The Top 8 Facials for Radiant and Rejuvenated Skin
As we dive into an unpredictable new year, full of hope and ambition, one thing we can actively plan for is a beauty and skincare routine that works for us.
From the deeply relaxing, to the somewhat unusual, through to the minimally invasive - the undeniable truth about facials is that they are rejuvenating. Scheduling regular facial treatments can reap an abundance of benefits for not only your body but also your mind.
First and foremost, facials are stress relieving - and if you are like us, stress often equals acne! Aromatic scents and calming music, with warm towels and personalized massaging, can feel positively cathartic and are the ultimate concoction for alleviating the everyday stressors of life.
Secondly, and equally as notable, is the glow that follows. If you have ever had a facial, then you already know what we’re talking about; and if you haven’t yet, boy oh boy, are you in for a treat. The common processes that are included in a majority of facials work to actively increase blood circulation in your skin - resulting in a noticeable ‘glow’.
Finally, your skin needs water. Whether it is typically dry, oily, or a combination, you still need to take steps to hydrate your skin. Hydration improves elasticity, which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hear what the dermatologists and estheticians are saying - facials are a proven anti-aging tool!
From at-home, tried and tested facial kits, to affordable spa and studio options, here are the top 8 facials for radiant and rejuvenated skin. We will delve into how and why they work, who they are best suited for, and how often you should schedule a session into your calendar. With each and every facial, we also recommend consulting with a professional to ensure it is the right fit for YOU.
Elegance Studio believes that the best foundation you can wear is healthy, hydrated, and glowing skin - and routine facial treatments are the perfect place to begin. Feel relaxed and refreshed this year, while achieving a clearer complexion and youthful glow.
1.Aromatherapy Facial
Best for treating:
Irritated, acne-prone, or oily skin, and for ultimate relaxation
What it is:
Aromatherapy facials utilize aromatic essential oils, blended with base oils, which are then purposefully massaged into your skin. Close your eyes for a moment, now breathe in deeply; you can almost smell the soft scent of lavender already. Are you beginning to unravel like we are? Some say it is the most relaxing and fragrant facial treatment you can experience.
How it works:
Following an expert skin analysis by your esthetician, a selection of oils will be chosen for you. The variety of oils used in aromatherapy facials often have strong permeating and remedial abilities.
For example:
Lavender and rose oils for soothing irritated skin
Tea tree oil for regulating oily skin
Lemongrass and geranium oils for skin that is acne-prone
Then the pressure point facial massage begins - which in our opinion is the best part. Your muscles begin to relax, while blood circulation is immediately boosted. Afterward, excess oils are gently removed, and you can walk away feeling well-rested, refreshed, and energized.
How often:
Aromatherapy facials are recommended every 3 - 4 weeks.
2. Red Wine Facial
Best for treating:
Moisture deficiency, skin elasticity, and the appearance of wrinkles
What it is:
We love to pair red wine with dinner, and sip it with dessert - and hey, on its own, red wine is just as delightful. It is believed that Marie Antoinette often soaked herself in a wine bath for its beautifying properties. Fast forward to modern times, DIY wine facials have been trending - and you can try one too.
How it works:
Red wine acts as an antioxidant that is more potent than both vitamin C and E, strengthening and protecting your skin. Increasing vitamin C in your cells can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while the acids within wine have the ability to dilute pigmentation and tighten pores.
Here are a few different ways that you can incorporate red wine into your home facials:
Mixing 3 - 4 tablespoons of wine with a tablespoon of lemon juice for cleansing
Combining wine with a natural exfoliator such as coffee or sugar for scrubbing
Red wine, aloe vera gel, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil for massaging
2 tablespoons each of wine and yogurt, together with one tablespoon of honey, to create face masks
You can also try other creative recipes, such as white wine or vegan wine face masks.
How often:
Treat yourself to an at-home wine pamper 1 - 2 times per week.
3. European Facial
Best for treating:
Clogged pores, dull skin, and blackheads and whiteheads
What it is:
European facials are commonly known as a ‘spa facial’ and are frequently written about by lifestyle publications. The basic steps consist of cleansing and steaming, optional extraction, mask, massage, and moisturizer. Here at Elegance Studio, our European facials are always personalized for you and your unique skin type through the tender care, attention, and dedication of our experienced estheticians.
How it works:
After an initial consultation to define your usual skincare routine and any skin concerns, we begin by firstly cleansing the surface to remove impurities and prepare the skin for deeper product penetration.
Depending on your needs, extraction from clogged pores may follow, to further soften up and prepare the ‘canvas’.
Your customized and personalized treatment mask is then generously painted on - whether the goal is to shrink pores or soothe and heal acne scarring.
Finishing up with a rejuvenating massage and SPF moisturizer leaves you ready to take on the world!
How often:
Returning for a European facial every 4 - 6 weeks will align best with your skin’s natural regeneration cycle.
4. Microdermabrasion
Best for treating:
Age spots, sun damage, blemishes, acne scars, and dullness
What it is:
Another signature facial treatment on the menu at Elegance Studio is microdermabrasion. This type of facial essentially ‘buffs’ the outermost layer of cells to reveal soft and renewed skin beneath. We also provide a microdermabrasion experience paired together with hyperpigmentation lightening to target spots, uneven skin tone, and damage from the sun.
