Why ‘Facials’ Are A Waste of Time
On facebook and wedding forums, I often see bride-to-be’s discussing their beauty routines before the big day, which often include them planning to book a series of ‘facials’ leading up to their wedding…
Though we’ve been taught having a facial will benefit our skin, that’s not always the case. At best, a facial can temporarily plump and moisturise the skin for a day…at worst, a facial can irritate skin, clog pores, encourage excessive oiliness on already oily or combination skin and cause break outs.
So what is a facial?
Most facials are just the application and removal of skin care products. I think when a facial simply consists of the application of skin care products – no matter how expensive – I think it’s a waste of time, money and hope.
Somehow the beauty industry has convinced us we need their help for the most basic of skin care. But it’s what you do every day that makes a difference, not once a week or month! Getting a facial once a month and expecting improved skin – without a daily skin care routine – is like doing a juice-cleanse one day a month and expecting long-term weight-loss while eating normally every other day…that’s illogical and here’s one reason it doesn’t work:
Your skin is renewing itself everyday and is a totally new skin every 28-36 days – isn’t that amazing!? As you age this renewal process slows down from 28 days. So don’t be fooled into thinking a facial will help you have great skin for the week or month in which it was performed, when the skin responds and changes so quickly. A one-off facial will not significantly re-condition the skin or lead to tangible results in this period. Save your money and instead of facials, invest in a skin care routine you can do twice a day at home.
If you’re considering a facial because you want ADVICE: I recommend you book a consultation or assessment, not a facial. If you need a diagnosis for a more serious or complex issue, see a dermatologist.
Keep in mind that both beauty therapists and dermatologists are also retailers, and may try to sell you a set of expensive, branded products, with the claim they are superior to anything the public can access. This is most often not true.
Also, very sadly, most exotic brands in beauty salons have truly awful products in their ranges, notoriously loaded with irritating ingredients, harmful plant extracts, unstable packaging (ie. jar packaging in which the antioxidants/vitamins are exposed to air and lose their effectiveness) and shocking price tags.
Just because the beauty brand is sold in a salon or clinic doesn’t mean it’s safe, effective or (least of all) value for money. The products at dermatologists clinics are likely to be much better, but do your own research before buying.
DeCleor, Sothys and Darphin. These French brands are popular in beauty salons BUT they are among the most ill-rated brands on online review database, Beautypedia.com. If you do choose to use a beauty therapist or dermatologist, be prepared to be assertive if you are confident you don’t need to purchase anything, wish to shop around first, or check out the products on Beautypedia.com before you purchase. This one resource can save you hundreds/thousands of dollars and oodles of useless, regret purchases!
If you are considering a facial to help with OILY SKIN: I recommend you don’t. Not even if they use a special product range for oily skin. All facials involve massaging the skin – it’s feels nice and it’s part of the relaxation process – but this leads to excess oil (your skin’s response to the massaging or irritation) and you’ll be more likely to break out. Your beauty therapist may tell you it’s your skin getting rid of its impurities. This is a common myth. Skin does not have blemishes lying in wait to manifest themselves upon your face. Most likely, it will be the facial itself that causes any after-facial skin upsets.
If you’re wanting RELAXING, PAMPERING EXPERIENCE: Get a body massage instead. Why put your face at risk?
If you want long-lasting visible RESULTS: I suggest you pursue ‘treatments’ over facials, such as these non-surgical options:
• Microdermabrasion
• Red or blue LED light for acne
• An exfoliating peel (eg. glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid)
Or consider BOTOX or similar, with a dermatologist.
While ‘facials’ might be unhelpful, ‘treatments’ are something else. These are more effective than ‘product-only’ facials and may actually have long-term results for your specific skin concern – which is probably what you’re after!
Who ARE facials for then? They are for you if:
• You have dry skin that would benefit from more natural oil
• AND you want to enjoy it as a pampering experience perhaps in a lovely setting
• AND you don’t mind paying for it, then ENJOY!
But don’t feel you’re skin is missing out if you don’t have facials. Unlike a daily, customised skin care routine, facials are not an essential service for your skin’s health and, depending on your skin type, sensitivities and what products they use, a facial could do you more harm than good.
What skin care products do I use?
I personally use a few select items from US brand ‘Mary Kay Cosmetics’ (serums and exfoliants), and US brand ‘Paula’s Choice’ (cleansers, toners, exfoliants, sunscreens).
Paula Begoun is the creator of Beautypedia and her product range is science-based, hype-free and very reasonably priced (but not in stores in NZ). It’s also cruelty-free and much of the range is vegan (made without any animal by-products). I recommend it and some products from Mary Kay to everyone including my lesson customers and brides.
Two ways to get Paula’s Choice and/or Mary Kay:
Email or call me and I’ll tell you what I have in stock for your skin type and concern. You don’t have to have a paid appointment with me to purchase.
If I have what you need in stock (I only keep a very small supply of my faves), I’ll post NZ-wide and you can also use the same personal online shopping service to buy my favourite makeup and brushes.
