Face refers to the front of human head bearing among others, the eyes, nose and mouth.
Facial treatment on the other hand, refers to a multistep procedure that forms part of an excellent routine of skin care that helps maintain skin healthy and improve its overall appearance by increasing glow. It helps to nourish and rejuvenate the skin to give it a youthful look.
Good skin care helps to ensure the skin is clean and healthy and free from future issues. It also minimizes chances of contracting various skin conditions such as pigmentation, and mild acne. In addition, you benefit from the de-stressing and relaxation that comes with it.
“Nothing can match the feeling you get when you glide your finger and feel that soft and milky skin.”
We all at home follow a daily skin care routine on our face, but it is important that once in a while, you get the professionals do it for you.
In order therefore to quickly understand and appreciate the importance of facial treatment, our two experts Ruth and Rebecca at Q-Pharm Lavington Mall and Garden City Mall have developed answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) with regards to facial treatment.
Q. What is facial treatment?
A. It is a combination of steps that are taken to beautify the skin leaving it looking young and healthy.
Q. What the types of Facial Treatment are available?
A. There are several types of facial treatments available depending on your skin type and affordability. There is no one single facial type that will be able to take care of every single skin concern.
At Q-Pharm, we perform HydraFacial or the standard type of facial treatment. This is the choice for most people with normal and dry skin. However, some facials can be considered as medical procedures and as such should be referred to the dermatologists.
HydraFacial
The standard or medical grade facial treatment as earlier stated is the choice for most skins and results in immediate noticeable change. involves the following:
- Exfoliation
- Neutralization/Hydration
- Masking
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen/Protection
The net effect of these procedures on the skin is improved overall health, skin tone and texture with reduced chances of attracting other skin conditions such as pigmentation and mild acne.
Exfoliation
The process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin in order to uncover the new cells and improve the overall complexion and appearance.
Your skin cells continually undergo a natural turnover with the outer layer being shed to reveal the new skin underneath. However, sometimes dead skins don’t fully shed creating the appearance of rough dry skin, enlarged pores and dullness. At this point, you need exfoliation to improve the skin tone and texture.
Whereas all skin types will require exfoliation at one time or another, it is important to recognize the fact that before such a procedure can be performed, an initial thorough examination of the skin ought to be done to establish the skin type which in turn will determine the appropriate (chemical or mechanical) method of exfoliation.
Methods of Exfoliation.
1.Cleansing
This is the process of using soap and water to remove from skin and pores mainly dirt, and grim collected during the day. Most of us take washing the face very lightly and do not invest ample time to do it. If not done well, it will lead to accumulation of dirt and clogging of the pores resulting in a dull skin. The chances of opportunistic infection from bacteria and fungi may be enhanced leading to skin conditions such as acne, pimples and blackheads.
However, when such products like cleansers, which are specially formulated to scrub and wipe out the dirt and get deeper into the pores, are used, the dead skins are removed from the surface, improving the appearance of the skin. Cleansers come in different formulations and act as exfoliators for different skin types. It is therefore very important that you are aware of your skin type before choosing a cleanser.
At Q-pharm, our experts help in analyzing your skin in order to accurately establish the type and recommend the appropriate range of cleanser formulations.
With HydraFacial treatment, cleansing is crucial as it is the first important step to obtaining successful facial treatment. By removing dirt, grim and any makeups, the skin is cleaned, pores opened ready for additional exfoliation procedures. After cleansing, the skin is toned to balance its pH level which may be altered with certain types of cleansers.
The use of toner restores the skin to its normal acidic pH and also ensures that any leftovers of dirt, make-up and grim are completely removed.
2.Chemical and Mechanical Exfoliation
Cleansing acts as the first step in facial treatment to prepare the skin for either a mechanical or Chemical exfoliation depending on the recommendation after skin analysis.
At Q-Pharm, we focus mainly on chemical exfoliation which involves the use of acidic chemical formulas, Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acids to dissolve dead skin cells without any scrubbing. For this procedure, we use mild concentrated (20-30%) Glycolic Acid or Salicylic Acid depending on the skin type and condition. The result is a chemical peel of the skin which even though may cause some burning and tingling sensation, leaves the skin with improved feel and appearance together with many other benefits.
We also give special attention to prior- analysis of skin type and condition such that most of our procedures remain selective to the use of mild acids (20-30%). Skin conditions such as very active acne and damaged skin that on our analysis would require higher concentrations of acids are referred to dermatologists for specialized attention
However, the burning and tingling sensation after a chemical peel is immediately controlled by applying peel neutralizers which act to calm the skin and restore its normal pH. There are different neutralizer formulations for different peel chemicals. The right selection of the neutralizer is important for effective neutralization and balance of
Skin Types
There are several skin types which can generally be identified each requiring a different method of exfoliation.
