Spa Facials

By Dr. Charles Smith

Facials are one of the most requested spa services, second in popularity only to massages. The goal of a good facial is to clean, exfoliate and hydrate the skin to promote a healthy radiant look. As we age, our skin cells rejuvenate more slowly, which contributes to a dull, weathered appearance of the protective upper layer of skin called the stratum corneum.
Also, our pores become blocked with excessive oil from sebaceous gland secretion combined with sloughed dead skin cell accumulation, which in turn can lead to unsightly blackheads and pimples.
Ongoing exposure to the sun’s damaging rays, along with other environmental and self-induced assaults to the skin, produce visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. These are caused by “free radical” production which ravages skin cells and breaks down the collagen that gives skin its youthful resilience.
There are numerous variations to the facial procedure depending on which spa one visits.
A few steps in common to most facials include cleansing the skin, examination under a magnifying lamp, using steam to open blocked pores, exfoliation, extraction of blackheads, facial massage, application of a mask, toner and protective creams to suit your skin type (e.g. oily, dry, combination, sensitive, mature), and home care advice.
An exciting new development fast becoming a buzzword in the spa industry is called the Hydrafacial. The Hydrafacial is a device which complements the standard spa facial and takes it to an exciting new level.
The Hydrafacial simultaneously exfoliates dead skin cells and extracts impurities with a patented vacuum-based skin abrasion tip while bathing the healthy underlying skin with active serums that cleanse deeply, exfoliate thoroughly, hydrate completely, and provide residual antioxidant protection. While blackheads and impurities in the skin are being removed through a vacuuming/vortex action, the underlying blood and lymphatic flow are stimulated.
The serums used can be custom blended for different skin conditions depending on the patient’s need. The proprietary serums contain combinations of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, botanical extracts, antioxidant vitamins, and other essential ingredients.
Besides its effectiveness in skin hydration, the Hydrafacial also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, decreases hyperpigmentation, refines skin tone and texture and improves acne-prone skin. Patients experience no pain, discomfort or inflammation with the Hydrafacial, as can occur with traditional dermabrasion procedures.
Angie Gilstrap, owner of Millennium Medi Spa, says, “The Hydrafacial has rapidly become a complementary and integral part of the entire skin rejuvenation process. It can be utilized as a stand-alone procedure, but more commonly it is incorporated with other treatments, including chemical peels, laser and light based therapy and pharmaceutical grade skin care products. You will find that the Hydrafacial will help restore your youthful glow comfortably.”