The Benefits of Spa and Salon Treatments
The Skinsmith | 29th May, 2023
Why Spa and Salon Treatments Are Woth It?
I have heard the question “do I really need to go to a professional for a facial treatment? … Is it really worth the money?”
When you visit a beauty therapist skincare expert, not only will you benefit from the treatment itself in many different ways, but you will also get to benefit from their experience and expertise and learn all about your own skin, the best products to use to get the best results and the correct daily routine for your skin’s optimal health.
Professional skincare experts are not only trained in the product line they are using to improve your skin, they are also trained in the anatomy and physiology of the face, body and skin and how the ingredients and beneficial actives work within the skin to help give you a better, healthier more youthful complexion.
Your skincare expert will ask you a variety of questions, assess your skin and determine the best course of treatments and products for you for that specific treatment and help to advise you on what you should do at home. As this process is very interactive and personal you simply cannot do this online!
Benefits of a Professional Facial
There are many benefits to regularly having a professional facial treatment, not only are they relaxing and help you to unwind and disconnect from a busy life, there are also some physical benefits to your skin, body and mind too!
- Professional product lines such as Eminence will often provide professional only products for skincare therapist to use in salons and spas only, they are not available to purchase for home use as they are more intensive or require trained knowledge of the skin and the ingredients
- Your therapist will be working on your skin for about 60 minutes on average, this results in a facial being a stimulating treatment, stimulating healthy blood flow, cell renewal and repair. Your skin will be glowing afterwards with health and vitality
- A facial will also stimulate your lymphatic system and your detoxification processes, removing impurities and toxins for a clearer, vibrant complexion
- Professional facials are usually more deeply cleansing than a treatment at home and may include the removal of blocked pores, blackheads or even milia
- A facial includes a neck, shoulder and face massage which can be anti-ageing and plumping to the skin and is meant to be very relaxing
- You will often find products absorb better both during your facial treatment and for a few days after a facial
- Skin is cleansed, detoxified, hydrated and plumped and most facials include finishing products specifically for the eyes, lips and neck
What is a Facial Exactly?
When you book and arrive for your facial treatment you are in for a real treat! Facials come in many different guises but here we will concentrate on a hands-on type facial without machines or other treatment modalities.
A hands-on facial will be from around 30 minutes up to 90 minutes plus. Generally, though the most popular hands-on facials are approx. 1 hour.
You will arrive at the salon or spa you have chosen and if it is your first visit, be asked to complete a consultation questionnaire. This simple form helps your expert determine some history on your own skincare routine, your health, medication, lifestyle and what you are looking to get from your treatment. Answer the questions as best and as honestly as you can as this is your treatment and you want it to be perfectly just for you!
Once your therapist has reviewed your answers, they will speak with you also to fully understand what your needs are and to help put you at ease so you can relax and enjoy the service.
The Steps of a Facial Treatment
The steps of a facial treatment will depend on the type of treatment you have booked. For instance, if you have chosen a 30-minute treatment you may find the exfoliation step is combined with the cleansing step or masking step and treatments such as a scalp or arm massage maybe reserved for the longer facials.
However, there are some steps that are common in a typical hour long facial.
- Cleansing – most skincare experts will do a double cleanse; they may use the same cleanser twice or two different cleansers for increased benefits. They will cleanse the eye area, face, neck, décolleté, shoulders and maybe lips. Cleansing is a nice introduction to the physical touch of a facial and of course removes make-up, dirt and impurities whilst preparing the skin for the next steps of your treatment.
- Toning – Eminence facials use mists or toniques, they are alcohol free and full of beneficial actives. Gently spritzed over the face and décolleté they will hydrate the skin and re-balance the pH.
- Exfoliation – a key step in a facial as it removes the dead, dull layer of skin on the skins’ surface. Depending on the type of exfoliation in your particular facial it may be a superficial or deep exfoliation. Removing the dead, dull layer helps your skin to look instantly fresher and stimulates cell renewal. There are many different types of exfoliation and if you want to learn more take a look at our exfoliators
- Treatment Mask – one of my favourite steps is an Eminence masque. You will find we have a masque for all skin types and conditions. Masques help to “fix” your skin concerns, infusing the skin with botanical actives to improve issues such as dryness, aging, pigmentation, sensitivity, breakouts, rosacea etc. Your Eminence therapist will choose up to three masques and may mix or layer them and leave on for up to 10 minutes. Whilst your masque is on, they will often perform a scalp, hand or arm massage to help you relax fully.
- Massage – a facial massage is one of the best things in life!!! Or one of mine anyway. The massage will include the face, eyes, neck and shoulders and in an Eminence facial if your therapist is trained in the Hungarian Massage Technique will be deeply relaxing and anti-ageing. A facial massage will relax tense muscles and help you to unwind your mind and relax your body.
The Finishing Steps
- Serums & Concentrates – these products are often lighter than a moisturiser and are designed to go underneath a moisturiser too. They work deeper in the skin helping to deeply repair, hydrate and heal the skin… from the inside out! Serums may be liquidy or very silky light-weight milky or creamy products, they boost the benefits of your masque and your moisturiser.
- Eye & Lip Care – in an Eminence facial you will be treated to specific products for the eye, lip and neck areas, providing the best benefits to those areas as they are different and require different actives to the skin on the face, décolleté and shoulders. Your therapist will apply these products to those areas to give instant lifting, plumping and moisturisation.
- Moisturiser – along with cleansing and toning, moisturising is one of the most common steps for skincare routines at home. Depending on your treatment your moisturiser may include SPF to protect your skin from UV. Moisturisers are a more superficial treatment for the skin working to protect your skin from environmental stressors such as pollution, impurities and UV. They will also maintain your natural skin barrier function which acts as a protective layer. Moisturisers will also help to treat all types of skin conditions and concerns.
At The End Of Your Treatment
Once your treatment is finished your therapist should spend some time with you to help to advise you on what you should and shouldn’t do after your treatment as well as at home to improve on the results of your facial. Professional therapists are happy to help educate you on the best products and routines for your skin. This is all part of the service and to get the best from your treatment you should take note of what your skincare expert advises.
Ideally you should invest in your skin with a professional facial approx. every 4-6 weeks depending on your time and the treatment. We recommend this timeframe as your skin cells lifecycle is between 30-45 days on average. Not only does this schedule optimise your skins health and vitality but it is a really nice treat to look forward to once a month!
Find Your Eminence Expert
To find your nearest Eminence expert please visit our Salon and Spa Locator. We are also delighted to offer help and advice over the phone, SM or email … but of course, having a therapist look at, work with and analyse your skin in person if by far the best option!
You can also learn more about the key benefits of exfoliation by speaking to a member of our experienced and friendly team today on 01305 300950 or by emailing [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you.
