• To cleanse: to slough away the layer of dead skin cells and deep-clean pores to help prevent acne and dull skin.
• To balance the different areas of facial skin, and improve the texture, general health and appearance.
• To rehydrate (moisturize) and nourish your complexion.
• To tighten and brighten, making you look younger, firmer, fresher and lovelier!

What to expect from a facial
This depends on the kind of facial that you’re going for.  You will receive your facial lying down on a massage table. Your hair will be swept back from your face. Most facials feature some light massage, including your neck and shoulders, and are broken down into various stages that the therapist should talk you through beforehand.

Depending on the kind of massage you are having, you will then have various creams, mud’s, masks or oils rubbed into your skin, using different motions and perhaps with a variety of towels, compresses or applicators. Other features of a facial may include: 

• Acupressure or light pressure-point massage
• A light electrical pulse to stimulate your circulation and help· the products penetrate your skin
• Hot stones laid gently on the skin
• Hot towels or compresses, often scented with essential oils
• Oxygen jets
• and all sorts of other things!

Hot tip!
If your skin feels nice afterwards – which it should – make sure you ask your therapist what products she used so that you can buy any that you really liked to use at home.

 Afterwards
A good facial will leave you glowing with a sense of how beautiful and renewed/rebalanced/ restored/revitalized you are. You may not look any of those things. You may look a bit greasy, very under-made up, and a bit unkempt (for one thing, your fringe will be sticking up having been swept back during the treatment). Do check yourself in the mirror before you leave.

 How Often Should I Get A Facial?
It varies from person to person. 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, disorder at the skin or other problems need special attention. Otherwise, once a month is plenty.  You can overdo it!

Sign of a Good Esthetician

• She is impeccably groomed, warm and friendly.
• She is a stickler for cleanliness and sanitation. She keeps a clean table and washes her hands before she begins touching your face.
• The esthetician gives you a relaxing facial customized to your skin. She can do “extractions” (removal of blackheads, etc.) without causing too much discomfort and is responsive to your needs.
• She can answer any questions you have about what she’s doing and why.
• The good esthetician follows your lead in terms of how much “chat” there is. It’s your time!
• She asks about your home skin care routine and advises you on how to take care of your skin between facials.
• She tells you what products are best suited for your skin type without resorting to high-pressure sales techniques.
• A good esthetician recognizes skin problems that require a dermatologist. If you have a problem that needs a medical doctor, the esthetician lets you know.

Licensing requirements for estheticians vary by state. Feel free to ask where they were trained, experience and what kind of program they went through.