What to expect at the esthetician?

I am going to tell you what's happening at the esthetician when someone gets a facial.

The first thing is the greeting. This is an important step towards professionalism: offering a refreshing glass of mineral water or tea for the client is stress-relieving.

Before starting the treatment the client gets a dress or gown. It's not just for the comfortable feeling, but to protect the client's clothes and lets the esthetician to massage your neck and shoulders easily. The client can change her clothes in a room (but sometimes it's enough to take off just the shirt if it's a facial, bra can stay, but you have to remove the strap) and the esthetician will leave the client alone. The client will get a headband or a cap to protect her hair. Few minutes later the esthetician gently knocks on the door to ask if the client is ready.

When the client is ready, the esthetician will ask her about her lifestyle, skin care routine, skin history, present skin care concerns, if she takes any medicine, if she smokes, which product she uses, how often she gets facial, etc.

After that the client will lie down on the facial bed with a blanket (when you lie down the blood circulation slows down, therefore you can be cold.) and the treatment begins.

A facial usually includes a proper facial cleansing, toner, exfoliation, extraction, a mask for the skin type, a facial massage and a facial cream with SPF.

Cleansing:

The esthetician puts the cleanser on a wet cotton ball and gently cleans the client's skin with circular motion. Then she wipes it off with a wet cotton ball.

Toner:

The esthetician applies a toner to restore the client's skin to the proper pH balance.

Exfoliation:

There are 3 types: Enzyme exfoliation, Chemical Exfoliation and Mechanical exfoliation.

Enzyme exfoliation:

• The fruit acids (papaya, pine apple) break down biologically the horny layer (the outermost layer of the epidermis consisting of dead cells)
• You don't have to rub it, it's very gentle, thus it's perfect for sensitive skin

Chemical Exfoliation:

• It contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, Tartaric acid, Citric acid, Malic acid
• They target deeper layers of the skin by sinking into the skin, unlike scrubs, which focus only on surface cells
• Good for acne skin

Mechanical exfoliation

• These products contain grainy particles that physically remove dead skin cells as you move the product around your face
• Salt, Sugar, Crushed apricot kernel or almond shells,etc
• Good for oily skin

Second time Toner:

The esthetician applies a toner to restore the client's skin to the proper pH balance.

Then the esthetician uses a steamer, or a hot towel to soften the skin. (I prefer the steamer) It takes 15 minutes.

Facial massage:

During the steaming the esthetician is doing a massage with a massage cream. Face, neck decolletage. It is very relaxing.

If the client has acne-prone skin, then the esthetician shouldn't give her/him a deep massage, (because it can stimulate things on the face).

Extraction:

She can use a magnifying lamp to see better the client's skin(it doesn't have to be a magnifying lamp, it can be a simple lamp too).

She extracts blackheads and pimples. If necessary, she uses a sterile needle. (Don't worry, the extraction is more painful, then the needle.)

She disinfects the skin with a toner. It slightly tightens/closes the pores, refreshing and it prevents the re-infection.

She puts a facial mask on the client's face, which relaxes the skin and reduces redness.

The next is a nourishing mask for the skin type.

Facial cream with SPF

This is the final step.

The esthetician will suggest creams for home, because it makes more efficient the treatment. She also will give you advices for the daily skin routine.

Source:

http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/825893/how-to-find-the-best-exfoliator-for-your-skin-type