No matter your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, prone to breakouts or just starting to show signs of aging, a facial can help.
Facials are designed to deep-clean the skin, provide the skin with nutrients and antioxidants, and in some cases, stimulate the production of collagen.
Dr. Chernoff offers patients at his Indianapolis and Santa Rosa practices a wide range of options for facials. Learn more about what you can expect when you book a facial and how to choose the one that’s right for your skin.
Facial Options
The type of facial that’s best for you depends on your skin type. Facials for dry skin typically contain moisturizing and soothing ingredients while facials designed to help fight the signs of aging typically contain ingredients that help even skin tone or reduce the look of wrinkles. Some facials use intense light, oxygen, or microdermabrasion, as well.
For example, if your skin is oily or prone to breakouts, a facial that contains alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy acids might be ideal. The acids help clear up the skin without drying it out. Antioxidants are also commonly used in facials for problem skin. For example, green tea can help pimples and acne.
If you are looking for a facial that will help even out your skin tone or firm up skin, one that contains vitamin C, such as the Replenish facial offered at the Santa Rosa practice, might work well for you. The antioxidants found in the facial helps your skin look brighter right away and helps increase collagen production.
Sometimes, a facial can help you feel more relaxed and soothed. The European facial offered at the Indianapolis office includes steam to help open up pores, a facial massage and a mask that’s rich in nutrients. The facial concludes with a hand massage to make the experience even more relaxing.
Typical Components of a Facial
Usually, when you get a facial, it contains four steps. The doctor or aesthetician performing it will begin by cleansing your skin. Cleaning the skin is an essential part of any facial, as it gives the practitioner a clean slate and will improve the results of the facial.
After the skin is cleansed, it is usually exfoliated to remove dry, dead skin cells. Exfoliation can be performed using a peel, microdermabrasion, or intense pulsed light. Some facials require the use of steam during this step to help open the pores and prep the skin for exfoliation. While many patients find the warm steam soothing, others don’t.
A facial massage is often part of the process. The massage can help improve the radiance of your skin and help with cell turnover. Massage can also improve blood flow in the face, improving the way your skin looks and feels.
A mask that either hydrates the skin or nourishes it is a common part of the facial, too. It might be what most people think of when they think about facials. The ingredients in the mask depend on your specific wants. For example, a silicone mask is ideal if you want an extra dose of moisture in the skin.
Understanding Extractions
Extractions can be part of the facial process. During extraction, the aesthetician is removing whiteheads and blackheads from your pores, using either gloved fingers or a special tool. Professional extractions during a facial are a lot different than trying to pop or pick at a blemish at home.
The aesthetician is trained in the procedure and usually needs a license to perform it. She uses a magnifying glass so that she can see clearly the pore and the blemish. Despite training and skill, extraction can be a little uncomfortable for some people. If your facial includes extraction in the description, you can ask the aesthetician to stop if you find it unbearable.
Before and After the Facial
Be gentle with your skin before going in for the facial. There’s no need to do a peel or facial at home in the days or week before your treatment. If you are a man with facial hair, don’t shave the same day as the facial.
After the treatment, you want to take care of your skin so that the results last longer. That means following any directions given to you by the aesthetician or doctor. You might be given a balm or ointment to wear to soothe any irritation or reduce redness. Wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure, if possible.
Keep up the habit of washing your face before you go to bed and always remove makeup. Moisturizing regularly will help you maintain refreshed, glowing skin.
Learn more about the facial options available at Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery by contacting the office nearest you today. The practice has locations in Indiana and California.
If you’re on the West Coast, call (707) 544-3232 for the Santa Rosa office or (800) 482-5499 for Newport Beach and Beverly Hills. In the Midwest, call (317) 573-8899 to learn more about your options and to book your first facial today.
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