Facials Acting as Chemical Peels

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Although facials are often performed in a beauty salon, nowadays facials have become a popular spa treatment. Facials act to clean, exfoliate and nourish the skin to promote a well- hydrated, rejuvenated complexion. Essentially their purpose: to produce a rejuvenated skin, is the same as a chemical peel.  A facial can involve the application of an oil, cream or serum to the skin or alternatively it can consist of electrical currents or an oxygen jet being applied.

During a facial the skin of the person receiving the treatment undergoes a variety of skin treatments. The skin may be steamed, the skin exfoliated, unwanted debris extracted (blackheads, whiteheads), a peel/ mask may be applied and a massage given.  The specific procedure varies dependant on the practitioner.

Chemical peels and a number of facials act in the same manner when applied to the skin. Indeed, some facials even include the application of a superficial chemical peel (glycolic, AHA peel). Commonly facials have the purpose of exfoliating the skin, this can be achieved either through the application of a chemical or a mechanical exfoliant. The facials that contain a chemical exfoliant involve the same process to remove the dead skin cells from the skin, this is known as chemoexfoliation

Basic stages of a facial

• The skin is thoroughly prepared by cleansing the skin with cotton pads and sponges. A cleanser suitable to your skin type (normal, dry, oily, sensitive, mature or a combination) is then applied.
• The skin is analysed by an aesthetician who, under a bright light, can decide what is most needed by the skin.
• Exfoliation: dead skin cells removed either by a chemical or by a mechanical exfoliant (usually under steam vapour)
• Extraction: the skin has been softened by the exfoliation. If the skin needs to be cleansed of blackheads and whiteheads an extraction will follow. The aesthetician will apply pressure to the skin to remove the sebum; this might be a painful method.
• Facial massage: a relaxing stage in the facial, intended to stimulate the facial muscles.
• Facial mask applied: relevant to your skin type.
• Toners and protective creams applied.

Like a chemical peel, the skin will require around 4 to 6 weeks to completely rejuvenate.

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