Facials - the perfect beauty treatment.

A facial is a cosmetic treatment of the face, commonly involving a variety of skin treatments, including: steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, masks, peels, and massage. Ugly blackheads and whiteheads are cleared by gently steaming the face. Regular clean-ups can prevent and reduce skin problems.

Types of Facials:

Normal facials
These facials are a simple cleanse steam and massage affair. They're the least expensive of all facials. They're also the best option for normal skin that isn't prone to acne. The difference between these facials and a clean up is that the skin is massaged for a longer period of time in a facial.

Special facials
These are a step-up from the normal facial. Specially formulated hypoallergenic creams are used to moisturize the skin. Face packs are applied depending on different skin types and special cleansing and rejuvenation techniques are also part of the process. These are recommended for people with sensitive skins.

Bio-lift facials
In addition to cleansing, massage and rejuvenation techniques, these facials include treatment that targets dark circles under the eye. The characteristic of this facial is the bio-mask, which tones and tightens the skin on the face, making it look younger.

Acne Facials
A treatment for those who suffer with troubled skin; particularly effective on teenage and adult acne. After cleansing this treatment begins with enzyme or glycolic acid exfoliation followed by extensive manual deep pore extractions, electric disencrustation and a skin-calming, anti-bacterial masque. This facial should be performed at regular, two-week intervals until problem clears.

In these essential oils are used, which have potent and specific curative properties that are of particular benefit to the skin. They are effective for relaxation of body and mind. Aromatherapy facials help clear skin congestion and improve the normal functions of the skin. The elimination of toxins, the improvement in the skin's normal functions, including cell regeneration and the uplifting effect, all combine to make aromatherapy facials revitalizing and rejuvenating.

Paraffin facials
These facials are normal part of a paper packages. It involves the application of a special paraffin mask on the face over layers of gauze, which helps seal in the special anti-aging and rejuvenating creams applied to the skin. It aids better absorption and brings back the radiance of the skin.

Oxygen facials

They can be used as a skin recovery treatment for very stressed or sensitive skin types or even after medical resurfacing treatments. Skin is deeply nourished and balanced and the delivery of the infusions creates the perfect foundation for healthy skin renewal.

How Often Should you Get A Facial?

It varies from person to person. Ideally, get a facial every four to six weeks because that's how long it takes the skin to regenerate. Try to have a facial at least four times a year, as the season changes. You may need it more frequently if you are trying to clear up a case of acne, especially at the beginning. Otherwise, once a month is plenty. You can overdo it.

Homemade Facials: There's nothing better than getting a professional facial, but they can be expensive. To maintain your healthy skin between professional treatments or to do them yourself, try this basic at-home facial once a week. This basic facial works on oily, dry and combination skin.

When it comes to homemade facials and other spa recipes there are a couple of things you should keep in mind. First you need to determine whether your skin is dry or oily. To identifying your skin type try this simple test. Blend together the juice of one lemon, one-half cup of distilled water, one teaspoon of olive oil, and three ice cubes. Let sit until cubes are melted. Then apply to your thoroughly cleansed face and wait three hours. Now dampen one cotton ball in the solution and gently wipe across your forehead. Wipe a second over your nose, and a third on your chin. If all cotton balls are clean your skin is dry. If the cotton ball is dark your skin is oily. And, if the cotton balls are only slightly soiled you've got a combination of both dry and oily skin.

For dry skin: an egg yolk mixed with olive oil and warmed honey sour cream plain olive oil avocado For oily skin: dissolve a teaspoon of baking yeast in a small amount of warm milk, wait until foamy, then apply (best done in the bath tub); puree flesh of a tomato and mix with some potato flour to make a paste; cucumber (it will whiten your skin); beaten egg whites with a few drops of lemon juice (great for getting rid of blackheads); carrots (but don't use this one more than about every other week because it can over dry your skin). This one will make you look tanned.

General refreshing masks:

• grapes (just cut a berry in half and rub lightly)
• strawberries (test behind your ear first, because many people are alergic to strawberies used this way even thought they can eat them just fine)
• honey and ricotta cheese
• Many fruits and vegetables can also be used to good effect. Anything acidic (lemon, strawberries, etc) will tend to whiten and refresh your skin, but you need to be careful if your skin is dry. In general, don't apply masks more often than about twice a week, and try to vary the ingredients.

You can make a facial from ordinary kitchen goods. Here are some recipes which are inexpensive to make and you probably have the ingredients right in your kitchen.

Honey Facial (do not use this if you are allergic to eggs or honey!) 1 tablespoon honey 1 egg yoke 1 teaspoon olive oil Beat the egg yoke with a fork, add the oil and blend well. Add the honey using a spoon that you have rinsed with hot water and blend well again. Smear it all over your face with your fingers, except do not cover your eyes. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes, then rinse it off.

Cucumber Facial
1 cucumber
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon witch hazel (you can buy this in any drug store)
1 egg white, beaten with an electric beater until fluffy.

Peel the cucumber and run it through a blender or a food processor. Pour the cucumber pulp into a colander or strainer and force it through, catching the liquid that comes out in a bowl underneath. Combine the cucumber liquid with the lemon juice and the witch hazel. Stir it and add the beaten egg white gently. Put it on your face and leave it on for 15 to 25 minutes, then rinse off.

The best facials are the ones that will address your needs!! A lot of people look at a facial as an expensive "pampering session" and if you only have a facial once or twice a year then that's usually what it is. However if your committed to yourself and want to see results then professional or home treatments on a more regular basis are a must. So why not give it a go, your skin will love you for it.

(Sources: about.com, coolnurse.com, worldvillage.com)