How often should I get a facial?
Ideally, get a facial every four to six weeks because that's how long it takes the skin to regenerate. Try to have a facial at least four times a year, as the season changes. You may need it more frequently if you are trying to clear up a case of acne, especially at the beginning.
Facial massage plays an important role in any facial and greatly benefits the skin:
- facial massage stimulates blood circulation, bringing oxygen to the blood
- massage reduces fat cells which firms the skin and underlying tissue
- massage promotes warmth which increases the secretion of oil and perspiration which in turn open the pores ~ waste products such as dirt and grease are then easier to remove
- massage makes the skin softer toning muscles
- manipulations can help deplete excess fluids in the tissues reducing puffiness
- strengthens, nourishes and tones muscles
- relieves pain by helping tense muscles relax
- loosens dead surface cells and reveals healthier skin underneath
Extractions are important only done by your skincare professional to empty out the pores of oil and debris.
Masks depending on your skin type hydrate, firm, tone or purify the skin.
What kind of cleanser or moisturizer should I use?
A non soap cleanser that is hypoallergenic. Wash only once a day — at night so you don't strip the skin of its natural oils. With a moisturizer ~ unscented is best as well as hypoallergenic.
How can I make my pores smaller?
You can't, at least not permanently. However facials, astringents, and Retin-A may help decrease the amount of debris from your follicle that builds up in your pores, making them more noticeable.
My skin is so dry — what can I do?
- avoid forced hot air environments (saunas)
- Keep your shower brief — less than 3 minutes
- Pat your self dry
- Use a good moisturizer and apply right after your shower when your skin is still damp to lock in the moisture
What should I do for sun protection?
- Use a sunscreen with SPF of 20 or more and make sure it filters out both UV A & B rays
- Avoid the sun between 10am — 4pm
- Wear a broad rimmed hat
How does skin age and wrinkle?
A series of external factors such as sun damage, pollution, free-radical damage and smoking, as well as internal factorsare genetically predetermined such as cell cessation, chronological aging, and hormone depletion. If the cells are depleted of oxygen free radical damage occurs resulting in collagen destruction, loss of elasticity and less cellular turnover resulting in fine lines.
- Hormonal activity
- Overproduction of oil by the oil gland
- Irregular shedding of the dead skin cells, both on the surface of the skin and inside the pore
- Buildup of bacteria in the pore
- Irritation or sensitizing reactions to cosmetics specific foods or medicines
Why do we get dark circles and under eye puffiness?
The skin under the eye is 80% thinner than the rest of the skin on the face. It also has no oil glands and 32 muscles which are constantly moving. When the nerve cells are assaulted, i.e when we rub our eyes, sun damage, stress or we have poor nutrition, the mast cells which are under the surface of the skin release histamines which increase blood flow to this area.