Facials have long been perceived as an infrequent indulgence that's often the result of either a gift, guilty feeling or skin emergency. As they can be quite expensive and require a couple of hours out of your day, they often slip to the bottom of our priority list. However, a regular facial will not only provide an enforced few hours of relaxation and pampering, but provide you with targeted and invaluable advice for you to continue implementing yourself at home. There's nothing quite like an hour with an incredibly experienced skin expert, listening to them diagnose any issues and provide advice on products or routines; if you've ever suffered with breakouts, dryness, enlarged pores or uneven tone, then they could provide bespoke recommendations that only an appointment with a dermatologist could provide. (Read my recommendations of some of the best places in London to try here) However, if you've never had a 'proper' facial before (sorry - the ones where they essentially cleanse, tone and moisturise your face for you don't count!) you may be surprised to find out what actually goes on behind closed doors. The first time I had a 'proper' facial I left feeling like I'd just taken part in a really odd ritual, but over fifty facials later and I realise it's just the way it is... So here are the three things to expect so you don't freak out on the therapist's table!
1. THEY WILL ASK YOU TO GET TOPLESS
The first time I walked into a treatment room and was asked to take my top off, I wondered if I'd wandered into some dodgy massage parlour by mistake. What have my boobs got to do with treating my skin, I hear you ask? Well the vast majority of good facialists will ask you to bare your neck and shoulders so they can not only extend the treatment beyond the jawline (as we age our neck and decollatage need a little boost too,) but give you a little neck rub too. They're also more than likely to massage your chest area to aid with drainage, reducing puffiness and helping the entire experience to leave you feeling refreshed. Don't think your facialist is taking advantage or getting cheap kicks where they can find them, and remember they see hundreds of boobs every year - if you accidentally flash a cheeky nipple they probably won't even notice.
2. THEY WILL START AN 'EXTRACTION' PROCESS
Possibly the most horrendous, but necessary, part of any facial is when they start extracting the gunk that's residing just beneath the surface. In the simplest of ways, they get down and dirty with your skin and literally squeeze out the blackheads or blockages; it's not something I'm normally fussed about or would do at home, but it's a great way to leave your complexion looking utterly flawless. It's not painful, but it's not exactly comfortable either - especially when they start sticking fingers up your nostril or working around a bony bit of your face. Don't think your skin is any different from anyone else's if this process happens while you're laying on the table; just lay back and remain still until it's over... Then the actual pampering can begin.
3. THEY WILL MASSAGE ANY EXPOSED PART OF YOU
A facial isn't always just about the face. While a treatment is getting to work, it's incredibly common for your facialist to start massaging your hands, arms, feet, back or neck. In my experience, it's much more comforting to extend the treatment to other areas than feel like your beauty therapist is lingering in a corner playing on their iPhone. I also find it to be a much more relaxing experience if the rest of my body receives a little pick-me-up too, killing two birds with one stone - without any additional cost. If you have any specific needs it may well be worth discussing them before you lie down, or letting the facialist know of any problematic areas that you'd rather they not interfere with. But basically, just go with the flow and enjoy it.
Have you ever had a facial before and wondered what the hell was going on? Or are you a seasoned professional who just lays on the table and lets them get to work?
Image courtesy of Face Place London; Face Place have been Hollywood’s trusted skin care experts for over 40 years, famously coveted by A-listers and beauty aficionados at their West Hollywood and New York Clinics. Face Place specialise in a unique, clinical approach to skin care and are responsible for keeping some of the most beautiful and famous faces glowing - including mine. Treatments start at £90.00. More details (as well as pricing details) on their website here.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
1. THEY WILL ASK YOU TO GET TOPLESS
The first time I walked into a treatment room and was asked to take my top off, I wondered if I'd wandered into some dodgy massage parlour by mistake. What have my boobs got to do with treating my skin, I hear you ask? Well the vast majority of good facialists will ask you to bare your neck and shoulders so they can not only extend the treatment beyond the jawline (as we age our neck and decollatage need a little boost too,) but give you a little neck rub too. They're also more than likely to massage your chest area to aid with drainage, reducing puffiness and helping the entire experience to leave you feeling refreshed. Don't think your facialist is taking advantage or getting cheap kicks where they can find them, and remember they see hundreds of boobs every year - if you accidentally flash a cheeky nipple they probably won't even notice.
2. THEY WILL START AN 'EXTRACTION' PROCESS
Possibly the most horrendous, but necessary, part of any facial is when they start extracting the gunk that's residing just beneath the surface. In the simplest of ways, they get down and dirty with your skin and literally squeeze out the blackheads or blockages; it's not something I'm normally fussed about or would do at home, but it's a great way to leave your complexion looking utterly flawless. It's not painful, but it's not exactly comfortable either - especially when they start sticking fingers up your nostril or working around a bony bit of your face. Don't think your skin is any different from anyone else's if this process happens while you're laying on the table; just lay back and remain still until it's over... Then the actual pampering can begin.
3. THEY WILL MASSAGE ANY EXPOSED PART OF YOU
A facial isn't always just about the face. While a treatment is getting to work, it's incredibly common for your facialist to start massaging your hands, arms, feet, back or neck. In my experience, it's much more comforting to extend the treatment to other areas than feel like your beauty therapist is lingering in a corner playing on their iPhone. I also find it to be a much more relaxing experience if the rest of my body receives a little pick-me-up too, killing two birds with one stone - without any additional cost. If you have any specific needs it may well be worth discussing them before you lie down, or letting the facialist know of any problematic areas that you'd rather they not interfere with. But basically, just go with the flow and enjoy it.
Have you ever had a facial before and wondered what the hell was going on? Or are you a seasoned professional who just lays on the table and lets them get to work?
Image courtesy of Face Place London; Face Place have been Hollywood’s trusted skin care experts for over 40 years, famously coveted by A-listers and beauty aficionados at their West Hollywood and New York Clinics. Face Place specialise in a unique, clinical approach to skin care and are responsible for keeping some of the most beautiful and famous faces glowing - including mine. Treatments start at £90.00. More details (as well as pricing details) on their website here.
Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
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