Perfect skin doesn’t come naturally for everyone — TGFF. Thank Goodness For Facials. Whether skin is aging, pores need perfecting or the epidermis is looking a tad dull, facialists and dermatologists are eager to fix a face in need.
Much like complexions, however, all facials, peels and procedures are not created equally. Most of the time, things go off without a hitch, but in some instances, techniques are torture and beauty-based buys aren’t always beneficial.
No need to fret — some face fanatics and folks who are forever facing, well, faces, have provided the following facts.
Don’t conduct any harsh pre-facial prep
“Have you ever cleaned your apartment the day before your housekeeper comes?” asks Truth + Beauty founder and owner Cori Goldfarb. “This same theory does not apply the day before your facial. Exfoliating, peeling and scrubbing should be avoided before your facial. Leave this to the professionals.”
Be smart about sunning and scripts
“I had one new client come in to see me for a series of treatments to lighten her pigmentation. She had gone to Mexico and bought a tube of prescription retinol and was applying it and lying in the sun on her vacation,” explains Pearl Dworkin, esthetician. This of course is something you shouldn’t do but she thought this would be good for her skin.”
Accept nothing less than immaculate
“In the beauty industry, you can usually judge a book by its cover,” shares Lydia Sarfati, founder and CEO of Repêchage. “If a salon or spa owner doesn’t take pride in the appearance of their business, who’s to say they take pride in your appearance — let alone your safety? Salons and spas should be spotless, so dust and dirt are sure signs you are in the wrong place.
Schedule a visit to the doctor on a different day
“Avoid getting X-rays,” says Goldfarb. “X-rays dehydrate your skin. If you receive an X-ray before a facial, your skin will be noticeably drier and will prevent your esthetician from analyzing your skin properly.”
Save scents for another scenario
“Reduce your perfume use in the summer and right before a facial,” Goldfarb advises. “Your favorite scent may be increasing your chances to burn and hyper pigment. Certain perfumes containing citrus notes are photosensitive, causing the skin to develop dark spots when in the sun or if a retinoid is applied.”
Fish are your friends
“After your facial, maintain the benefits by drinking lots of water and eating super rich antioxidant foods such as blueberries, melons, pears broccoli, cabbage, squash, salmon and sardines,” says Goldfarb.
Heat is the hero
“An autoclave is a device used to sterilize equipment and supplies by subjecting them to high pressure saturated steam at 121 degrees C for around 15 to 20 minutes,” Goldfarb says. “Make sure your spa has one or your utensils have not been properly sterilized.”
One size does not fit all
“Beware of IPL treatments and ethnic skin,” advises Nancy Reagan, Master Aesthetician & Skin Care Coach. The melanin in the skin can react instantly to damage creating dark marks.” She adds, “I recently treated a client that had an IPL peel. [She] was burned and it changed the melanin in the skin to dark stripes. Through a combination of LED light, ultrasound and high dose peptides and vitamins, I was able to calm down the melanin and completely fade the stripes.”
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