Mom Wants A Facial, Not Flowers

Mother’s Day is approaching, and what better way is there to treat your mother and show her how special she is to you than to give her a relaxing facial at a spa? There are many benefits to receiving a facial, both physically and emotionally. In this article, we will explore the definition of a facial, the history of facial treatments, their benefits, and the different types of facials you can receive at ZZ Day Spa.

What is a facial?

According to Cleveland Clinic, a facial is a skin treatment that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating. Other methods are also implemented depending on your specific skin type and its exact needs. Facials are designed to address certain skin issues, promote the overall health of your skin, clean your face, keep your skin looking young, rejuvenate and hydrate your face, and help you relax and feel calm. Receiving this treatment is different from your everyday skincare routine as they are performed by professional and licensed estheticians. They also keep your skin feeling fresh overall, just like when you get a professional mani/pedi treatment for your fingernails and toenails. 

Per the article, specific issues which facials address are shrinking the size of your pores, reducing the production of oil on the skin, diminishing dark spots, and increasing blood circulation and collagen production. In addition to the standard process, facials can also include a skin mask, facial steaming, blackhead extraction, or serums. Some people might break out after receiving a facial, but this is normal. Known as “purging”, the process occurs because your skin is getting rid of dirt and bacteria hidden beneath the surface; the facial just speeds up this occurrence due to rapid cell turnover. Purging happens especially after having your first facial.

What is the history of facial treatments?

Facials first date back to Ancient Egypt. Obviously, they did not have all the tools and treatments that are available today, so they took advantage of the resources they had. For example, they used burnt almonds to fill in their brows or used milk to keep their skin from creasing. In the case of facials, it is said that Cleopatra used the mud from the Dead Sea to treat her skin twice a week to remove any impurities from her face and body. She would also apply egg whites onto her face before bed, sleep with it on, then would wash it off with clean water in the morning. 

In ancient China, Yang Gui Fei, who was considered to be one of the “four beauties of Ancient China,” was known for her lavish facial treatments. Some believe that she would make her own facial masks which were made up of crushed pearls, white jade, ginseng, and mixed lotus root starch. Then, she would put them all into a thick paste and apply the mask to her face. This was said to remove spots and wrinkles and keep the face smooth and even.

In Europe, facials date back to the 1500s to the 1600s and were used among royals. However, not all of the ingredients used at the time were safe for the skin and in fact caused several illnesses; users were unaware as there was little science behind the procedures. For example, during the Elizabethan era, women used poisonous blends of white lead and vinegar, also known as ceruse, in their beauty routines, as was made famous by Queen Elizabeth herself. Centuries later, a trend began which focused on the pursuit of glowing and rejuvenating skin. In 1875, the Toilet Mask (also known as a face glove), invented by Madame Rowley, was created to keep people’s complexions smooth and fresh. Yet, this became unsuccessful as it suffocated the face and caused profuse sweating while people slept. 

Many new products and routines came about in the 20th century. Due to a lack of science, as was the issue in previous centuries as well, not all routines were safe, such as the raw meat facials or radium-infused masks. One company known as Kemolite Radio-Active Beauty Plasma incorporated the chemical radium into their beauty products which was advertised as a volcanic clay mud treatment. 

In the 30s, the trend was all about anti-freckles and getting rid of them. Women were so worried about getting them due to exposure from the sun that they wore a freckle-proof cape to prevent UV rays hitting their face and thus adding freckles onto their appearance. Italian physician Dr. M. Matarassoa invented a spot-removing treatment for those who had freckles; however, like in the previous decades, he used a dangerous substance, carbon monoxide, and combined it with a sharp needle to freeze off freckles. Fortunately, Swiss chemist Franz Greiter invented sunscreen in 1946 so Dr. Matarassoa’s process was no longer practiced.

A decade after the 30s, there were already well-established beauty empires such as Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden. Beauty salons were growing in popularity, many new products were created such as anti-aging treatments, and exciting developments including glamor bonnets promoted a youthful complexion. Electronically-heated face masks gave rosy cheeks, which were the latest trend of this era. Issues with sagging skin, acne and circulation were also addressed with skin-tightening wraps. 

With the popularity of televisions in the 1950s, many more women began to care about their physical appearance as they all wanted to emulate the beauty of the Hollywood stars that appeared before them on their screens. As a result, there was an even larger boom of salons for treatments that are even available today, such as seaweed baths. Steam facials also became popular around this time as it helped users achieve a glowy and healthy look for their skin.

Skincare and facial routines blossomed, and by the 1990s, many more facial skincare products were released onto the markets. Not all products used among people were safe, but fortunately in the present day, consumers are very aware of which ingredients are good and bad for their skin. Treatments available now have come a long way since the early times of dangerous chemicals and toxic substances. Just as in the 50s, we still look to see what celebrities are doing, such as Kim Kardashian or Paris Hilton. One popular treatment includes the use of LED lights which penetrate the skin with the aim to reverse the signs of aging. Many young people use TikTok to see what the latest skincare trends are, but this can be harmful as not all of the information they consume is factual.

