What Health Benefits are Associated with Facials?

Facials are skin treatments designed specifically for the face. These types of treatments are normally administered by a licensed esthetician, whose goal is to improve the condition of your skin. A licensed esthetician completes the following steps during the skin treatment process: analysis, cleansing, exfoliation, massage, steaming and moisturizing. Although facials are important for keeping your skin healthy and vibrant, they can also help improve a variety of health conditions. If you are wondering what health benefits are associated with facials – you have come to the right place. This article will help you understand the health benefits associated with facial treatments.

What is a facial?

A facial is a type of skin treatment that is usually performed in a spa by a licensed esthetician, who assesses the condition of your skin. He/she begins the process by looking for problem areas through a magnifying mirror. Your esthetician uses the assessment results to choose a facial that improves the overall condition of your skin. Once a specific facial has been chosen, it is time to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize your skin.

During this stage, your whiteheads and blackheads are removed and your skin is covered with nutrient-rich mask. Once the mask is removed, your supple skin is saturated with a heavy moisturizing lotion. Do not be alarmed if you experience redness and sensitivity following a facial treatment – this is normal. These symptoms should subside within 24 hours. Before you leave the spa, your esthetician will instruct you on how to continue your skin care routine once you are at home.

What are the different types of facials?

Contrary to popular belief, a variety of health benefits are associated with facials. For instance, collagen facials use warm water vapors to deep clean your pores, while antioxidant facials use nutrients such as: vitamin A and E to strengthen your immune system and eliminate toxins and pollutants from your body.

Lymphatic draining massages help reduce dark circles, crow’s feet and wrinkles by eliminating harmful environmental pollutants from your body, while aromatherapy facials use a variety of warm, soothing and fragrant oils to remove toxins, reduce skin congestion, relax your body and revitalize your skin. Gold facials use 24 carat gold sprinkles to help your body produce new cells, remove harmful toxins, reduce congestion in your lymphatic system and improve the flexibility and suppleness of your skin. Lastly, galvanic facials use a variety of elements to keep your skin moist and toxin-free.

Why are facials used?

Facials are used for a variety of reasons such as: to revitalize a dull complexion, reduce acne, improve skin disorders and/or maintain healthy skin. They also have the ability to remove toxins from the body, reduce and/or eliminate blackheads and whiteheads and improve the condition of skin. In other words, facials can help you get the healthy, clean, toned and vibrant skin you have always wanted. Moreover, some facials can even prevent premature aging by penetrating the skin and removing pollutants from your body.

How can a facial improve my health?

Facials can improve your health by increasing your circulation. In other words, most facials involve some type of massage. Massages help transport blood and oxygen to your tissues and organs. When the massage is centered on the face it not only reduces facial puffiness and relaxes your facial muscles, it also improves your lymphatic system function.

How effective are facials when treating health conditions?

Facials are very effective when treating health conditions. How? Well, facials strengthen your immune system, remove toxins and pollutants from your body, reduce fluid accumulation in your tissues and lower your stress levels.

References:

Hatayama, T., Kitamura, S., Tamura, C., Nagano, M., & Ohnuki, K. (2008). The facial massage reduced anxiety and negative mood status, and increased sympathetic nervous activity. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19129675

Siddons, S. (2014). Benefits and risks of facials. Discovery Fit & Health. Retrieved from http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/skin-treatments/facials3.htm