B E A U T Y
Face
The Facts
If you’ve never consulted a dermatologist or had
your skin evaluated by a professional, you’re
self-treating something you may not completely
understand. Skin you think is oily may in fact only
be dehydrated; skin you’ve deemed sensitive may
only be reacting to overly harsh products. Our
recommendation (and you’re going to like this
one): Get thee to a spa for a facial! A true facial is
about more than relaxation—
it’s a tune-up for your
skin. You’ll get a more thorough cleansing than
anything you can do at home, plus an up-close,
real-time analysis of your skin’s condition,
including advice and support on what products to
use and how to care for it So dust off that gilt card
you’ve been saving and bone up on the basics to get
great results that won’t leave you red in the face.
W HO
Always look for a licensed esthetician
(rather than a cosmetologist)—she’ll have received
in-depth skin care training. “There are two types of
estheticians,” says Laura Hittleman, director of
corporate beauty services at Canyon Ranch Spas.
“There are the European perfectionists who get
skin squeaky clean by zoning in on every single
dirty pore—
including those on your nose and
ears—and those who are more nurturing and
touchy-feely. Identify which is more suited to what
you’re looking for.”
W HAT
Look at any spa menu and you’ll see a
dizzying array of options (oxygen? electro-
stimulation?). “I tell clients to book the block of
time, not the service,” says Cornelia Zicu, chief
creative officer of Elizabeth Arden Red Door
Spas. “Facials should be designed on the spot and
customized with your individual budget and
needs in mind.”
WH ERE
Find a reputable establishment that takes
skin care seriously. Forgo nail or hair salon facials
in favor of spa, clinic, or dermatologist services.
W HEN
While some women indulge in monthly
facials, consider scheduling them by season, when
the weather, or your skin, changes.
HOW
A basic facial, also known as the classic
European facial, incorporates the following:
1
.
cleanse The facialist uses smooth, sweeping
strokes to apply and remove cleanser with cotton
pads and warm water.
2
. SKiN ANALYSiS
Eye pads are placed over the
eyes as the technician studies skin under a
magnifying lamp. Inform her ifyou are pregnant,
are using Retin A or prescriptions, or are under-
going medical treatment. All will affect skin’s
condition and how it’s treated.
3
. EXFOLiATiON
To help skin care ingredients
adequately absorb into skin, it’s important to
slough away dead skin cellsDepending on your
skin type, a scrub, or an enzyme, glycolic, salicylic,
or lactic acid peel is used.
4
. MASSAGE
Enjoy
10
to
15
minutes ofhand, arm,
neck, and décolleté massage. During this time, the
face is steamed or a hot towel is placed on the face,
to allow for easier extractions.
5
. EXTRACTiONS
With gloved hands, the
esthetician removes blackheads, dirt, and oil
accumulation. Extractions can be uncomfortable,
and when done too aggressively can result in
broken capillaries. You can opt out of this step.
6
.
mask This step helps calm post-extraction
irritation. A customized mask (for redness, oiliness,
hydration, or brightness) sits for 10 minutes.
7
. TOPiCAL
creams Moisturizer, eye cream, and
SPF are applied before you head out the door.
8
.
home
SKiN
care
ADViCE
Your esthetician will
suggest what she considers to be the best products
for you. Don’t feel beholden to buy. Ask for samples
to road test at home before doling out any money.
HOW MUCH
Expect to pay from
$50
and up.
-MELISSA MILRAD GOLDSTEIN
UPGRADES
As you lie on the facial
table, you just might
hear these words
whispered in your ear.
“Your skin is really
dehydrated, and you
would really benefit
from our (fill in the
blank.
..oxygen, AHA,
caviar, ultra) facial.”
And it’s hard to resist.
After all, you’re there
to overhaul your skin,
and it’s only a few
more dollars, right?
“Resist,” says
Oakland, California-
based dermatologist
Katie Rodan. Intelligent
upgrades include
microdermabrasion
and mild glycolic or
salicylic peels, she says.
“But add-ons, such as
electro-stimulation
(sometimes called non-
surgical facelifts),
oxygen, or collagen
may temporarily make
skin appear tighter,
more hydrated, or
plumped, but the
results are short-lived
and best saved for
prior to a big event.”
DEW IT
YOURSELF
Invigorate sluggish
skin with an at-
home version of
Bliss Spa’s uber-
popular Triple
Oxygen Instant
Energizing Mask,
$
52
. COST PER
use: $
1.04
1 5 0 NOVEMBER
2009
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