What is a Facial?: A Men's Guide to Facials

Is it time to take the next step in facial care? If you're thinking about improving the appearance of your skin, it might be time to get a facial. Men can usually get by with only a few facials a year. However, some men get facials every four to six weeks as part of their facial care maintenance regimen to keep their skin looking young and healthy.

Be sure to choose a reputable spa for your facial--you may want to ask your dermatologist for a recommendation. Talk to your esthetician (the person performing the facial) about your facial skin care regimen, men's facial products you use, skin care problems and any medical conditions or allergies before you begin the facial.

What is a Facial for Men?

The best facial care can't always be performed at home. Sometimes it's necessary to go to a trained professional who can clean and exfoliate your skin. A basic facial is done in the following order:

1. Skin analysis: During the skin analysis, you'll want to tell your esthetician any skin problems you're concerned about. The skin care expert will then look at your face with a magnifying lamp to assess what problems can be addressed. Some skin care problems may require a dermatologist, who is a medical professional, for treatment.
2. Cleansing: During the cleansing portion of a facial for men, facial products are chosen for your specific skin type (oily, dry or combination). This stage should be comfortable and relaxing.
3. Exfoliation: The esthetician will usually use a combination of steam and a gritty textured product to exfoliate the face. The exfoliation process will leave the skin bright and smooth.
4. Possible extractions: If you choose to have extractions, which can sometimes be painful, the esthetician will wear gloves and extract the blackheads on your face.
5. Massage: One of the most relaxing parts of a facial for men is the massage, when the esthetician uses specific strokes to stimulate the face, neck and even shoulders.
6. Mask: Finally, the facial ends with a mask that is appropriate for your assessed skin type.

The results of your facial should be a more glowing and radiant appearance and improved texture of your skin. You should also now be aware of facial care habits that you should maintain to improve your skin.

Who Should Get a Facial?

Facial care for men shouldn't just happen at home. Almost any man can benefit from seeing an esthetician even once. It's a foolproof way to assess your exact skin type, get tips on how to improve the appearance of your skin and find out if the facial care regimen you've been using is best suited for your face. The esthetician can advise which facial products are best to use--you'll know when to splurge and which inexpensive drug store products will work just fine.

Resources

Complete Acne Cure Staff. (2009). Tips for getting a facial when suffering from acne. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from the Complete Acne Cure Web site: http://www.completeacnecure.com/tips-for-getting-a-facial-when-suffering-from-acne/.

Schwabe, D. (2006). Benefits of getting a facial. Retrieved March 22, 2010, from the Associated Content Web site: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/44800/benefits_of_getting_a_facial.html?cat=69.