Variations on the Classic European Facial

Variations on the Classic European Facial

Variations on the classic European facial include the "mini-facial" (cleansing without extractions) and specialty facials. 

Add vitamin C, and you have an "age defense" facial. 

It's an "oxygen facial" when a mist of pure oxygen is part of the treatment, and a "collagen facial" when special collagen sheets are placed on the skin. 

Acne facial will pay special attention to extractions and a LED Light Therapy facial is a separate light treatment to achieve specific results like boosting collagen or treating acne.

How to Find a Great Aesthetician 

(They Need Experience, Good Hands and Sanitary Habits)

Facials are given by an aesthetician (a skin care specialist who has gone through a professional training program in the field of skin care). Not all aestheticians are the same, you want someone who is skilled, has good "hands" and is a stickler for sanitation.

To find a good aesthetician, start by asking your friends if there is anyone they recommend. Good possibilities are aestheticians who have their own skin care practice, or a day spa that has longtime, experienced staffers.

There can be excellent aestheticians at resort spas, but it's ideal to work with someone on a regular basis rather than get a facial once in a while, always with someone different.

Signs of a Good Aesthetician

* He or she is impeccably groomed, warm and friendly.

* She is a stickler for cleanliness and sanitation: keeps a clean table and washes her hands before she begins touching your face.

* The aesthetician gives you a relaxing facial customized to your skin. She can do extractions without causing too much discomfort and is responsive to your pain threshold.

* She can answer any questions you have about what she’s doing and why.

* The good esthetician follows your lead in terms of how much “chat” there is. It’s your time!

* She asks about your home skin care routine and advises you on how to take care of your skin between facials. She advises you on what products are best suited for your skin without being pushy.

* A good aesthetician recognizes skin problems that require a dermatologist. If you have a problem that needs a medical doctor, the aesthetician lets you know.

Note: Licensing requirements for estheticians vary by state. Most states require 600 hours of training, TN REQUIRES 750 hours, but Florida is considerably less strict, with just 260 hours of training. Feel free to ask where they were trained and what kind of program they went through.