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One of the joys of womanhood is taking
the time to pamper ourselves so we can face each new day
looking and feeling our best. Our skin is our largest organ,
performing several functions, including protecting us from
invasion by foreign substances and serving as the transfer
point for the release of toxins from our bodies. The skin
provides an honest mirror of our inner health and
well-being. It is thus especially important to use only
natural, gentle ingredients on our skin whenever possible.
Application to the skin of fresh, natural products such as
essential oils, plant waters (also called "hydrosols") and
cold pressed unscented oils helps maintain a youthful,
glowing complexion. Essential oils and hydrosols are the
fragrant liquids that are distilled from different plant
parts, such as flower petals; herbs leaves and tree barks,
and are fundamental components of any solid, natural skin
care regime. Cold pressed unscented oils are extracted from
various fruits, nuts and seeds, and include olive oil, sweet
almond oil, avocado oil and jojoba oil. Used in tandem,
essential oils, hydrosols and cold pressed unscented oils
work together to soothe and nourish the skin, encouraging a
healthful, radiant complexion.
Facials are deep skin treatments that cleanse, rehydrate and
rejuvenate the skin, apart from minimizing skin blemishes,
acne, dry skin and, of course, wrinkles. Facials vary
depending on your skin type, the kind of treatment you've
chosen, the products used and the person's age. However, it
is advisable to start having facials in your late 20's.
The benefits
Facials involve a cleansing procedure, a massage and steam,
and the application of a facemask. What they help to do is
remove the dead, dull outer layer of cells that make up the
skin's surface or epidermis along with pollutants. The
massage, which is an important part of a facial, helps blood
circulation, which in turn aids lymphatic drainage (the
removal of toxins and waste from the body). A massage also
relaxes the facial muscles and is very important to delay
the onset of wrinkles. The face is steamed during a facial
for two main reasons. Firstly, steam helps the skin absorb
cream better. Secondly, it helps in softening blackheads and
whiteheads so that they can be removed easily. The
application of a facemask in the end helps tone and
clarifies the skin. Facemasks are also used to treat dry and
acne-ridden skin.
The different types of facials
A basic clean up
A clean up cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises facial skin.
Ugly blackheads and whiteheads are cleared by gently
steaming the face. Regular clean-ups can prevent and reduce
skin problems. The skin is first cleansed under steam, and
then very gently scrub granules are massaged over the skin.
After removing the scrub, another creamy cleanser is applied
and the skin is exfoliated further with a soft rotating
electric brush and massaged. These are recommended for all
skin types and can be done on people under the age of 25.
The advantages of Clean-up are :
It reduces tanning
Removes dirt and blackheads
Provides a clean and glowing complexion.
Normal facials
These facials are a simple cleanse, steam and massage
affair. They're the least expensive of all facials. They're
also the best option for normal skin that isn't prone to
acne. The difference between these facials and a clean up is
that the skin is massaged for a longer period of time in a
facial.
Special facials
These are a step-up from the normal facial. Specially
formulated hypoallergenic creams are used to moisturize the
skin. Face packs are applied depending on different skin
types and special cleansing and rejuvenation techniques are
also part of the process. These are recommended for people
with sensitive skins.
Bio-lift facials
In addition to cleansing, massage and rejuvenation
techniques, these facials include treatment that targets
dark circles under the eye. The characteristic of this
facial is the bio-mask, which tones and tightens the skin on
the face, making it look younger.
AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) facials
AHA acids, which
are derived from fruits and flowers, are known for their
anti-aging effects. These facials use creams formulated with
AHAs, which help the skin look smoother and healthier. They
are also recommended for people who have pigmented skin, and
are prone to wrinkling easily.
In these, creams containing flower extracts are used, which
improve action of the capillaries, skin texture and tighten
pores-- inducing relaxation and calming the mind. In ancient
times, the fragrance of rose, lavender, jasmine, neroli,
etc., was used to cure depression, insomnia, anxiety and
other mental states. Fresh fruit facials are done with pulps
of fresh fruits; mostly seasonal fruits. For e.g. Orange or
sweet Lime pulp. Fresh fruit facial is very good for very
sensitive skin, which cannot tolerate any chemically
prepared cosmetics. Fruits are chosen according to the skin
type. Banana for dry skin and Orange for oily skin.
Paraffin facials
These facials are offered as part of bridal beauty packages.
It involves the application of a special paraffin mask on
the face over layers of gauze, which helps seal in the
special anti-aging and rejuvenating creams applied to the
skin. It aids better absorption and brings back the radiance
of the skin.
Anti-oxidant and pollution-fighting
facials
This facial uses creams and masks enriched with free-radical
fighting agents like vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamin E.
Pollutants are first removed and the skin is then deep
cleansed in this procedure. This is recommended for people
who have to be outdoors often-on account of their work.
Acne Facials
A treatment for those who suffer with troubled skin;
particularly effective on teenage and adult acne. After
cleansing this treatment begins with enzyme or glycolic acid
exfoliation and a warm vapor mist, followed by extensive
manual deep pore extractions, electric disencrustation and a
skin-calming, anti-bacterial masque. This facial should be
performed at regular, two-week intervals until problem
clears.
Collagen Facials
This type of facial includes use of a multi-phase technique
of exfoliation, warm vapor, deep pore cleansing, lymphatic
drainage massage and self healing mineral or paraffin masque
over a freeze dry collagen sheet to ensure the ideal
hydrating effect. Normally in this kind of facial, liquid
nutrients in the form of vials or ampoules are used and for
quick absorption of liquid nutrients in the skin, laser or
galvanic treatment is done. This is an effective
preventative treatment against harmful environmental damage,
wrinkles and dark circles. Recommended for all skin types.
Aromatherapy Facial
In these essential oils are used, which have potent and
specific curative properties that are of particular benefit
to the skin. They are effective for relaxation of body and
mind. Aromatherapy facials help clear skin congestion and
improve the normal functions of the skin. The mask, which is
applied at the end of the massage, also contains essential
oils. The elimination of toxins, the improvement in the
skin's normal functions, including cell regeneration and the
uplifting effect, all combine to make aromatherapy facials
revitalizing and rejuvenating.
Galvanic Facial
In this Galvanic gadget is used, by which a steady, direct
galvanic current is utilized, to introduce water-soluble
substances through the skin. It heightens the skin's
capacity to absorb and improves the penetration of the
products. The treatment of specific problems becomes easier.
This benefits dry, dehydrated skins, improving moisture
retention. It also helps remove congestion.
Gold Facial
This facial makes use of creams containing 24-Carat pure
gold, which penetrates the skin easily. It is a powerful
rejuvenating treatment. Gold has a powerful effect on
lymphatic drainage, facilitating the removal of toxins and
wastes. This accelerates the regeneration of new cells.
Masks, containing gold, are also applied. The gold facial
helps to restore youthful qualities, like softness,
smoothness, elasticity, resilience and radiance.
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