First facial: the good, the bad and the ugly

[skincare_expert]

So after writing in this post about my desire to start a "spa piggy bank" to save up for a facial, it turned out I didn't have to wait long. A friend forwarded me some e-coupons for a local beauty spa that was offering a "Euro-Facial" for $45. Since it was payday, I decided to try it out. My very first facial!

Comments

[lisbet]

Hi! I've only had one facial, years & years ago. My experience was very similar to yours (without the robe & massage part). Afterward...ugh! Very red and blotchy...my skin was in worse shape than when I went in. I was really naive and didn't know at the time that a facial didn't leave you looking wonderful afterward! It was probably good for me but I honestly can't recall any dramatic improvements. My skin is in pretty good shape anyway and I already cleanse & exfoliate fairly well, so I probably wouldn't ever bother to get another one. I might start doing some steam treatments at home, though. I also have masques that I keep forgetting to use!

[skincare_expert]

Hi Lisbet! What kind of masques do you have? I try to remember to exfoliate twice a week with a gentle exfoliant, but I'm still looking for a good masque treatment. I'd like to find something with bentonite, a natural clay that absorbs excess oil and draws out impurities.

I might try another facial sometime in the future, but I'd do a little more research into the esthetician and treatments first. I like the idea of steaming at home. Have you tried it before? What's your method?

[lisbet]

Hi! Sorry for late response here...currently I am using the Nourishing Facial Mask by Better Botanicals (www.betterbotanicals.com). I like it a lot. I checked the ingredients and it does contain bentonite!

They also have a really good facial scrub that I use a couple times a week in the shower, too. I really like it a lot. Especially in the summer. I have dry/combination skin...it's more combination in the summer, and more dry in the winter.

I haven't tried the home steaming yet....I guess I would just fill a basin with very hot water and throw a towel over my head and hold my face close to the water. LOL! That's my plan so far! I've read that they sometimes put herbs in it, too. I have an unopened box of really old loose chamomile tea in my cupboard (so old that I don't remember buying it!), so I figure a good way to get rid of it would be to use it for my face.

[skincare_expert]

Ha! Yes, I can see the dentist comparison, though this was definitely a more relaxing environment. :)

That's too bad that the Spa charged you twice. What a hassle! I would think the MGM Grand would be much more professional. If I get a facial again, I think I'll splurge and do it at someplace higher-end with a good reputation.

[lisbet]

P.S. Oh and my extractions were horrible! I'm remembering more and more now...no, I'd probably NEVER get it done again, haha!

[darksylvia]

I've been wanting to try it just to get rid of the blackheads on my cheeks, but it sounds like it didn't really do that much about them? I've never had a facial before.

[skincare_expert]

The extractions performed during facials are supposed to be really beneficial for blackheads, so I think it would be worth a try. I developed a couple pimples after my facial, but I think that was due more to wearing foundation right after the treatment. Have you tried retinoids? Here's some info about retinoids I posted recently: 5 Reasons to Try Retinoids.

You might also consider glycolic peels, which slough off dead skin. You can get them professionally done or find an at-home treatment. Just don't mix retinoids and glycolic peels -- retinoids tend to make the skin sensitive and easily irritated. Let me know if you find something that works!

[darksylvia]

I think my mom uses retinoids. I'll ask her how they're working for her.

Thanks!