How it works:
Recognized as a minimally invasive procedure, microdermabrasion facials utilize minuscule, granular crystals to exfoliate and remove the uppermost layer of dead skin cells. In response to this, the body will want to replace these lost cells with healthy new ones; and voila, witness smooth and radiant skin before your very eyes - not to mention boosted collagen production too!
How often:
We recommend monthly microdermabrasion treatments to keep your skin looking and feeling refreshed and renewed.
5. Oxygen Facial
Best for treating:
Fine lines, sagging skin, and for instant plumping and lifting
What it is:
Oxygen facials use the power of pressurized oxygen to deliver skincare serums to your skin. This treatment is a favourite with red carpet celebrities and everyday travelers alike. Let us explain why:
Extended time spent in places with lower levels of oxygen, such as airplanes, can result in skin issues. By replenishing oxygen and moisture levels, you can garner immediate benefits including blood circulation and natural skin healing abilities.
For special occasions and events, on the other hand, the fast recovery time of oxygen facials is a great plus. The absence of the telltale redness which often follows other facials means you are instantly make-up ready.
How it works:
Estheticians utilize an airbrush to spray pressurized oxygen and custom serums onto your skin. These special serums are typically a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, peptides, and botanical extracts, with minuscule amounts of hyaluronic acid. This final ingredient is actually found naturally within your own skin and has the ability to powerfully retain water - which for you, equals firmness and hydration.
How often:
Oxygen facials can be undergone weekly, or on occasion, as needed. For example, before a wedding or party, or after a dehydrating, long-haul flight.
6. Chemical Peel
Best for treating:
Age spots, uneven pigmentation, sun damage, acne scars, and unwanted freckles
What it is:
Chemical peels are considered cosmetic treatments and utilize acid to carefully exfoliate the skin. A uniform amount of damaged skin cells are removed across the targeted areas by the selected acid - which can range in-depth, from light to deep.
How it works:
Whether you are wanting to treat the appearance of scarring, damage, or pigmentation, or are simply seeking a polish up, chemical peels have the ability to repair your skin from the very first session. By ‘blistering’ and peeling off skin cells, the smoother skin beneath is revealed.
The different depths of peels include:
Light - Removes the very outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. This can treat fine wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
Medium - As well as the epidermis, portions of the dermis (middle layer) are removed. This can furthermore treat acne scars.
Deep - Deeper cells are removed and this treatment would be recommended for addressing deeper scars, wrinkles, or even precancerous growth.
Speak to your physician or dermatologist to determine which option is best for you.
How often:
Depending on the depth of the chemical peel, you should wait between 4-8 weeks between each treatment.
7. SensiGlow Facial
Best for treating:
Individuals with sensitive or easily irritated skin
What it is:
Unlike the facials discussed thus far, the SensiGlow facial by Cheryl’s Cosmeceuticals uses products that do not consist of any granules or harsh ingredients that may disturb a more delicate epidermis. The 6-step kit is specially formulated to cater to sensitive skin types, but can absolutely be enjoyed by anyone seeking a gentler at-home facial experience.
How it works:
The 6-step SensiGlow facial consists of:
Cleansing
Deep Cleansing
Toning
Massage
SensiGlow Mask
Finishing Spray
All SensiGlow creams, gels, and solutions contain soothing ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, such as shiso extract and milder lactic acid. The goal here is to calm and soothe, rather than agitate or irritate.
How often:
SensiGlow facials are gentle enough for regular, weekly use.
8. De-tan Facial
Best for treating:
Oily skin that is easily affected by the sun
What it is:
De-tan facial kits are another at-home experience on the skincare market. You may be asking, “why would I want to intentionally lose my sun-kissed glow?” Well, after frequent or prolonged UV ray exposure, tanned skin begins to accumulate cells that result in uneven skin tone. Another reason why a de-tan facial might be for you would be to treat a tanning experience that might not have turned out as flawless as you hoped.
How it works:
De-tan facials enable skin pores to breathe again by restoring and nourishing skin that has endured darkening damage. The creams applied actively target the melanin on your skin, yielding immediate results. Various kits are easily available and accessible online, and typically range from $20 - $50.
How often:
Opt for a de-tan facial following any not-so-ideal tanning sessions, or when your natural tan begins to show signs of unevenness.
Final Words of Advice
In preparation for any skin, hair, or beauty treatment, we strongly recommend consulting with your trusted esthetician or dermatologist. The team at Elegance Studio is just a click away and would be delighted to chat about the best products and procedures for you.
Whichever facial you choose to incorporate into your skincare regimen for 2021 - whether it is applying (while sipping) red wine at home, or scheduling monthly microdermabrasion sessions - don’t forget to follow pre and post-facial care. The most common instructions you will hear include:
Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
Exfoliating weekly to prevent dirt build-up
Avoiding a visit to saunas or steam rooms
Trying to minimize time under direct sunlight, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen while outdoors
Now more than ever, regular facials can absolutely be an affordable and essential component of your healthy skincare routine. Not only are you making time for your physical health and appearance, but you are also devoting valuable care to your precious mind and spirit.
Feeling good on the inside reflects how we look on the outside, so let’s make this year’s goal radiant and rejuvenated skin.