Are lunch break facials for you? Spending an entire day at the spa sounds absolutely heavenly, but most people don’t have that kind of time to spend on themselves.
The good news is that not all cosmetic procedures are afternoon-long affairs. Many procedures are now accessible entirely on your lunch break and only take 20 to 60 minutes to complete. With such a variety of choices, are lunch break facials right for you?
Where a facial was once considered a luxury, society is now more knowledgeable about the impact of environmental aggressors on our complexion. People are seeking faster treatments with quick-fix results. And spas are answering. Most offer a selection of 60 minutes-or-less appointments for face and body, perfect for lunch break pop-ins.
What Is a Facial?
Facials come in a wide variety of options typically available through a beauty salon or spa, and can be used as part of a comprehensive beauty regimen or treatment in combatting a specific problem or skin condition like adult acne or rosacea. Facials may utilize one or more of a number of modalities including massage, lotions or creams, masks, exfoliation, peels, and extraction.
What Can a Facial Do For You?
There are many benefits to having your face pampered, particularly when it’s done on a regular basis. They include:
- Improved appearance. A quickie facial can help to rehydrate the skin and supply it with valuable minerals. It also has the ability to help get rid of old skin cells that could be making your skin look dull and dry.
- Relaxation. No one’s going to bother you, except your aesthetician. There’s nothing to do but sit back, breathe deeply, and relax.
- Mood elevation. A facial has the ability to elevate your mood, giving you the boost you need to make it through the rest of the day.
Can You Really Get Results Over Lunch?
When a day at the spa was once all about taking care of both your skin and your soul, people lingered all day in a fluffy soft bathrobe and were treated head to toe. For most people today, that kind of time is a luxury. People need the same results in their facial treatments, but they need it quickly. It’s all about the quality of time, the quality of treatment, and the quality of results.
If you’re looking for results without all the time commitment, a speedy peel or light treatment could be your answer.
What Could Your Lunchtime Facial Consist Of?
There are plenty of time-crunch choices at your fingertips now, thanks to the trend. It’s not just about the products. Every facial follows a series of steps called a protocol. This usually starts with a meticulous cleansing that will remove any makeup, oil, and dirt that have collected through the day. What follows will be customized for you based on the type of facial you’ve selected, or what your aesthetician believes will best treat your skin condition. Most facials will also include a massage, extraction, and at least one form of a facial mask.
The relaxing massage you receive is designed to help stimulate the lymph system and drain toxins. Since this system can become overloaded from poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and an inefficient skin care regimen, the massage is the cornerstone of an effective facial.
Extraction (pore-clearing) is one of the best parts of having a facial. However if any small trace of the compactions (aka: pimples) are left behind, they can become irritated and flare back up again. A thorough steaming element prior to the extraction procedure is essential to opening up pores to prepare them.
A chemical peel is a way to exfoliate, though more potently than you do at home. The exact acid and other beneficial skin care ingredients used will differ widely, depending on your skin type and concerns. They usually utilize either alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids. A peel will give you the benefit of smoother skin texture, more even skin tone, a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and revved up collagen production. While peels can pose some side effects, typically the lunch break facial variety carry a lower risk.
You may choose to partake in some form of light therapy to address pigmentation, rosacea, acne, broken capillaries, and fine lines. Some forms of light therapy can calm inflammation and speed up collagen synthesis or fade age spots.
A facial mask will usually be applied. Your aesthetician will choose one for you based on your skin type. If your skin is oily, she may choose something designed to draw out excessive sebum. If your skin is dry and dehydrated, she’ll choose one designed to replace moisture.
A facial won’t magically change your life and wow you with revolutionary results overnight. Just as regular trips to the gym will benefit your body far better than the occasional workout, your face will respond best with regular care. It’s usually recommended to see your aesthetician every four to six weeks, unless otherwise advised.
You also need to do your homework by practicing proper skin care habits at home. Drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, and utilizing good quality products designed for your skin type can really go a long way. Make sure you follow recommendations for the best skin care products and the most thorough home skin care regimen between your facial appointments.