Written by: Natalie Ledbetter
Can facials actually be good for you? As a matter of fact, yes, they can be.
The term facial can include many different types of treatments applied to the face. This term includes Hydrafacials, microdermabrasion, DiamondGlow, LED Light therapy, cryofacials, and various facials using cleansers, creams, and serums. Facials are helpful to provide a deep cleaning for the pores in order to prevent or treat congestion and pimples or acne. Facials can be used to remove dead skin cells that are hanging on and hanging around making the complexion look dull and maybe even dry. Facials usually incorporate some form of facial massage and this has been shown to elevate mood and decrease stress.
LED Light Therapy
LED Light Therapy uses LED (Light Emitting Diodes) to send healing wavelengths of light into the skin. LED was designed by NASA in the 1960’s for plant growth experiments and it was discovered that the technology was promising for wound healing and tissue growth. LED does not contain ultraviolet light and so is safe for use. The blue light does not penetrate the skin deeply and is used to treat acne. It decreases sedum production in the pores and can kill the bacteria that cause acne. Red light goes deeper into the tissue and is anti-inflammatory and healing. It affects the fibroblasts stimulating them to increase collagen production.
With professional devices, it is recommended to get 20-minute sessions once a week for 8 to 10 weeks and then maintenance sessions every one to two months. Home use devices use lower frequencies so the results might not be as dramatic thus daily use is recommended. Make sure if you are buying an at home device to read the reviews and make sure you are getting an LED device and not a different type of light-based therapy. You do not want to purchase a cheap knock-off device that ends up sending UV light into your skin.
Hydrafacial
Hydrafacial is a specific brand device that uses serums, chemical peels, and suction to open the pores, extract the debris, and exfoliate the skin. After the extraction and exfoliation steps, serums are infused into the skin and are more deeply absorbed. Hydrafacial machines can be purchased with LED Light therapy options. At L-Aesthetics and Longevity, our experienced aestheticians have years of experience with Hydrafacial and LED Light therapy
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion uses an abrasive surface or substance to sand away the top layer of the skin resulting in immediate exfoliation. Microdermabrasion can be performed lightly removing only the very top layer of dead skin cells or can be done more aggressively to remove more layers. After microdermabrasion the skin usually looks pink or a little red, but brighter and with better tone and texture.
DiamondGlow
DiamondGlow is the lovechild of microdermabrasion and Hydrafacial and combines the best aspects of the two treatments. DiamondGlow uses a diamond tip wand recessed into a suction wand to exfoliate, extract debris from pores, and infuse serums deeply into the newly smooth skin. This treatment provides excellent exfoliation and leaves the skin brighter, more hydrated, and with better tone and texture.
Radio Frequency Facials
Radio frequency (RF) is a form of energy that can be used to warm and tighten the skin as well as increase blood flow to the treated area. One type of RF device is called Forma and it is one of the newest RF devices available. It provides the RF energy in a comfortable manner and tightens without pain. Most people describe it as feeling like a hot stone massage. A series of treatments are needed to achieve optimal results.
Skin Specific Facials
If you are looking for a facial to address a certain condition our experienced medical aestheticians at L Aesthetics and Longevity will be happy to design a facial just for you. They might choose to combine steam, Hydrafacial or DiamondGlow, microcurrent, massage, and LED. They might decide to use more massage with serums chosen for your skin condition and include Forma which is a Radio Frequency skin tightening device. If you want to improve your skin or are just looking for a way to pamper yourself with some self-care, a facial designed specifically for you is a great way to go.
The Healing Benefits of Facials
The face has many acupressure points. These points connect to many other systems in your body and can improve the function of these systems when stimulated with massage or pressure (or acupuncture needles). The digestive system includes the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine as well as organs such as the pancreas and gall bladder and these are affected by stimulation of points on the face. Other organs are affected as well.
Taking time to relax and time to do something nice for yourself is important in this hectic stressful world we live in. A 2008 study in Japan found that a 45-minute facial massage decreased anxiety and alleviated negative mood in healthy adult women.
What are you Waiting for?
Cleaner, clearer, brighter skin with less chance of breakouts, smoother texture, healthier skin, and time to relax and unwind… What are you waiting for? Call one of our local L Aesthetics and Longevity offices to schedule your facial today or schedule a free consultation to explore what type of facial or treatment is right for your skin.