The Steps and Benefits of a Professional Facial
The Skinsmith | 10th July 2023
Professional Facials - What To Expect
Photo Credit OrganicGirlWendy
When you book in for an Eminence trained professional facial or another hands-on facial you are in for a real treat.
Eminence facials are a true sensorial experience, the natural, fresh aromas, different textures and stimulating benefits from the products make it a unique relaxing treatment followed by improvements in your skin that you will often see and feel immediately!
What Happens When You Receive a Facial
When you first arrive at your chosen salon or spa for your facial, you will be booked in by reception and most likely given a form or two to complete (especially on your initial treatment). The forms help your therapist determine the best products and treatments to use during your booking. It will ask about your normal routine, if you are on medication or have any allergies and maybe some lifestyle questions as well. Be as informative, detailed, and honest as you can on those forms as it only benefits you in the long run.
While you are waiting for your treatment you maybe offered refreshments, you maybe asked to change into a spa wrap or robe and depending on where you have chosen for your treatment you may also have the opportunity to use leisure facilities before and after your treatment. A little tip… make sure you use the washroom before your treatment!
Your therapist will normally come to take you to the treatment room when it is time for your facial and most likely will provide an explanation of the service and what’s involved. They will ask you to get comfortable on the treatment bed and most likely leave the room while you prepare for your treatment.
While you are getting comfy, your therapist will be reviewing your forms to get a detailed background on your skin type, concerns and what you’d like to achieve from your facial. After a few minutes they will knock on the door to see if you are ready and then come in to start your service. Most therapists will go through some key points on your form and ask you some questions directly again to make sure they provide the best treatment for you that day. They will make sure you are comfortable, maybe use a headband or towel to cover your hair and dim the lights to help you relax.
You may be asked if you prefer a silent treatment, the therapist will then go through the products they have used and why after your facial, or if you prefer, they can explain as they go along. The information on the products they use during your treatment is invaluable and you can learn a whole heap of great information and tips on how best to keep your skin looking great.
The Steps Of A Facial:
Now your actual facial treatment will begin. Based on your skin type, concerns, and the outcome you are looking for, your therapist will choose the products for your entire facial, they will then begin with:
An Eminence cleanser will not only cleanse your skin, removing any make-up, impurities and other products, they will also start to treat, heal and hydrate your skin. A cleanser is applied to your face, neck and décolleté in a relaxing massage type technique, then removed with warm mitts, towel or sponges. The eye area may be cleansed at the same time or separately with cotton pads. Eminence therapist generally perform a double cleanse, they may use the same cleanser twice or choose an alternative cleanser to increase the benefits of the cleanse and the results for your skin. The cleansing step is a great introduction to your treatment and allows you to start to unwind and relax.
Eminence’s toners are called toniques or mists as they do not contain alcohol. They are formulated with juices, thermal spring water and other beneficial ingredients to hydrate, balance and refresh the skin. There are 6 to choose from and your therapist will select the one for your skin type. They are formulated to be spritzed onto the skin, however some therapists prefer to apply with their hands instead. Toners in general will help to freshen the skin after the cleanser and re-balance the skins pH. A great tip for an Eminence tonique is to use them daily during the day not just during your skincare routine. You can spritz them to re-hydrate and refresh your skin after lunch for example! They are also great when you fly as they will keep your skin from dehydrating on the plane!
This step is a transformative step as your skin will feel different immediately afterwards. Exfoliation removes the dry, rough, dead skin cells that build up on the skins surface, it reveals a healthier, radiant complexion that feels softer and smoother to touch. Exfoliants come in a few different formulations, you may feel a physical grittiness to the product applied, or you may have a tingling sensation from acids and enzymes! Remember not all acids are bad for the skin Alpha Hydroxy, Beta Hydroxy and Polyhydroxy Acids are extremely beneficial for the skin, not only exfoliating but helping with concerns such as ageing, pigmentation, acne and in some cases sensitvity. Eminence exfoliators may use a blend of different ingredients to benefit the skin and leave it soft, smooth and glowing.
Steps Continued:
Step 4. Steam & Extractions (optional)
Step 4 is not always performed, you may not have any extractions or you may have requested to avoid this step, plus there are some therapists who do not use steam at all. If, however, you do receive steam and extractions you will have eye pads applied to the eyes, a facial steamer will gently blow warm steam onto your face to heat up the skin, stimulate circulation and help to open pores. You will be under the steamer for approx. 3 minutes give or take and it feels nice and warm. Following the steamer your therapist may perform extractions for blocked pores. Because the skin is supple and pores are relaxed, any blackheads (comedones) should pop out more easily. Your therapist may have gloved hands, tissue wrapped fingers or use a comedone extractor. Once the extractions are complete a toner is applied to soothe the skin and remove any impurities.
This step is often described as the favourite step, most clients comment afterwards about how relaxing a facial massage can be. This is also a very varied and unique step as therapists will often have their own technique and specific massage movements they prefer. Eminence therapists may also be trained in the Eminence Hungarian Anti-Ageing Massage technique. Your facial massage will stimulate the circulation, relax muscle tissue, stimulate lymph drainage, help detoxify the skin, nourish the skin and possibly contour the face. It can be one of the most relaxing massages around, especially on the neck, shoulders and around the eye area. At this point you can just relax and tune out while you enjoy this fabulous facial step.
