Most of you walk into a spa environment thinking that it’s a great time for you to relax.  But have you ever really thought about what’s taking place with your skin during a professional facial treatment.

Because of your melanin, Women of color throughout the world are often challenged by skin conditions that others may not face.

As African American women, dry heat from electric and kerosene space heaters, fluoride in your water, improper nutrition and stress at its highest levels can cause serious trauma to your skin and its appearance.  Not to mention that there are still specialist that don’t know and are not enthusiastic about learning how to care for your skin. This means that a conscious effort must take place on your part when caring for your skin.

So ….. here are the basics of what to look for and how your skin should benefit from a professional facial.

What happens during each step of your facial?

Cleansing

The obvious  purpose of a cleanse is to remove dirt but that’s not all.  When the cleansing step is being done, not only does it remove dirt and debris but it removes the initial layer of dead skin cells.

It increases circulation and encourages lymph drainage. It also reveals the condition of your skin to the esthetician.

Steam and Exfoliation

The exfoliation process is the key step in removing dead skin cells. Some exfoliants in a professional environment are used with steam and this allows ingredients to penetrate deeper into your skin.

Steam is also very relaxing and will help remove some of the congestion that builds up in your skin during winter months.

Facial Massage

Would you believe that there was once a time when a massage was “Not” part of a facial? I hear from some of you that the facial massage is still not incorporated in the facial packages that you pay for.

A good facial massage will tone your facial muscles, increase the performance of the ingredients used on your skin and more importantly facial massages increase circulation.

One of the biggest benefits of a facial massage is that they help relieve stress and stimulate oxygen in your skin.

Serums and Mask

These treatments help hold moisture in the inner layers of your skin. Hyaluronic acid is a good hydrating ingredient, especially during winter months.  Winter weather brings dry air, meaning no moisture.  Adding moisture with a mask is one way to minimize the dryness.

Hyaluronic acid naturally locks moisture into your skin but if there’s no moisture in the air , it won’t be able to attract water needed to moisturize your skin naturally.

Moisturizers and SPF

Technically this should be the last step in your professional facial. A good moisturizer will assist in rebuilding your skin and reduce inflammation.

Adding  an SPF to this step assures that your skin is protected from future sun damage.

Knowing what to expect …

Having some knowledge of what to expect during your professional facial will help you determine the best service provider for your treatment.  It will also help you make better choices as far as pricing is concerned.

Know what you’re paying for and chose wisely.

As always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care