Professional facials from a licensed aesthetician are the blueprint of beauty. “A facial is a noninvasive skin treatment that includes cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating and other elements that are customized to your specific skin type and needs. Facials are performed by licensed skin care professionals like aestheticians” (C.C.). Regular facials are meant to assist in improving skin appearance and encourage tranquility but also have proven to have health advantages. While aesthetician skin care services are known to give your skin a healthy looking glow, there are many other benefits of receiving regular treatments such as intense relaxation, benefits to your overall health, and aids in the appearance of your skin.

Professional treatments can help reduce anxiety levels by activating the sympathetic nervous system. They are a mood boosting pause in the day-to-day stresses that encourage relaxation in a world filled with distractions and an always full plate. “From a biological standpoint, stress is known to cause a variety of neurological changes that can make you more vulnerable to depression. From an emotional standpoint, stress can lead to feelings of sadness and worry, or can cause you to dwell on negative thoughts or anticipated outcomes. These, in turn, can turn into anxiety or worsen pre-existing anxiety or depression” (R.H.). Aestheticians strive to provide a comforting and gentle environment similar to a spa like atmosphere, allowing their clients to relax and unwind. This can be achieved with the use of aromatherapy, ambient noise, and a soothing energy. Much like massage therapy, “most facials include a certain amount of face, neck, décolletage and shoulder massage. This helps rid the body of toxins and reduces fluid retention. Our bodies naturally flush these toxins out which also helps promote further circulation, thus, leaving our skin glowing and youthful” (Lincoln, L). Along with tension alleviation being a huge benefitting factor, there are also tremendous health benefits to being consistent with your scheduled treatments.

Studies show regular facial massage supports blood circulation and promotes the movement of lymphatic fluid. “Skin care treatments also help increase blood circulation, good blood circulation in the skin helps to kill bacteria and promote cell regrowth, which is very important for collagen production. Collagen is a type of protein that gives your skin structure, strength and elasticity” (C.C). Increased circulation in your skin allows skin cells to get more oxygen and nutrients which results in healthier and more efficient cell turnover. Increased cell turnover rate is considered by many scientific researchers and aestheticians to be the “holy grail of healthy skin, and stimulation of cell turnover is one of the major benefits of the most effective skincare products from facial peels to retinol treatments” (Kong, R). Rong Kong, a Ph. D in Science and Innovation completed a quantitative study which was presented at the SCC 76th Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase. This study examined the effects of lactic acid and exfoliating creams related to cell turnover. “5% dansyl chloride in petrolatum were applied to three sites on the upper arms of twelve participants” (Kong, R) to intentionally stain the skin to glow under UV light. “Two sites were then treated with 5% lactic acid and an exfoliating cream, respectively, twice a day and the third site was used as an untreated control” (Kong, R). It was essential to use these two products, exfoliating cream and lactic acid, as they are regularly used by aestheticians worldwide and are incorporated into almost every facial service provided. For example, lactic acid is found in many professional grade skin care products such as chemical peels and Skin Scripts’ own Cherry Enzyme. It was discovered that by day 6, the exfoliating cream on its own had a significant effect, however the lactic acid had effectively doubled the participants cell turnover rate. The use of these professional grade products by licensed and trained aestheticians help prevent premature aging, keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.  This aids in slowing down the aging process by removing dead skin cells, increasing cell turnover rate, and promoting circulation.

Regular visits with your licensed aesthetician amplifies the effect of these professional anti-aging products through the relaxation of muscles and toning of the face. “Aestheticians are extensively trained in various skin types and conditions, and our goal is always to figure out how to make your skin look its best” (C.C). As a result, products absorb into your skin more quickly and are retained, ensuring a long lasting benefit. “Facials are so much more than an hour of indulgent pampering. When one considers all of the regular visits you make to a hair salon, gym or dentist, you'll realize why you really should be investing that time on your skin [as well]. Professional facials have tremendous short and long-term benefits to the health and wellness of your skin” (Lincoln, L). Facials are typically designed for your individual skin type and the goals you wish you achieve. While many facials follow similar processes, the products used may differ. Your aesthetician has undergone extensive training not only to master the required techniques, but also to understand the ingredients in the products they use and the effect they will have on your specific skin type. Many clients visit aestheticians with the goal to limit or reduce the impact of aging. “As you age, though, your skin naturally begins to produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, sagging and other signs of aging” (C.C.). Red Light Therapy is one technique commonly used in anti-aging applications due to its ability to reduce inflammation and visibly limit signs of aging. While these common practices can provide a tremendous outcome, many aestheticians and skin experts recommend receiving regular facials every 4 to 6 weeks as that timeframe “aligns with your skin’s natural cycle - about 30 days” (C.C.). In addition to frequency, visiting the same spa or aesthetician also makes a huge difference as they are the most familiar with your skin’s unique reactions and the goals you have for your skin.

In conclusion, many aestheticians and clients alike describe a high quality facial as “a big drink of water for your skin. After a treatment, your skin will look healthy, hydrated and radiant” (C.C.). The research and studies surrounding facials and their many benefits point to one common fact, facials from a licensed and trained aesthetician build a roadmap for healthy skin. 

RESOURCES:

C. C. (2023, August 27). Facials: What Are They, and What Do They Really Do? Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 18, 2024, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-a-facial 

Kong, R., Ph.D (2022, December 12). A New Look at Skin Cell Turnover [SCC76th Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase]. Innovation and Science, Amway Corporation, Ada, Michigan, USA. https://www.scconline.org/Portals/100/SCC76%20Preprint%20Kong.pdf 

Lincoln, L. The Importance of Professional Grade Monthly Facials. Blanchard Valley Health System. Retrieved June 18, 2024, from https://www.bvhealthsystem.org/expert-health-articles/the-importance-of-professional-grade-monthly-facials 

R. H. (2022, October 24). Linking Stress and Mental Health. Radius Health. Retrieved June 18, 2024, from https://www.radiashealth.org/linking-stress-and-mental-health/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4MSzBhC8ARIsAPFOuyVXrqwkSegV94xWvxZzt-qx2PPOyTVnfq84yknzGoPkMU1rx9ehHHMaAvJZEALw_wcB