The 8 Benefits of a European Facial. Number 4 Is Shocking!
There are a plethora of services that you can receive at a spa, depending on what you desire to get from the experience. If you are looking to resolve back pain, then you might opt for a massage that focuses on that area. If you would like to refresh your nail’s health and appearance, then a mani/pedi combination would be just the thing. Or, if you do skincare but think you need a refresh while having a relaxing day, then a facial is for you. We will explore the several benefits of facials, specifically European facials, their history, the process of receiving one, and what to know before getting the treatment. First, let’s discuss what a facial is exactly.
What is a facial…and what is a European 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.
There are many other types of facial treatments beyond a standard one such as a HydraFacial, chemical peels, LED light therapy and more. A European facial, however, is different as it is an extensive skin treatment that provides a deep cleansing of the face and neck. A European facial differs from a regular one because it lasts for a much longer duration of an hour and includes treatments such as deep steam cleansing and manual extraction, to name a few. A European facial is great for removing impurities and making you appear and feel fresh and rejuvenated. This type of facial focuses specifically on removing dead skin cells, increasing skin cell turnover, deep cleaning your clogged pores, refreshing and rejuvenating your skin, helping your skin look more youthful and smoother, and keeping your skin glowing effortlessly. European facials also help with reducing blemishes, acne, blackheads and whiteheads; this treatment can also go a long way.
What is the history of facial treatments?
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, they used ceruse, a substance which was made of vinegar and white lead. 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 a European facial
There are many benefits of receiving a European 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 European 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.
Improve blood circulation: Circulation under the skin improves as a result of the European facial. The circulation of the blood thus facilitates the renewal of skin cells. This process should occur naturally, but facials can help to stimulate and promote this natural and important occurrence.
Increase skin cell turnover: According to the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, facials can speed up cell turnover. As mentioned previously, our skin naturally sheds old skin so new skin can come to the surface of your face, which creates a fresh and natural glow. However, weather conditions such as dry air or harsh, sunny rays can slow down this process. As a result, your skin may appear dull as your skin is not hydrated enough, you have a buildup of old skin cells, or both. By receiving a European facial, this immediately removes the dead skin cell outer layer. By increasing skin cell turnover as a result of getting a facial, you will remove wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars and blemishes, and gain a youthful, fresh, healthy, radiant and glowing appearance.
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.
Help you determine the right products for your skin: Not only will your face benefit from a professional facial, but so will your wallet. The internet can be overwhelming and not always accurate when it comes to which products and ingredients are right for your skin. That is why going to a licensed esthetician will work wonders for you as they can recommend the proper product for you and your needs for when you do your own skincare routine at home.
Relieve face tension: Facials are good for your skin but they can also alleviate any pain in your muscles. The physical act of receiving a facial massage can actually help to reduce tension in your face and neck muscles. If you have been feeling stressed, a facial will ease your muscles and make you feel at peace.
Make you feel relaxed: In addition to point 7, feeling at peace from a facial can make your whole mind and body feel 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.
Conclusion
Overall, a European facial provides an extensive deep cleansing which includes several skin treatments such as a steam cleansing, manual extraction, face masks, a calming and skin firming massage, and more. If you feel that your skin needs to feel rejuvenated, especially on your face, then this facial is for you.
Keep in mind that not all places deliver on their promises–if a company makes extravagant claims about their offerings, then proceed with caution. Be sure to do the proper research for not only the needs of your skin, but for your overall health as well. Also be aware of your budget–receiving a facial consistently about once a month on average is ideal (depending on your specific skin issues), so make sure that the place you invest in works for not only your skin but also your bank account. A good esthetician will give you proper recommendations for your skin so you can better understand its overall needs, and after you have received a few facials, you and your esthetician can then decide the frequency with which you book facials.
Facials provide many benefits to your skin’s health as well as your overall well-being and mental state. Book yours today at ZZ Day Spa for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
