What is a Facial and what can it do for me?

What is it? Why consider it?

Hyperpigmentation, acne breakouts, dry flakiness, and excessive oiliness are issues most people suffer with. Not only can these problems be uncomfortable, but they can also weigh down on our confidence. Many people have a hard time finding the right routine and the causes/solutions to their problems. Facials not only address these problems, but also make you more knowledgeable in understanding your skin. Many people think facials are only for relaxing, while it is very relaxing, there are a plethora of benefits that come from getting regular facials. 

What problems would cause someone to want this?

                  Our skin is our biggest organ, any issues that are happening internally will show externally. The purpose our biggest organ serves are as our first physical barrier against the environment, temperature, germs, toxic chemicals and UV rays. People may experience acne, dermatitis, dry, itchy skin, dehydrated skin, weak skin barrier, excessive oiliness and inflammation.  Many people who are uneducated in skin and how it works will have a hard time figuring out whether the core problem(s) stem from internal or external factors. Also, for congested skin, blemishes that are left untreated will permanently leave pores open and bigger. 

                  Healthy skin can be characterized by smooth, firm, hydrated, tight skin that’s soft in texture and even in texture with normal contour. The sign of an intact skin barrier is tolerance. How does your skin react to outside elements and the environment? 

What can it do for you?

                  Clear skin, glowing skin, and confidence is what regular trips to the medical spa and taking advice from a license professional can do for someone struggling with skin issues. Correcting epidermal weakness is key to healthy skin. Learning the right ingredients to use and avoid for your specific skin type is also crucial to healthy, glowing skin. Using at home and in-office treatments to strengthen the skin barrier include restoring water loss, stabilization, stimulation, sebum control, monitoring inflammation, overcoming skin resistance, and using smart skin protection. 

Where can it be done?

                  Don’t let the name “facial” fool you, you can get a facial anywhere on the body where you are having concerns. You can break out anywhere that your skin has pores and grows hair. We offer regular facials, back facials, and even booty facials (so you can confidently wear that bikini in South Beach!)

How is it performed?

                  A facial is a treatment that includes cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extractions, ice globe massage, a treatment mask, neck and shoulder massage, and an optional LED/high frequency treatment with an arm and hand massage. We have different treatments for different concerns and results. Other options include dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, superficial and medium depth peels.

How long until I can see results?

                  It is recommended to come every 2 weeks until you see the results you want, then to maintain those results, to come in every 4-6 weeks. 

What is LED light therapy?

                  LED (Light Emitting Diode) phototherapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light for therapeutic purposes and to promote healing and rejuvenation of the skin. LED is a process that manipulates or regulates cell activity using light sources without thermal damage. While it is true that the sun does emit the same different beneficial wavelengths, LED therapy uses individual portions of the light spectrum that does not contain any damaging ultraviolet, therefore achieving skin rejuvenation. Like the plant process photosynthesis, where plants use chlorophyl from the sun’s rays to convert sunlight into cell building blocks, the skin’s cells absorb the LED wavelength’s light, creating a cascade of events to happen, depending on the color. 

                  The Red Wavelength helps with the production of collagen since it’s light penetrates the deepest into the skin opposed to the other lights. After several treatments that may require consistent treatment for several weeks or months, based on factors such as skin type, age, and the condition being treated, a type of cell we have in our skin, fibroblasts, can be triggered to produce collagen for up to 6 months. Stimulating the lymphatic system also helps detox the body of waste products and bacteria, in turn speeding up the healing process. 

Is it safe?

                  Being open and honest with your service provider helps to give you the safest and most effective treatment possible. Upon booking your facial, you typically will receive an intake form, this is where you can list any contradictions to having a facial. If you check off any of these boxes, we may have to reconsider rescheduling your facial:

•  Allergies

• Undergoing Cancer Treatment within the last 3-6 months

• The last time you had a Major Surgery

• The last time you had Botox & Filler

• Skin histology

• Cold sores

• Ringworm

How do I prepare for my facial?

• Do not exfoliate for 48 hours prior (including shaving and waxing)

• Communicate with your esthetician

• Try to avoid the sun 48 hours prior

• Stay hydrated

• Come in bare faced and moisturized

Facial aftercare instructions

Improperly taking care of your skin after a facial treatment could potentially compromise results. For the best results, listen to your esthetician carefully, ask any questions needed, and make sure you can follow these rules post-facial.

Avoid:

• Sun exposure for 48 hours

• Makeup for 6 hours

• Self-tanner for 24 hours

• Hot tubs, steam in general, saunas, hot hair dryers and hot showers for 24-48 hours

• Exfoliating for 72 hours

• Intense exercise for 24 hours (avoid inflammation and redness)

• Other facial treatments for 48 hours

• Picking or pulling at scabs

• Stimulating the skin for 48 hours

Make sure to drink plenty of water as well and avoid inflammatory foods and products as much as possible.