“Your skin care is an investment”
~Tropicooco Salon
Table of Contents
Beauty Editor’s Note
Have you started indulging in your favorite fall beverages from your local barista?
As we transition into a new season and hit reset on our daily routines, I wanted to share some tips on selecting a facial treatment service in honor of Self-Care Awareness Month. This post was inspired by a brainstorming meeting with the BBB team and this subject came up and I thought this was the perfect opportunity to talk about it this month. As the fall season continues to get busier don’t forget to take time out for yourself. ~Dana
Who can perform facial treatments?
Let me be clear on who can perform facial treatments. Licensed estheticians and cosmetologists who have a specialty in esthetics in salons and day spas. Medical estheticians that are found in med spas and dermatologist offices and just as an FYI esthetician also can work with plastic surgeons as well.
What are the benefits of a facial treatment?
The ultimate benefit is the overall health of the skin. Not to mention that a facial can be very relaxing. Other benefits include deep cleansing, detoxing, improved circulation, prevention, and maintenance for healthy skin. I think people forget that the skin is the largest organ of your body and you must take care of it.
What are the general components of a facial?
A facial generally consists of a light cleanse, skin analysis, a deeper cleanse, exfoliation/extractions of pimples, a facial mask, and a moisturizer. Massages are not just limited to the face and décolletage area. The décolletage area is below the neck top part of the chest. If you wear a low cut top this is the area that is exposed.
You may also receive a hand/arm massage and even feet. Now some of these components can vary depending on which facial treatment you select.
Facial categories
I have broken facials down into four categories. These are just a general baseline and can vary from salons and spas. Based on my descriptions you will be able to make a determination when perusing a service menu.
1. Mini facials
This is the least expensive facial service usually lasting 25 to 30 minutes. Typically, mini facials don’t include pimple extractions. This is ideal if you want to dip your toe in the water when it comes to facial treatments and is great if you are short on time but you want to put a little time in yourself. Some establishments may call mini facials their express facials; it really just depends. It is a scaled down facial meaning all the components are not utilized in this particular service mentioned in the components of a facial.
2. Basic/standard facial
This is usually a 50 to 60 minutes service and it is a more in-depth facial treatment which addresses skin concerns and conditions. If you want to get rolling on a skin care regimen, the goal is to maintain skin smoothness and moisture levels.
3. Advanced facial treatments
You usually can identify these treatments as targeted treatments. For example, acne, fine lines and wrinkles, and deeper exfoliation treatments like peels. These are usually recommended in a series of treatments for best results.
4. “Red Carpet” facials
These classification of facials are results oriented and can be noticed immediately. This is for special occasions or events but you don’t have to have a special event or an occasion to enjoy the benefits of this. You can have the look of a temporary lift in the face for a few hours and maintain the results by continued sessions.
Final thoughts
I learned at an early age how important it is to take care of your skin. And don’t hesitate to get the young people in your life into facial treatments. I worked on many preteens and teenagers during my behind the chair days. If you are new to a facial treatment service you will be asked to fill out a client intake form that includes your health and lifestyle history.
Please let your esthetician know of any medications that you are taking as this can impact the treatments that you receive. Facials are normally recommended once a month. However, if you are on a series for a specific concern you might have to have it twice a month depending on the situation.
Be sure you communicate your skin care concerns to your service provider. Make sure that your esthetician communicates all the things that they will be doing and educate you on your skin. Home care recommendations are given after a facial service. This will help you maintain and maximize the results of the treatments of your facial. If you’re on a budget and who isn’t these days? You can always check out beauty schools that offer these services or chain salons. Don’t hesitate to let the salon or spa know if you need accommodations. It prepares the staff and makes your experience more enjoyable.
By Dana Hinnant, Beauty Editor
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Connecting With Dana Hinnant
- dhinnant@bolddblindbeauty.com
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Author Bio
Dana Hinnant, a Washingtonian native, whose journey into the beauty industry began 20 years ago after receiving her B.A. in Hearing and Speech Sciences from the University of Maryland in 2000. She received her aesthetics training at Von Lee International School of Esthetics in Baltimore, MD.
Dana started as a local makeup artist and events coordinator with Alluring Looks, Inc. in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Her articles were featured in local publications such as Pose Magazine and Yndigo newsletter. In the mid-2000s, she was a volunteer instructor with the American Cancer Society’s Look Good…Feel Better program, which landed her an esthetician position at an area day spa.
Over the past several years, Dana has worked with various non-profit organizations and small businesses. During her tenure as the President of the Health and Wellness division of the National Federation of the Blind DC affiliate, she utilized the platform to provide salon safety tips and skincare advice throughout the community. She was a consultant with the Ecumenical Health Council in Port Towns, MD doing beauty and wellness presentations at area churches and events.
In 2019, Dana received the Maryland Association of Community Service Award for Volunteer of the Year due to her community engagement work for The Arc of Prince George’s County. In addition, she also received the Volunteer of the Year award for 2020 from The Arc of Maryland. She is a member and an ambassador with the Professional Beauty Association. Dana is one of the co-owners of Capitol Collective Consulting LLC which launched in April 2021.
Image Descriptions
- A woman is lying on a table receiving a facial mask.
- Organic ingredients for a facial mask and scrub are neatly arranged on a table.
- An esthetician performing a facial treatment on a female client.
- Author bio photo is a headshot of Dana wearing a black scoop neck top under a black jacket. She has glowing caramel colored skin and short dark hair.