This year it is estimated that more than 2 billion dollars will be spent on anti-aging skin care products. Men and women alike yearn for tighter skin – translating into fewer wrinkles and youthful, rejuvenated facial skin, but, what if the solution to aging doesn’t come in a bottle? Perhaps one of the most effective treatment options that can help keep your facial skin young and tight is the time honoured tradition of a facial. Studies show that implementing massage into your skin care can increase the value of your anti-aging strategy.

What Happens During a Facial?

If you haven’t yet experienced a facial, you may be wondering what to expect. Dr. William Heimer MD, a San Diego dermatologist at Surfside Dermatology explains, “Every facial should begin with a consultation where we discuss and evaluate your specific skin care needs. Then the face is thoroughly cleansed and evaluated again. Careful analysis allows us to choose the products and methods that will be most effective for your skin. After evaluation you can expect a variety of treatments to be performed including exfoliation, extractions, facial massage, and application of specialized products.”

Feel free to ask questions during your facial. Knowing what products and techniques are being used (and why) will allow you to become a more active participant in your skin care. Many of these techniques can be used at home when you can’t make it to the spa for a professional facial. Ask specifically about product recommendations for your skin type so you can choose home care products that will maximize your skin’s ability to fight aging.

The Importance of Clean Skin

Clean skin is the key to a good facial. If you’re performing a facial at home, start with very clean skin. During a professional facial you can expect all makeup to be removed and the skin cleansed, often using specialized wipes or pads.

Clean skin has many benefits. Removing the layers of dirt and makeup allow more careful analysis of the skin. It also enables products applied to penetrate deeply into the skin. Finally, cleaning the skin removes oil, dirt, and dead skin cells before they can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Facial or not, clean your skin every day.

Chemical Exfoliation- Stimulating Your Body’s Natural Regeneration

Many facials include a chemical peel as part of treatment. Chemical peels use various acid compounds to exfoliate (or remove dead skin cells) from the surface of the skin. The strength of the acid used determines how deeply the peel works. Lighter peels (also called superficial peels) only treat the very top layers of the skin while deeper peels produce more dramatic results. Deeper peels often require a recovery period and may cause the skin to scab and peel.

If you want to exfoliate at home, you have a few options. For a light exfoliation, gently rub a moist washcloth over wet skin. Exfoliating facial scrubs are also an option. Chemical peels, especially deeper peels should only be performed under the watchful eye of a skilled esthetician or doctor. Performed improperly a chemical peel can cause serious damage including scarring.

The Stimulating Benefits of Massage

One of the best skin tightening benefits of a facial is massage. Facial massage is an important part of almost all facials. Massage boosts circulation to the face by moving the blood through the blood vessels manually. The increased blood flow stimulates cell regeneration and moves toxins and impurities out of the face. This can lead to clearer, more vibrant skin. The specific massage movements done also have been known to jump start your body’s natural collagen production (collagen is often a major component in facial creams and wrinkle treatments). Massage also tightens facial muscles, helping the skin to remain taut.

The benefits of facial massage can be enjoyed at home too. Use a lotion or skin cream to allow for smooth, easy motion on the skin. Always massage upwards (don’t drag skin down). Tapping on the face is a technique that is especially effective for increasing blood flow.

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

When the signs of aging start to appear, odds are they’ll first be noticed in the face. Dr. Heimer encourages his patients to take early, preventative action. “It is easier to prevent the signs of aging than to reverse them. The sooner you start anti-aging treatments like facials, the longer you can maintain your youth. Facials at home and medical facials are a secret weapon in the fight against aging.”

Are you ready for your facial? Put your best face forward by taking advantage of the skin tightening benefits of facials.

Dr. Heimer is a board certified dermatologist serving the anti-aging needs at two different locations in the metropolitan San Diego area. He is deeply involved with training other physicians and dedicated to medical research. Dr. Heimer was one of the first physicians in the US to use and educate others on proper administration techniques of the facial filler, Sculptra. He specializes in giving his patients the healthiest, most beautiful skin possible. Dr. Heimer uses the latest medical technology, combined with a refined eye for detail and beauty, to provide his patients with natural-looking rejuvenation. He offers procedures designed to lift and tighten skin, such as a variety of chemical peel treatments. He also offers advanced methods of volume restoration, including wrinkle fillers such as Sculptra™, Restylane, Radiesse™, and the GentleWaves® system.

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