For most people Ann recommends getting a facial once a month due to the rate of cellular turnover.  “Skin cells are constantly turning over.  Dead skin cells can build up and cause pore congestion and flaky, dull skin.  The purpose of a facial is to give the skin a deep cleansing to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, dirt and oils to allow the pores to function properly.  This in turn, will keep the skin vibrant, smooth, and healthy looking.”

A facial generally consists of a skin consultation followed by deep cleansing, exfoliation, steam/lucas, extractions, massage, mask, and hydration.

“What separates the facial from a daily skin care regimen is exfoliation and massage,” Akre says.  “Exfoliation may include an enzyme peel or a glycolic peel, which are typically too much for daily application.  But as part of a monthly regimen, it can keep pores from congesting and blackheads from developing.  The massage part of a facial stimulates the skin to help with circulation and improve skin tone while relaxing daily facial tension that can cause deep wrinkles.”

For skin care clients with a lot of skin congestion and in need of many extractions, or those concerned with wrinkles and sluggish skin, Ann suggests weekly treatments for up to six weeks.  This allows the esthetician to do an initial facial, along with any necessary extractions, and then be able to monitor the skin to see which product lines and ingredients work best for that individual.

After the initial six weeks, we’ll set monthly appointments to keep the skin looking great,” she says.  “All of the facials and daily regimens that I recommend are based on choosing the right ingredients and products to cleanse, tone, and moisturize/protect.  Over time, this will keep skin healthy and vibrant.” 

 Take advantage of the Winter Season!

Now is the time to be more aggressive with the exfoliation program.  Home Care should be recommended on the basis of skin type and condition and is essential to preparing the skin for the upcoming program.