- Normal Skin– Either mechanical or chemical methods of exfoliation may be applied to such skin.
- Dry Skin– Chemical method using Glycolic acid is the preferred method of exfoliation.
- Oily Skin- Mechanical method with more frequent exfoliation would be preferred.
- Sensitive Skin– Mild Chemical exfoliation but for acne, you may need to use salicylic acid peel.
- Combination Skin– A mix of both Chemical and mechanical methods may be used. Each of these skin types will require a different method of exfoliation. However, you must always remember not apply the two methods (chemical and mechanical) on the same skin on the same day.
- For dry skin, you may opt for peel offs with Hyaluronic acid or Glycerin which have both hydrating and moisturizing properties.
- For Oily Skin, you may opt for charcoal peel offs. Oily skin is prone to bacterial infections such that the use of charcoal mask will work against bacterial infection that could lead to skin condition such as acne while at the same time dry out excess oil.
- For Sensitive Skin, you may opt for aloe vera mask. Aloe vera has deep penetrating and healing properties. It also stimulates the production of collagen. This offers both soothing and treatment for irritated and inflamed skin.
Masking
Masking delivers to the skin high concentration of actives, vitamins and nutrients, again to improve its overall health. It must be evenly applied, better still in a thin layer over the entire face for desired results. At Q-Pharm, the procedure follows immediately after exfoliation and return of the skin to its normal ‘PH.
Masking is occlusive allowing for deeper penetration and better absorption of the actives. It leaves the skin more hydrated, better looking in texture and with decongested pores. The procedure also helps in anti-aging and treatment of acne.
Most masks can be left on the face for between 5-15 minutes depending on the type used.
During this period, stress is released from facial muscles, leaving the face smooth and more relaxed.
The choice of mask once again depends on your skin type. Here is a short list of the choices you can make.
Peeling off the mask.
Up to this point, a lot of gains have been made with your skin. However, this gain can easily be lost depending on how you peel off the mask. The mask must be peeled off in a gentle and organized manner starting from the left cheek. After peeling off, the face is steamed to ensure proper cleansing of the skin. Steaming should however not be applied to irritated and inflamed skin.
Moisturizing
Moisturizers are products with the ability to keep the skin hydrated and improve its health and complexion. Because of the different types of ingredients, there are mechanisms by which moisturizing can be achieved. Besides, different skin types require different formulations. The formulations available are Cream, Lotion and Ointment.
The following ingredients are commonly found in moisturizers.
- Hyaluronic Acid (natural)and Glycerin (synthetic):
These are hygroscopic (water loving) substances that attract moisture or water molecules from the surrounding environment including the dermis to the outer layer of the skin. In so doing, they are able to draw water into the skin surface and keep it hydrated. They are commonly used with people with dry skin.
Natural humectants (substance produced by the body) not only attract moisture to the skin but also promote repair and growth. Synthetic humectants on the other hand only have the ability to attract moisture without any value addition.
- Ceramides, Fatty Acids and Natural Oils
These are referred to as emollients with the ability to cover the outer skin thus preventing water loss. When the skin dries out, it forms cracks in between the cells. Emollients contain fatty acids that fill these cracks to protect further loss of moisture. The skin becomes soft and smooth.
Occlusive emollients on the other hand stays on top of the skin to stop loss of the existing moisture. Dimethicone and most natural fata fall in this category.
The rule of thumb is that for an oily skin, you need a moisturizer that does not contain oil and as such will not add more oil onto the skin which could lead to clogging and breakout.
A dry skin would require moisturizers with more oil than water in them. Formulations such as creams and ointments would therefore be the preferred choice for such skins.
Sunscreen/protection
The last stage in HydraFacial is protection or sunscreen. After going through the procedures listed, the skin becomes delicate and must be protected from the adverse effects of Ultra Violet radiation.
Vitamin C serum stands out as the most recommended protective antioxidant. Antioxidants protect your cells against damage from free radicles which if not taken care of, will result in premature ageing not only of the skin but your whole body.
Besides, it aids collagen synthesis which is essential in providing the skin elasticity and strength and growth for new cells.
When all is done, you will be advised on what take homes are required to maintain your face looking youthful beyond HydraFacial.
See you at Q-Pharm Lavington Mall or Garden City Mall.
