You’ve just had to take out a personal loan to pay the small fortune your newest beauty regime is costing, when your best friend says: But it’s all worthless unless you have regular facials. What? Is this really true?
Well - yes and no. Facials can help you relax, improve your blood circulation and make your skin look amazing - but only for a while. But they can also be a huge help for certain skin conditions…
The ancient Egyptians and Aztecs were known for using clay masks as a beauty aid, and Cleopatra famously wallowed in baths of asses milk (it was the lactic acid in the milk that kept her skin smooth, don’t you know!).
In the 20th century, though, it became a popular notion (well, since about the 1930s, anyway) within the skin-care profession that a facial once a month is essential. If that thought fills your (and your bank manager’s) heart with dread, now may be the time to take a closer look at facials.
Why Once-A-Month Facials?
It takes about a month for your skin cells to move from the dermis to the surface of your skin, where they slough off naturally – exposing fresher skin underneath, or they may need a helping hand, especially from our thirties onwards.
It therefore seems logical that regular monthly facials will ensure these dead cells are removed effectively. The truth is, though, that most of us are effectively exfoliating our skin at home with exfoliators and cleansers as well as toners and serums containing ingredients like salicylic and glycolic acid, which are readily available over the counter.
So if the only reason is to get rid of dead skin, then the answer to the facial vs no facial question is probably no. But is there more to a facial?