Facials/Clean-ups are a method of relaxation forced upon you by a lady who uses her hands (washed/unwashed) to scrub your face, smother your skin with oils and creams which have divine scents, she then massages and forces the creams into your skin with a hope that it would make your skin miraculously glow. If you happen to have skin issues like ‘white heads’, ‘black heads’ or zits they are extracted (I mean pulled out forcefully) by this magic lady with the help of her hands or an instrument (sterilised/ unsterilized), again with the hope that it would get cured (it will get infected and leave a nasty scar instead). So undoubtedly we end up feeling rejuvenated and pampered, we then walk out of there with a brand new glow (because of all the moisture and the massage which forces blood into the skin). The longevity of this newly obtained glow is very questionable). Honestly I have nothing against a good facial. I have a problem with people who perform a facial without having adequate knowledge and training, and salons/spas which use sub-standard products to save money. So keep in mind that trained hands and good products can definitely help your skin.
Our skin does need a pick me up from time to time. The pollution, weather, stress, hormones, water and product build up doesn’t really help our skin. Our pores get clogged, oil secretion varies, rashes develop, new pimples pop up and not to forget sun damage. So what exactly does our skin need? I believe in PROTECT, PREVENT and TREAT, which means protect your skin in order to prevent damage, but if some damage occurs then you have to seek treatment. To protect your skin you have to maintain a healthy skin care regimen according to your skin type, eat clean and get adequate sleep (I’m sure you all would have heard this a lot). The products you use should technically prevent your skin from getting damaged and not damage your skin themselves, so choose wisely.
So what are the alternatives for facials and clean-ups? (This is where the Cosmetic Dermatologist in me comes in to action) I would really suggest you to consult your nearest dermatologist, even if you don’t have any skin concerns in particular (lucky you!) it’s worth just having your skin assessed. Get advice on what your skin type is, what type of products to be used and what not to be used. Most times we aren’t using products that our skin needs, we use products which smell good or has good packaging or is by an international brand or the person endorsing it looks beautiful!
The following are some of the options which would help you get healthier skin:
- Using appropriate skin care products: YES. I cannot stress enough on this!
- Dermabrasion: The superficial-most layer of your skin is removed mechanically using a burr (not as scary as it sounds, this of it as a mechanical scrub). This leaves your skin pink/red for a few hours, the process itself encourages the skin to heal, and therefore the new skin replaces the damaged skin.
- Chemical Peeling: Here the superficial-most layer of your skin is removed by using a chemical. This is done in an aseptic environment in a controlled manner at the clinic (kindly do not get it done by people who aren’t trained, it can burn your skin).
- Dermaroller: A small porcupine-like looking instrument in rolled on your skin to create micro punctures which heal to give you even skin. This also helps products with active ingredients seep into your skin more readily.
- IPL: Light therapy which mainly helps rejuvenate the skin. Normal 4-5 sessions is required to appreciate the results.
- Radio-frequency: For skin rejuvenation and tightening.
- Lasers: Probably the scariest for many who don’t know the benefits of lasers. In the hands of an experienced dermatologist laser can do wonders for you.
- There are plenty more things available now a days….
Please note that the above mentioned options are not suggested by me to endorse the procedure or just because I have studied about it in-depth. These tend to give you a result you expect and also longer lasting results, hence good value for money (Yes please!). If you are someone who has skin concerns like: uneven skin tone, tanning, acne, scars, open pores, sagging/ageing skin, dark circles or even dull skin; then I highly recommend visiting a dermatologist before heading to the salon/spa to find cure. Many people skip visiting the doctor and head out to find solutions elsewhere only because they are scared of over-medication, adverse effects, cost and many other reasons. But things can go wrong at a salon or a spa too right? At least at the clinic adverse effects can be managed in the best possible way.
VERDICT: You be the judge.
The Cosmetic Doctor 