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Nowadays, facials are getting increasingly popular for both men and women. With pollution and stress levels at an all-time high, individuals are turning to facials to help in not only rejuvenating their face, but also to provide them with relaxation. While you can get a facial at the usual spas and treatment places, barber shops are also providing facial services on top of the usual trim and cut.
There are certainly many benefits of receiving a regular facial treatment. However, there are also some drawbacks that come along with that. Here, we’ll delve a little deeper into a facial treatment along with the pros and cons.
What does a facial at the barber shop entail?
The idea of receiving a facial at a barbershop is a relatively new concept to most. Most individuals tend to associate barber shops with hair and facial hair services. However, facials are also a part of classic barbering that somehow got lost in the past few years.
Recently, however, more and more individuals are undergoing facials to get rid of dead skin, hydrate and remove impurities. Barbershops are also including facials in their services.
Depending on the barber shop that you’re visiting, the facials could differ a little. There are different types of facials available from a beard facial to a signature facial and even an express facial for the busy individual.
Steps taken during the facial
With different facials, the steps taken may differ. Generally, however, it usually involves exfoliation, steaming, lotion, a facial mask, and a massage. The ultimate goal of a facial is to help alleviate skin problems and cleanse the skin. Facial massages also help to improve circulation which leaves the skin both radiant and rejuvenated.
Below are the general steps taken during a facial:
1) A hot damp or steam towel would be draped over your face to open up the pores. You can use a hot towel steamer that provides you with the steamed towel. If you are a busy barber and need more steamed towels throughought your day, check out our greater selection of Towel Warmers.
2) An exfoliating scrub is used to get rid of dead skin and impurities. Use an exfoliator scrub that contains crystals or beads, which will ensure exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells).
3) After the exfoliating scrub is removed, a mask would be placed over the face. The mask used generally depends on your skin condition. This mask by Elegance is one of the most popular that barbershops and barbers are using today.
4) Once that’s removed, a serum would be applied along with a facial massage. The serum can be a facial lotion or facial massage cream of your choice, such as the one below. Along with the massage, simultaneously, you will receive the benefits of a facial steamer that further help relax you.
5) The treatment ends off with a cold towel to refresh the face before the application of a moisturizer depending on the type of skin your client has.
Benefits of a facial treatment
There are multiple benefits of a facial treatment from brightening your skin to fighting sun damage. When correctly done, facial treatments generally help to gently remove impurities, unclog pores and lightly exfoliate to remove outer cells. Let’s look at some of the benefits in greater detail.
Cleaning up oily skin
If you have blackheads, pimples, and clogged pores, this is most likely due to oil in your skin. Since men have higher testosterone levels, there tends to be a larger production of oil under the skin. A facial treatment helps to remove oil and dirt that’s clogging pores. During a facial, however, your barber should assess the condition of your skin and provide the necessary treatment.
Increased blood flow
A facial comes with a massage that helps to improve and restore blood circulation to your face. When there is increased blood flow to the skin cells in your face, your skin cells will get the nutrients and oxygen they need. The result? You’ll get a healthy glow on your face.
Smoother shaves
The continuous dragging of a razor across the facial skin can cause problems such as irritation, inflammation and razor burn. A facial will help to exfoliate and deep clean the bumps away. The essential oils, moisturizers, and masks will also address the side effects of shaving and provide you with smoother, cleaner skin. With smoother skin, you’ll have less pain and better shaves.
Drawbacks of a facial treatment
While there are benefits of having a facial, there are also some drawbacks that come along with it. If you happen to receive a facial that’s done by an individual that didn’t correctly assess your skin condition, it could do more harm than good. While more severe issues such as skin burns and injuries could occur, the below are some common drawbacks that could stem from a facial treatment that wasn’t properly administered.
Redness and Irritation
One of the most common side effects of a facial treatment is red and blotchy skin. This usually happens due to pressure from the exfoliation and extractions. When this happens, avoid using any products on your skin for a couple of days following your facial to give your skin ample time to heal.
Breakouts
Breakouts usually happen because of bacteria that enter the skin during your facial. If the steam machines or tools are not disinfected properly, it could cause more harm than good. To prevent this from happening, ensure that you convey your concerns to the individual providing you with your facial treatment and that the tools used are properly disinfected.
Dryness
During the facial, your skin would usually undergo exfoliation. If the individual assisting you with the facial treatment is inexperienced, they may not use the correct techniques or products for exfoliation. Harsh exfoliation would result in skin that’s both dry and itchy. When that happens, you’d need to use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to combat the dryness. Avoid sun exposure as well since that would exacerbate dry skin.
Conclusion
While going for a facial to pamper your face can be a treat, it’s best not to go too frequently. It’s essential to allow the skin to recover between treatments and the regularity of your facials is also highly dependent on the condition of your skin.
Generally, there are a plethora of benefits that result from a facial. You’ll get softer skin, even skin that is less prone to breakouts and shows fewer signs of aging. However, you need to take extra care in ensuring that your facial is conducted by a professional. If your facial isn’t done properly, it could cause detrimental effects to your skin in the long run.
