Getting a monthly facial is not something people do out of vanity, but it’s rather more of a necessity for clear, radiant skin. In short, a facial includes a few treatments, including impurities removal, exfoliation, massage, and hydration with products that address your skin type and concern. Getting regular facials is more likely to help prevent some skin concerns, such as breakouts, stubborn dark spots, and early fine lines, to name a few. But there’s much more to say about the benefits of a monthly facial, and in this post, we take you through them all to at least try to convince you it’s the kind of pampering your skin needs asap.
New to facials? This is what happens
You can get a facial in a beauty salon, at a dermatologist, or at the spa. Beauty salons and spas are more for pampering, and short-term skin improvements, while cosmetic derms can provide medical evaluation and the most effective treatments for your skin type and concern. Nevertheless, this is all about your preferences, where you feel better and safer.
The techniques may be similar, and the products used address your skin type and needs. “If you’re talking about a standard facial”— usually a deep cleaning, followed by some pimple/blemish extraction, a massage and steam treatment, a mask or peel, and a final application of some type of moisturizer—”those are about improving the appearance of skin here and now,” says Dr. Adam Friedman, an associate professor of dermatology and director of translational research at George Washington University for Time.
All the steps in a facial, along with professional-grade products, drive a real improvement of your skin, so if you want long-lasting results, you may want to stick to the habit. Probably the benefits of a monthly facial will convince you to do so.
You get to know your skin better
Cliché or not, regular visits to a beauty salon can teach you more about your skin and its needs. The truth is most people are using the wrong ingredients and products for their skin type and goals, and if that’s not the recipe for a skincare fiasco, what is it? Luckily, estheticians can help you understand what your skin needs and why it needs it. Plus, during facials, your complexion is spoiled with professional-grade skincare products that you probably have never tried before.
Boosted blood flow
Poor blood flow can lead to premature skin aging, eventually causing blotchy and uneven tone and facials are a great way to boost blood circulation. The massage you get and the use of specific ingredients, such as high concentrations of chemical acids (think glycolic acid or salicylic acid), can increase blood flow. Or for instance, my cosmetologist uses nitric oxide acid, which is a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes the inner muscles of blood vessels, causing them to widen.
Increased blood flow allows cells to regenerate faster and easier, making skin appear energized, and yep, fresh cells are key to having a radiant look. More than that, improved blood circulation helps what you apply after to sink in better, hence more benefits.
Skin-detox
UV damage, coupled with the natural skin’s aging process, can lead to the deterioration of the lymphatic system. “You might be able to make a case that you could reduce fluid buildup by having a facial to encourage drainage when your skin has fewer lymphatics. Promoting lymphatic flow can have benefits,” said fellow dermatologist Michael Detmar for Healthline. So every time you’re getting a facial, you aren’t just getting rid of old, dead cells that build up on the surface of the skin. A monthly facial helps eliminate any waste built up underneath the surface by manipulating the lymphatic system. It’s this buildup that gives your complexion a puffy and dull look.
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles look
Targeted products, deep exfoliation, and the massage that goes with a facial are excellent ways to soften and prevent fine lines. Having your face massaged not only makes you feel pampered, but it stimulates collagen production and strengthens muscle memory. In turn, this helps prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and sagginess.
Cleanses at a deeper level
If you’re struggling with blackheads and pimples (as I do), a monthly facial might be the missing piece of the puzzle. During a facial, the skin expert steams your face and extracts blackheads and whiteheads with professional methods and tools so that it clears them up gently, and usually, the extraction is followed by a peel to cleanse in deep, fight bacteria, and remove dead cells. Basically, it’s an excellent way to keep pores clear and prevent further breakouts. Cleansed pores can even shrink in size, while clogged pores stretch and widen to accommodate oil and dirt buildup.
It’s relaxing
An at-home beauty routine can be super relaxing, but having a professional do the job helps your stress flow out of you. A facial feels absolutely great and promotes both physical and emotional healing. Power of touch, proper technique, and a relaxing massage can make all the difference in how you feel by the end of the treatment. You end up not only looking great but feeling rejuvenated and energized as well.
Summary
Facials are not a one-time cure. With each session, your skin looks more radiant than before, but it takes time and patience to repair the damage — this is why we like to say getting a monthly facial is excellent for preventing skin issues in the first place. If performed with regularity, you can have a healthier, more balanced complexion than ever before, so don’t think twice and get yourself pampered asap.
