Why you should consider a monthly facial

My clients are always asking me “how often should I get a facial?”

The simplest answer is that everyone’s skin is different. I always consider my client’s skin care goals.

For preventive care, I recommend facials at least every four to six weeks. It is so important to take care of our skin. After all, it is our body’s largest organ. Skin replaces itself, on average, every 30 days. So, what happens to the dead skin when it is replaced? That is where exfoliation comes in.

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate

For most clients, I recommend gently exfoliating the skin two to three times per week, as tolerated. Not every client can tolerate exfoliating that often. Someone whose skin is more sensitive may need to exfoliate only one to two times per week.

When we don’t exfoliate our skin at all, we have dead skin that builds up. This causes our skin to be uneven in texture and tone. In other words, our skin begins to look dull. Not removing the dead skin cells can also lead to more clogged pores.

Dead skin cells try to fall off on their own, which can lead to uneven skin. When skin starts flaking off, it can fall down into our pores and cause clogs.

Our skin also decreases in the time that it takes to replace itself as we age. So, if we treat skin early, we can avoid many aging issues. A skin specialist can recommend products that will also help speed up the replacing process.

Facials are not one-size fits all

Facials are not the same for everyone, with different needs and concerns.

For clients with acne-prone skin, I may recommend that they come in for a facial every two weeks until the acne clears up and then switch to a maintenance schedule, which would typically be the four- to six-week timeline.

I always customize facials based on the needs of the client. I may use multiple masks during a facial or remove blackheads. During some facials, I massage on the face, neck and shoulders—not only is the massage relaxing, but these techniques help release tension, boost circulation and assist in ridding the skin of impurities.

Just as facials are important, so is home care. Clients get the best results when they have a monthly facial and use recommended products in between visits. If someone has skin damage for a number of years, that means that it will take longer to get the skin back to a healthy state.

Sometimes, I recommend treatments that are more invasive depending on what expectations the client has for their skin. I offer free consultations with clients to discuss their skin care goals. From there, I assess their skin, and we discuss what facial treatment would best suit their needs.

To schedule a facial, consultation or for more information, contact Marshall Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at 304-691-8910.