 Here are general questions answered about facials.
1. How is a facial done?
The procedure differs from salon to salon and depends on the type of facial you have
chosen to have. A standard facial consists of analysis, cleansing, secondary cleansing
(exfoliation), massage, sometimes extraction (removal of blemishes and blackheads),
application of a facial mask and aftercare (usually a moisturising cream or gel). The whole
treatment should take between an hour and an hour and a half.
2. What extras should be included with a good facial?
Caroline Magrath, owner of Constantia Wellness Centre in Cape Town, says that
eyebrow plucking, and hand and foot massage may also be included. 'The therapist
must maintain contact with the client during treatment. While the face mask is on,
for instance, the therapist can give the client a hand or foot massage.'
3. Does a facial treatment include the décolletage area?
Yes, it traditionally includes the neck, shoulders and décolletage to just above the breasts.
4. What attributes should I look for in a salon?
The South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals (SAAHSP)stresses that the following
hygienic measures are very important: a new set of sponges should be used for each client,
tweezers must be sterilised before each treatment, towels must be clean and the therapist herself
should be hygienic.
The association also recommends that salons have floors that can be washed
rather than carpets. Because having a facial should be a soothing experience, you should choose a
salon with a relaxing atmosphere where you will feel pampered.
5. How should a good therapist conduct herself?
Caroline says that a good therapist will listen carefully to the needs of her client, particularly
if it is her first visit to the salon. During the treatment, the therapist should take
special care to analyse the skin properly. A long-term course of treatment for the skin is very
important, therefore knowing something about the lifestyle of the client will help her
draw up the right treatment plan, she says.
The SAAHSP requires that the therapist respect the privacy of the client and not allow
other therapists to wander into the treatment room, for instance. Caroline says it is also
important that the therapist be innovative and tell the client about the range of treatments she
offers to keep the client interested. There may be new developments in technology that the
client is unaware of and the therapist should inform her client about these so that
she can choose whether to include them in her treatment.
Tips
 It is best to wait a few hours between having a facial and applying your make up.
Leave your jewellery at home when you go to the salon. You usually have to remove it before
having any treatments and it could get lost.
Don't have a facial the day before or on the day of a special occasion. Do it at least three days
before the event to give your skin time to recover.
Article from Woman24
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