Of all the spa therapies available, facials are stellar for improving one's appearance and providing a psychological boost. With recent advances in biochemistry and skin cell function, the ingredients used in facials stop just short of miraculous. Facials have many effects including
- Increasing skin cell respiration
- Increasing blood circulation
- Increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells
- Increasing collagen production
- Increasing moisture content
- Removing cellular waste and debris
- Smoothing and polishing the skin surface
- Increasing well-being
The Skin Analysis
A qualified esthetician examines the skin closely, looking for blotches, redness, wrinkles, hydration, texture, and imperfections. After completing the analysis, the technician will suggest the best type of facial for your particular skin, taking into account the current climate and season. A facial that works wonders in early spring may differ 180 from a facial recommended for skin subjected to the sun and wind. Estheticians may also offer dietary and lifestyle suggestions for improving the skin’s texture and general health.
The Procedure
A facial consists of deep cleansing, exfoliation, vaporization, extractions (if needed), a facial, neck and shoulder massage, Some spas also offer a hydrating hand massage or a foot massage to help relieve stress.
Top Ingredients
- Yeast Complexes—are known to increase cell replication, assisting in an increased cell turnover and helping shed old, damaged surface cells.
- Amino Acids and Peptides—are known to increase collagen production
- Glycolic Acid—helps exfoliate skin cells rapidly, increasing skin circulation and polishing the skin
- Clay and Mud—excellent ingredients for drawing out impurities and healing blemished skin; antiseptic properties; soothes and softens skin
- Squalene oil—hydrates the skin, reduces lines and wrinkles, and counters the effects of sun damage
- Rose Essential Oil—calms redness and ruddiness and strengthen capillaries
- Green Tea—soothes the skin and provides antioxidant nutrients that reduce inflammation and promote healing
- Seaweed—delivers iodine and other essential elements to the skin, delivering vital nutrients to the skin’s cells and rejuvenating the skin
- Caviar—rejuvenates the skin by supplying moisture and soothing lines
- Hot stones—hot stones are used to smoothe and soften the skin, help with the penetration of essential oils and the delivery of minerals to the skin. The application of stones is followed by a custom mask.
- Botanical Essences—a wide range of plant and flower essences and essential oils are used in custom and signature facials. Botanicals are generally rich in antioxidants and nourish and support the skin and its structures. Botanicals also soothe and soften the skin leaving it with a polished glow.
- Bird Poop—bird poop is notoriously rich in nitrites, which apparently benefit the skin. The Bird Poop or Geisha Facial, available at Shizuka New York contains nightingale excrement. The Japanese manufacturers of the powder treat it with ultraviolet light to kill bacteria. Estheticians mix the powder with finely-ground rice bran to neutralize its slightly musky odor. The mask is intended to soften the skin and provide a lighter, porcelain-like sheen.
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