes without extracting them, hydrocolloid patches are available everywhere. Simple place the patch on and leave it for the suggested time on its package. (Please check all ingredients in the patches to avoid allergies or sensitivities). Remember: extractions are optional, even for professional and master estheticians. Always tone after extractions to avoid spreading bacteria.
Step Five- Massage: Everyone’s favorite part of a spa treatment! The massage is used to soothe the client into the more relaxing part of the facial. Using skin safe massage lotions, we gently massage and manipulate the skin to soothe any irritation from extractions, increase blood flow, and increase healthy oil production in the skin. Self massages are just as beneficial as professional massages! Use your hands and work from your nose outwards, around your face and down your neck! Massage tools such as rollers, ice bulbs, gua shas, ultrasonic devices, and wooden massagers can also provide immense benefits for relaxation and skin health!
Step Six- Mask: The most recognized step in any spa treatment- masking! Masks are important as they provide a burst of treatment to a service. Masks can treat a single issue or a multitude of issues! But as a basis, clay masks are used to treat oily skin types and acne. Gel and cream masks often treat dryness, dull skin, fatigued skin, and dark spots. Sheet masks are often made to treat many conditions such as acne or fine lines and wrinkles. Masking can be done every other day and should be done at least twice a week. I always mask on the same days I exfoliate for best results!
Step Seven- Treat: treating the skin is important and how do you do that? With serums. Serums are highly concentrated ingredients made to sink deep into the skin and fix the root of your skin care issues. There’s hundreds of types of serums on the market and more are developed every day. Researching your serums and ingredients is important to find the right treatment for you! Serums are applied after the mask and gently patted or massaged into the skin. Allow serums to absorb fully before applying other serums or moisturizer.
Step Eight- Moisturize and Protect: Moisturizing is the final step in a professional facial. Using a targeted moisturizer, you can treat your skin care problems while sealing in the benefits from your treatment. Moisturizer sits on the surface of the skin, sealing in your serums and treatments, protecting the skin from the elements, and hydrating your skin to keep it healthy and glowing. Protecting the skin is also important for your daytime routine! Always use an SPF (specifically one image for the face) before going outside!
Need a simpler routine? No problem!
Of course, not everyone has time for an eight step routine so how do you slim it down? Easy!
Just remove makeup if necessary, get a good cleanse, tone, and moisturize! That’s the simplest it can get! That’s where I started my first night in esthetics school! Cleanse, tone, moisturize! It’s simple but even just keeping the skin clean, balanced, and moisturized is beneficial for its health! Always exfoliate twice a week and try to apply one serum every time you do your skin care but if you don’t, remember, even master estheticians slack in their skin care!
Molly Reuther