A Facial Suited to Your Skin Type
Receiving a facial means that the skin care technician knows your skin type. Each skin type requires specifically tailored treatments. The following recommendations are for skin that isn't affected by a more serious skin condition. Use the following only if your skin is functioning well at the time of the appointment:
Normal skin can benefit from any type of facial, based on the skin's need that day. The latest facial fad usually works as well as the tried and true basic moisturizing and facial cleansing facial.
Oily skin requires deep cleansing. Enzymatic peels are good, as are salicylic acid peels. Microdermabrasion is fine, but there's a slight chance that it could over stimulate oil production or lead to breakouts and congestion. Clay masks are recommended for deep cleansing and for reducing the amount of oil on the surface of the skin.
The rule of thumb for sensitive skin is that less is best. Treatments can include a small amount of steam, acupressure massage, or lymphatic drainage. A cooling mask that doesn't dry on the skin is quite soothing, but avoid the heavy creams, which can be irritating.
Oily dry skin needs hydration and stimulation to aid the skin in producing more oil. Using treatments like a parrafin mask, a glycolic peel, microdermabrasion, steam, and intense creams can be beneficial.
Acne type skin needs to be calmed and soothed with deep cleansing and perhaps a salicylic exfoliation. Avoid a facial massage, as it can be too stimulating for your skin, but a shoulder massage is great. Acne skin needs extractions along with other deep cleansing treatments, such as clay masks and salicylic peels.
Don't expect your skin care technician to use all of these techniques at each facial. Most likely, he or she will give your skin the treatments that best fit your immediate needs.
