Going to a spa is pure bliss - time to relax and unwind. Last weekend, while visiting one of the spas just outside London, I decided to opt for a facial treatment. The jargon of the treatments on offer was mind boggling - lots of ‘re’ in the descriptions: relaxing, rejuvenating, refreshing, rehydrating, revitalising, rebalancing, renewing, relieving, regenerating, restoring just to name a few. This got me brooding on what is the right facial for me? 

First the basics - the objective of a facial treatment is to improve skin tone and make you feel pampered and relaxed. It removes the dead cells from the skin, nourishes the face and leaves your skin glowing and healthy.

For many people, including me, the objective of a facial is to be pampered and have a healthier skin. However for some the objectives may differ based on

• You want a deep cleanse of the skin
• Your skin is blotchy and tired and you want an even skin tone
• You want to rehydrate the skin
• You want to fight those signs of ageing and want to firm and lift the skin

So what facial should you choose?

Almost all facials will involve the basis steps - cleansing, exfoliating, a mask, a moisturizer and massage of the face and neck. Luxury facials would typically be for longer and involve multiple masks and more pampering massage of the face, neck and shoulders. The key to choose the right facial is a) your current skin condition b) the kind of mask you want and c) whether to go for steaming and extraction.

If your aim is a deep cleanse, go for facials that include words like detox, refresh, revitalise or maybe some form of oxygen treatment. Choose a mask that is deep cleansing and you may opt for blackhead removal exfoliation. Some spas offer oxygen jets which would help to cleanse your skin.

If you are prone to acne, be careful about using the classic lotions as these can cause a breakout. Instead go for a cleanser with salicylic acid, a clay mask, and a lactic acid peel. Make sure the therapist avoids scrubs; applying these can irritate the skin

To improve skin tone and rehydrate the skin opt for moisturising masks. Longer exfoliation would be good for promoting an even skin tone.

To fight wrinkles, pick a facial with a little extra exfoliation. Glycolic, lactic, and enzyme peels are all great ways to get rid of that layer of dead skin that makes pores look larger and wrinkles look deeper. For dull skin, look for a facial that combines a mild peel and brightening ingredients such as vitamin C or kojic acid.

Lastly, extraction and steaming has become very popular to remove blotches and pimply spots on the skin. Steaming softens the pores, allowing extraction to work. My advice, do not use an extractor machine as these can cause discolorations. Instead ask the therapist to use a gauze - but avoid too much pressure as it can break the capillaries. Finally if you have very dry skin or eczema skip the steaming as it can exacerbate the condition and use a warm cloth instead

Whatever your reason for going for a facial, sit back relax and feel thoroughly pampered !! We at Beauty Home London take care of all this for you ! Visit www.beautyhome.co.uk for more details