What does a salon or spa facial consist of?

A professional salon or spa facial leaves your skin soft, clean and clear and your body feeling relaxed and pampered. Facial treatments vary from salon to salon. Typically, during a one hour session, the esthetician examines and evaluates your skin's type and condition. Next, she cleanses, massages and moisturizes your skin before giving it a gentle steaming to open pores. The facialist then unclogs pores and may apply a toner. A facial mask, formulated for your skin type, is applied and left on for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, then removed. A paraffin mask may then be applied after the first mask to further smooth the skin. After the skin is cleaned of all products and sprayed with a mist or freshener, the estehtician gently blots the skin and applies a moisturizer. Some spa facials also give an upper-shoulder, neck and scalp massage to relieve tension. If you are having your first facial, you may experience some redness, which is normal after a facial.