merakiskin • 02/20/2018 09:14 AM
There was a time when a facial was considered a luxury treatment only to be scheduled a couple times a year. In the last few years, that has changed as people have realized the heatlh benefits associated with it. It has become commonplace for men and women alike to commit to a 4-6 week treatment plan with their skin care practioner, read further to find out why.
Today's stress packed, rushed paced and constant noise has detrimental effects on our systems and organs and the one it shows itself clearly on happens to be the largest organ in our body, our skin. It's important to find time to slow down, relax and calm our minds and our bodies, and monthly facials do just that. The skin deteriorates due to stress, this show up as acne, dermatitis, erythema, psoriasis, premature aging and a host of other skin disorders. A major part of your montlhy facial is massage: facial, neck and shoulder and leg and foot. It is proven that imbalances of the parasympathetic(calm/relaxed) and sympathetic(fight or flight) nervous system are directly linked to a wide variety of pain and disease. Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which allows us to enter into that calm state we so desperately need. In my practical experience, this one benefit of the facial treatment far outweighs anything else in terms of client skin care. It also helps with detoxifying and improved lymph drainage.
Another benefit which is directly associated to massage as well as the steam therapy in your facial treatment is improved blood circulation. Good blood flow is important for your heart to pump the necessary oxygen and nutrients to your organs which provides you with energy and gives you that feeling of vitality. Facial massage helps with cell growth, proper organ function, and helps your largest organ do it's primary job: protecting our bodies from bacteria and infection. Increased blood circulation's overall effect is a feeling of well being, good, healthy skin color and vitality and improved brain function in terms of mental sharpness and focus.
As new skin cells are generated in the deepest layer of our epidermis, they travel up to the surface of our skin. By the time they reach the stratum corneum (top layer of the skin), they are dead, rough, dry and flaky. This process of new skin cells being formed, coming up to the surface and pushing dead skin cells off is called the renewal rate and happens in a 28-40 day cycle. Children thave a much faster renewal rate than adults with new skin cells always on the surface giving them that fresh, luminous looking skin. As we age our skin cells renew at a much slower pace giving a duller looking complexion. The job of a skin care practioner is to speed up that renewal process for both aging clients and acne clients, as acne clients do not have an efficient cellular turnover rate which causes cell buildup and the clogging of pores leading to acne. I say all this to lead up to another benefit to monthly facials: exfoliation. Your skin care practioner will use enzymes, AHA's and BHA's to speed up the cellular turnover rate allowing less congestion for acne clients and new skin cells coming to the surface for aging clients. Advanced chemical peels are advised twice a year for deeper exfoliation.
The aging process slows down collagen production and elastin formation. For those clients that are looking to tighten their skin, there are many mentods that can be used. A favorite is high frequency. The oscillating action of high frequency increases blood circulation, which in turn nourishes the skin's surface and renews underlying cells and producing an enriched form of oxygen, which results in a more firm, youthful, vibrant appearance. It can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, tighten double chins and jowls and improve overall skin texture and tone by promoting increased collagen production. Treatments like this, along with professional products rich in antioxidants and cell regulators are important to help fight the free radical damage in skin cells done by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
There is much value with being in the hands of a licensed skin care professional who is educated and experienced to answer all your questions and provide you with the information you need to keep your skin healthy. Each treatment should begin with a thorough health history and evaluation of your skin along with a complete skin analysis to determine what treatment and care would give you your desired result. Your practioner should be advising you on a variety of issues that will help or hurt the condition of your skin from nutrition to lifestyle to product care.
In conclusion, the benefits of a monthly facial are many! From nourishing your skin to nourishing your soul and slowing down for an hour is worth it's weight in gold. Your skin will thank you!
