Masked for beauty

A regular face pack session, both at home and at parlour, is essential for a healthy and glowing skin, advises Shahnaz Husain.

Many of you may want to know what to expect when you go for a salon facial. Actually, the facial treatment should be determined by the skin type. Facials have various procedures that include cleansing, exfoliation, toning, nourishing and protection. The beauty therapist should recommend the facial after analyzing your skin.

Different products are used for different skin types. For normal to dry skin, facial massage is provided with nourishing creams. Moisturisers are also used.

But for oily skin, facial massage with cream is not recommended. Deep pore cleansing methods are provided along with exfoliation. Blackheads may be extracted, if necessary. The masks and other procedures help to remove oiliness, shrink the pores and make the skin smooth and translucent.

For acne prone skin, medicated and soothing products are used. Gadgets are also used to produce a germicidal environment. For sensitive skin, scrubs and grainy masks are not used. Medicated and soothing masks are applied. Protective creams are applied after the facial, along with moisturizers, according to skin type.

However, if you have an oily skin, do not have massage with cream, as the cream would clog the pores and lead to pimples. For normal to oily skin, ask for clean up, cleansing, toning and mask. The neck and the area around eyes may be provided a massage, even if the skin is oily. 

If the skin is normal to dry, facial massage with creams is an important part of the facial treatment. Both skin and facial muscles are toned with the massage, thus preserving firmness and elasticity. The nourishing of the skin helps to improve its ability to retain moisture. Special massage techniques are used for special areas, like the delicate region around the eyes. The massage stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, thus helping the elimination of toxins and purifying the skin.

But for oily skin, facial massage is not given, as this would clog the pores and lead to pimples and acne. Instead, one can go for clean-up at a salon. A face clean-up helps to keep the pores free of oil. It also helps to remove and prevent blackheads. In fact, discouraging and removal of blackheads is the way to prevent acne. In a face clean-up, deep pore cleansing methods are provided along with exfoliation with scrubs.

This helps to remove dead skin cells and keep the pores free from clogging. It not only brightens the skin, but also keeps it smooth and clear. Exfoliation with specific products also boosts the renewal of new skin cells.

The youth of the skin depends on the efficient renewal of cells. The skin looks brighter and more translucent. Exfoliation also helps to minimize blemishes, like pimple marks and dark patches, producing an even colour tone. However, scrubs are not used on pimples, acne or rash. Another added benefit is that scrubs help to remove tan and brighten the skin.

During face clean-ups, blackheads are also extracted, if necessary. Blackhead extraction is a professional job and should be left to a trained therapist. If you have blackheads, avoid pinching them with the nails, as it can lead to infection.

During a salon facial clean-up, masks and other procedures are used to help to remove oiliness, shrink the pores and make the skin smooth and translucent. For acne prone skin, medicated and soothing products are used.

Regular clean ups not only keep blackheads and related problems away, but also impart a healthy glow to the skin, by stimulating blood circulation to the skin surface. In fact, they also help to deal with environmental aggressors, like air pollutants, dirt, and impurities.

For at-home skin care session:

*For pimple prone skin, use a medicated lotion to cleanse the face and a rose based skin toner. Avoid scrubs. A non-grainy clay based pack may be applied.

* For sun damaged skin, or to remove tan, use aloe vera and lemon cleanser. Mix curd with ground almonds or walnuts, add a little honey and apply on the face. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. Then rub gently and wash off. Papaya pulp and grated cucumber may be mixed with curd and used as a face pack.