The benefits of facials

There are many benefits to receiving a facial. However, not everything works for every person’s skin type, so knowing what works best for you and your skin’s health is important to keep in mind. Be sure to speak with your esthetician about your specific skin concerns so you can get the most out of your treatment and keep your skin happy. To get into the benefits, a facial can:

• Unclog and shrink the size of pores: Facials are designed to clean your pores on a much deeper level than a typical daily rinse. Overtime, pores fill and widen with the buildup of dirt, oil and debris. Cleaning your pores helps to clear your skin and prevent acne on the face, which can thus change the size of your pores. Please keep in mind to not pick your skin, as it needs to be cleaned and handled by a professional.

• Slow the aging process: Since facials keep your skin feeling healthier, rejuvenated, glowing, and smoother, you will feel younger as a result. Not only will you feel younger, but you will also look like it, as facials reduce age spots, hydrate the skin, reduce wrinkles, and promote collagen production. Collagen production is essential to the skin as it prevents premature aging, wrinkles, and sagging. By taking part in the facial process, facials help to reverse aging as nutrients and antioxidants enter the skin.

• Even the skin tone: An increase in skin cell turnover is also responsible for evening the skin tone. As new skin cells reach the surface of your face, it makes your skin smoother and removes scars, blemishes, dark spots and more, which makes your skin softer and more even. Please note that dark spots largely come from the Sun’s UV rays, so even if you receive a facial, you should always make sure to wear sunscreen when exposed to the Sun; people of any age can receive dark spots.

• Make you feel relaxed: Feeling at peace from a facial can make your whole mind and body feel both happy and relaxed. The gentle physical touch on your face, scented aromatherapy techniques, and calming sounds of the spa will leave your mind and body feeling calm and tranquil. If you find yourself often stressed from the responsibilities of daily life, then a facial might be a good idea.

The different types of facials

ZZ Day Spa offers many different options designed to meet everyone’s needs.

European Facial - Our highly customizable European facial deeply cleanses the face, unclogs pores, evens out the skin tone, and gives you a more radiant complexion. This facial includes the steaming of the face, exfoliation, extractions, massaging, a mask, and the application of serums and moisturizers. We offer 50 and 80 minute facial experiences.

Hydra Facial - This facial exfoliates, hydrates, improves skin texture and tone, and reduces acne and skin imperfections for a brighter, smoother complexion.

Repechage Opti-Firm Eye Contour Treatment - This treatment helps combat the visible appearance of dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles.

Oxygen Facial - The oxygen facial is suitable for all skin types and is perfect for both hydrating and brightening the skin. A machine is used to spray high pressure oxygen all over the face. After cleansing, serums and moisturizers are applied to your face, and the oxygen device feeds and nourishes the skin.

Microdermabrasion/No Extractions - Exfoliates and removes layers of dead skin using crystal powder. Helps to battle uneven texture and skin tone, clogged pores, and can reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Back Facial - A complete cleansing for those hard-to-reach spots, combining extractions with brightening exfoliation to leave skin smooth, soft, and even more-toned. Highly recommended for the treatment of acne.

Repechage Seaweed Treatment Mask + Microderm - This cooling and soothing treatment helps hydrate while improving skin tone and clarity. It is perfect as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with exfoliating treatments.

Repechage Biolight Miracle Facial - With Glyco-Sea Glycolic Peel. This facial helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyper-pigmentation.

Repechage Vita Cura 5 Phase Firming Facial with Micropeel - For Smoother and Younger Looking Skin. Provides an instant trigger to younger looking skin. Specifically designed to invigorate, lift and firm mature skin.

Repechage Hydra 4 Red-Out Facial - For Sensitive Skin. Designed and formulated to help calm the appearance of sensitive skin. 

Repechage Hydra Medic Facial with Desincrustation Mask - For Oily Skin. Deep cleanses and helps control the appearance of oily skin without drying, thus helping maintain moisture to leave skin looking soft and smooth.

Repechage Hydra Dew Pure Moisturizing Lift Facial - For Dry Sensitive Skin. Moisturizes, restores and strengthens the appearance of dry, sensitized skin.

Glow and Peel Facial - A chemical peel that removes the outermost layers of the skin, clears up breakouts, smooths out lines and wrinkles, decongests the skin, and reduces discoloration on the face.

Repechage Four Layer Facial - Experience layer upon layer of pure, fresh European and American seaweed to help tone, deep cleanse and firm the appearance of the skin dramatically.

Conclusion

Treating your mom to a facial at a spa on Mother’s Day is a wonderful way to celebrate the day and show her how much you love and appreciate her. A visit to the spa will make you feel refreshed and renewed, both physically and mentally. Whether you come for just the holiday or any time of the year, going to the spa with your mother is a special way to spend quality time together. Book a facial at ZZ Day Spa today!