What is a Facial?
In short, a facial is a treatment for the face, where the face is cleansed, steamed, any blackheads are removed, the face is treated and massaged, a mask is applied and finally a moisturizer and a sunscreen. It usually lasts 60 – 90 minutes. And at times, machinery can be used. At the end you will have a healthy glow. When facials are done as a treatment to treat a particular concern such as ageing, acne, pigmentation, etc, a series of treatments need to be performed.

Preparation for Facial
• It would be ideal if you can remove your make-up before arriving, especially if you wear it quite heavy. Or at least wear a light make-up application. The beauty therapist can remove your makeup, but this will take 5 minutes off your facial time.
• Let your beauty therapist know if you’d like to leave your mascara on. Some clients prefer this, as they feel naked without any mascara on, especially if they have some errands to run after.
• Do not come with a freshly washed and blow-dried hair style.
• Preferably after the facial, take it easy the rest of the day. A facial is a relaxing treatment, and it would be nice to extend this relaxing time for the rest of your day.

The Facial
• For a detailed description of what happens during a facial, read the article What to Expect During a Facial.

Once Leaving the Salon
• Drink water.
• Keep make-up to a minimum for 12 hours, and use makeup which is mineral and / or vitamin enriched.
• Do not use any perfumed products or expose yourself to direct sunlight / saunas / sunbeds for 48 hours.
• Do not undertake further skincare treatments for 48 hours or use any exfoliating products for 72 hours.
• Avoid alcohol or smoking to keep your complexion clear and healthy.

Maintaining your Results
• Increase your water intake to 8 glasses a day.
• Decrease alcohol and smoking to keep skin healthy.
• Use products as advised by your beauty therapist – these should be specific for your skin type, concerns and budget.
• Use a sunscreen daily.
• For long-term results and as a preventative measure, book in for a facial once every 6 weeks (the ideal scenario) or once every 3 months (the least).