Sometimes steps 5 and 6 are swapped around and you may receive the mask first and then the massage. This depends on your therapist and the product line they are using. Eminence prefers to offer the massage first as they often massage with their masques and then apply a second masque for enhanced benefits. A facial masque is a concentrated product that absorbs deeply into the skin and can help to improve the skin immediately and long term when used at home. Masques can be applied in a variety of different ways. Some therapists use their hands to apply, others use a brush. Some masks are creamy, some are gel like, others maybe chalky and some even dry completely on the skin, there are also some that are cloth type masks infused with ingredients. Most of the time a mask is applied and left on the skin to do its magic! This step is very relaxing and your skin will drink up the beneficial ingredients… most therapists will perform either a scalp massage or hand/foot massage whilst a mask is on so you can completely relax and enjoy the experience. Once the mask has done its work any excess will be removed ready for the finishing steps of the facial. Your therapist may re-tone your skin at this point, again this depends on the treatment and product range. Eminence has some “hot” warming masques which are exceptional and enhance the benefits of your facial in some cases for days! They are very stimulating, detoxifying and plumping. A little tip for your home care routine, incorporating a masque into your routine 2-3 times per week can help improve your skin concerns much faster than just a simple routine because they are so concentrated and formulated to infuse the skin with vital nutrients.
Finishing Steps:
This step may differ again depending on the product line your therapist uses. Finishing products are the products that will protect your skin and will stay on the skin when your treatment is over.
Eminence facials will generally include the following finishing products:
- Serum/Concentrate/Treatment – These are very light products formulated to absorb into the skin quickly and deeply. They are applied underneath your moisturiser and add vital nutrients and actives to heal the skin. Some are liquid, others are silkier like a lightweight cream. Using serums, concentrates or treatments regularly will help to improve and treat your skin care concerns. If you are finding your normal routine isn’t achieving the results you want a serum could be the answer!
- Eye Care – A moisturiser for the eyes! Formulated for the delicate eye area, there are serums and creams designed to help dark circles, tired eyes, fine lines and wrinkles and puffiness. Your therapist will apply an eye cream to protect the eye area and help refresh your eyes.
- Lip Care – Lip balms are applied to hydrate, protect, and heal the lips. Some may offer plumping as well; Eminence uses natural waxes and oils for their lip balms as the lips do not have their own natural lipids, this means they can become dry very easily. Look for mineral oil free lip products otherwise they may be drying your lips out not hydrating them!
- Neck Cream – an indulgent step as not everyone uses a neck cream. Eminence’s neck creams will instantly lift and firm the neck area, reducing the lines and wrinkles in this area. The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing which is why our neck creams are so popular. (Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck and Hibiscus Ultra Lift Neck Cream).
- Moisturiser/Facial Oil – Applied at the end of every facial, your therapist may apply a facial oil underneath your moisturiser if you skin is especially dry, or if you prefer a dewy texture they may apply a facial oil on it’s own. Facial oils are ultra-hydrating and versatile, moisturisers are more creamy in texture and can be very light-weight for oilier skins up to rich and creamy for dry skins. Moisturisers are designed to treat and protect your skin and should be used twice daily. They help to lock in vital hydration too.
- SPF – SPF = Sun Protection Factor, a very important step especially if you have enjoyed an advanced facial such as a peel, or other intense treatment step. You will find SPF products are normally a moisturiser but may be a powder as well. Eminence has a selection of SPF moisturisers with Mineral SPF and are silicone free too. SPF will add additional protection for your skin against damaging UV rays and if possible, you want to use a mineral SPF as it is soothing to the skin and offers broad spectrum protection. Eminence’s Lilikoi Daily Defense Moisturiser SPF40 also has Cocoa Seed Extract which protects your skin from premature ageing from blue Light too!
After The Treatment:
Once your facial treatment is complete, your therapist will ask you to take your time getting up as you may feel very relaxed! They will often leave the room allowing you to change back into your clothes or robe again.
A professional therapist will now offer their expert advice and guidance on the best routine and products for your skin care routine at home. It is a good idea to listen carefully as they are the trained experts in skin care and product knowledge. You will definitely get some great tips and may even want to purchase some of the products they suggest for you to use regularly.
Depending on where you have chosen for your treatment, a day spa for example, will likely escort you back to the waiting room and most likely offer a refreshment before you check out at reception, whereas a resort with facilities will offer for you to use the facilities until you are ready to go.
When you are ready to leave you will check out, pay for your treatment and any products you are purchasing too. Remember when you purchase Eminence products a tree is planted for every 1 product bought… so you are doing good for your skin and the earth!
You may get a nice email or text message a few days after your treatment to make sure everything was ok and your skin is looking and feeling good too, there may also be a survey about your experience that you can complete. Expect the results of a normal facial to last on average a couple of days, this is why you need a good homecare routine otherwise those fabulous benefits will disappear quickly. Using professional products at home will help you see and maintain all the benefits from your facial. We usually recommend you have a professional facial around every 4-6 weeks.
You can also learn more about the key benefits of a professional treatment 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.