The 7 Basics of a Facial

A woman receiving a professional facial

A facial might seem like an extra, over-the-top beauty service that only wealthy people get to have a day of pampering—but a facial can actually be a very important part of a regimented skin routine. A professional facial can be used to help your battle with blackheads, find a remedy for anti-aging, and yes, it can be a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

If you’ve never gotten a facial before—or if it’s been awhile—here is a list of what to expect will happen during your professional facial appointment.

Cleansing

After you’ve gotten undressed to your level of comfort (typically shirt and bra off, and then you wrap yourself with a towel), your esthetician will come back into your room and begin your facial with a deep cleanse. She will typically use cotton balls or a special sponge to get your face all nice and clean.

Skin Analysis

One of the big benefits of getting a facial is that you finally have a skin care professional who can take a close look at your skin and analyze it. This will help you know what type of skin you have and how to best care for it. She will also look at any skin conditions that you have (blackheads, whiteheads, aging, sun damage, dehydration, etc.) and make recommendations for further care.

Steam

To loosen up any blackheads or whiteheads that may be lurking on your face and to give your skin some much-needed moisture, your esthetician will apply steam directly to your face—typically using a machine that will put a thin layer of vapor on your skin.

Exfoliation

In the next step of a facial, your esthetician will start your process of exfoliation in order to make the skin a smoother surface. Exfoliation can be done in a mechanical or chemical way, with each having their benefits. A chemical exfoliation is usually done in a series of steps and is much stronger than a mechanical exfoliation.

Extraction

If you are in need of any extractions—i.e. getting rid of those blackheads and whiteheads—you can opt to do so. However, if your skin doesn’t need this then this step will obviously be skipped.

Facial Massage

Now here comes the good part: Your esthetician will massage your face and neck in order to help you relax and also to stimulate the skin cells. Be sure to enjoy this part of the process!

Are you interested in schedule a professional facial? Whether you need to pamper or your skin is having some issues, Volume Eyelash Studio is here to help you with all of your skincare!

How to Take Care of Dry Skin

A woman puts lotion on her hand

Whether you're dealing with chronic dry skin or you're just a seasonal dry skinned person, it can be very frustrating to deal with—especially when your makeup starts to flake off and your skin feels rough to the touch. 

Here are a few tips for taking care of dry skin and getting that smooth, vibrant skin you've always wanted. 

Stop Taking Long, Hot Showers

You know those long, hot showers that you love so much? Not only are they making the rest of your family angry because you're taking too long in the bathroom, but they're also drying out your skin hardcore. Instead of blistering hot, take it down a notch to a warm shower—and make it snappy. Trust us: Your skin will thank you (and so will your family + the environment). 

Avoid Anything with Harsh Ingredients

If you have dry skin on your face, you might want to take a look at all of the products that you're using on a regular basis. Are you using a cleanser with harsh ingredients like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus? Chances are, that could be the culprit of your dry skin. In addition to harsh ingredients, you should also avoid cleaning your face with bar soap, which can irritate it. 

Wear Sunscreen. Always.

Most beauty experts preach the importance of wearing sunscreen (even when you're not going to be basking in the rays), and we're no different. Wearing sunscreen is the least you could do to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, which (guess what?) could be the reason why your skin is dried out. 

Moisturize Twice Per Day

Moisturizing when you have dry skin is a no brainer, but it's important to get into the routine of doing it twice a day. Moisturize with a water-based moisturizer once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Your skin will look glorious as a result!

Get a Facial

Sometimes your skin needs a little more than over-the-counter DIY treatments. When your skin is extremely dry, you might want to seek out the services of a professional who can apply special treatments to your skin to keep it moisturized. Facials aren't just for relaxation (although they can be!)—they are a full-fledged skin treatment. 

Are you in need of a facial for your dry skin? Call the experts at Volume Lash Studio in Santa Barbara to schedule an appointment today!