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A facial is a cosmetic skin treatment for
your face. It usually involves an assortment of skin treatments, grooming steps
and facial cleansers. Some of the methods used in treatment include: steam, exfoliation,
extraction, creams, lotions, masks, peels, and massage. Facials can be performed
in a salon, spa or at home.
You can gently steam at home by placing a
towel over your head while bent over a pan of warm water. Use good sense
and don't do this at the stove and use caution.
The exfoliation of dead skin can be accomplished by mechanical or chemical
methods
"Mechanical exfoliantion" uses micro bead facial scrubs, crushed almond shells,
sugar or salt crystals, pumice, and abrasive cloths. These scrubs are available
in over-the-counter products and applied by the user.
"Chemical exfoliantion" uses scrubs containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid,
fruit enzymes, citric acid, or malic acid which may be applied in higher
concentrations by a dermatologist, or in lower concentrations in spa products.
Midnight
is a good example of a gentle exfoliating cream with glycolic acid.
Exfoliation is designed to assist in the rejuvenation of skin cells and
prevention of undesirable conditions like acne scarring or ingrown hairs.
It is commonly part of a good weekly skin care routine. The cosmetic procedures
dermabrasion and microdermabrasion are extreme cases of exfoliation where the
top layer of skin is removed as if by sanding.
It is important to exfoliate skin no more than twice a week, unless it is a
gentle daily exfoliator, like Midnight. Be gentle with your skin, lightly stroke
it across the face.
If you are considering a mechanical exfoliating scrub, use a gentle one with
smaller grains to prevent irritation. Men should never exfoliate
right after shaving, however it is beneficial to exfoliate the beard to prevent
ingrown hairs and it also lifts the beard up, providing a closer shave.
A "Facial Mask" is a creamy mask applied for hygienic effects to clean and
smooth the face. They frequently contain minerals, vitamins, fruit extracts like
cactus, cucumber, and others to send nutrients to your skin. Different types of
masks are appropriate for different purposes. Some masks are deep cleansing for
cleaning the pores. A gentle
facial cleanser can provide you with the same clean smooth feeling.
The effects of a mask can be revitalizing, rejuvenating and refreshing. Although
masks are more commonly used by women they are equally beneficial to men.
Some masks are rinsed off with warm water, others are peeled off by hand.
Depending on type of mask you can leave it on from 3 minutes to 30 minutes, and
sometimes all night.
See also
* Facial Cleanser
* Facial Moisturizer
* Facial Skin Protection
* Cleansers and make-up removers
* Massage oils
* Facial masks
* Moisturizers
* Sun protection products
* Skin exfoliators & peels
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