What is a facial?

A basic facial is a skin treatment that cleanses pores, exfoliates away dead skin cells, and treats common skin concerns with a custom mask. This multi-step process is meant to rejuvenate and nourish faces, making skin appear healthier and younger.A basic facial is a skin treatment that cleanses pores, exfoliates away dead skin cells, and treats common skin concerns with a custom mask. This multi-step process is meant to rejuvenate and nourish faces, making skin appear healthier and younger.

A basic facial is a skin treatment that cleanses pores, exfoliates away dead skin cells, and treats common skin concerns. This multi-step process is meant to rejuvenate, making skin appear healthier and younger.

What happens during a facial?

A facial begins with a consultation that helps the determine the right products for your skin type and concerns. Once that's been determined, the relaxing part begins!

A basic facial can include some version of the following steps:

Cleansing - Aestheticians massage a cleanser into the face, neck, and décolletage to remove any traces of makeup and dirt. Using warm water paired with a facial sponge, cloth, or cotton pad, they remove the cleanser, dry faces, and evaluate skin. This step helps them determine what type of custom mask they will apply later.

ExfoliationDepending on the spa you're visiting, your aesthetician may buff away dead skin cells with an exfoliating cream or scrub and/or open up pores with steam.

ExtractionsThis process is done to clear individual pores that have become clogged with excess oil or dead skin cells, which can form blackheads and acne. Aestheticians will perform the extractions either by hand or with a special metal tool.

MassageA facial typically also includes a massage of the face—and often the upper body, too—that may be used to improve lymphatic drainage.