Facial treatments are our best friends. When it comes to keeping a smooth and even complexion they can help to no end. But how often should you be getting a skin facial treatment? Should it be a monthly affair or weekly? Does it matter how often you treat yourself to a facial? This is a question that many of us want the answer to. So, we have compiled a list of reasons why we think we have narrowed down the best period to follow between facials. There is a magic number, and you will want to stick to it for more reasons than one.
Now, when we talk about the best period between skin facials we give the general rule of between four and six weeks. There are many reasons for this, but it can also depend on the particular skin issue being treated. If you have facials too often then you can run the risk of aggravating the skin and causing dryness or irritation. This is because it does take a longer period for cells to regenerate and you should wait until the process is complete before rushing to the salon for your next facial.
The general process goes as follows. In the first two days, you will find that your skin exhibits a glow from the boosted circulation. It can also look pink if you have had a peel treatment, which takes the top layer off the face. Two to three days after you can experience breakouts from the skin purging. You will also find that this is when the skin is at its most hydrated. Five to seven days post-facial you will notice that redness will fade and your skin will be returning to normal.
The best results can be seen between 28 and 48 days. This is when you can see the long-term benefits. This is because the new cells are coming to the surface of the skin. You will be able to enjoy the freshest complexion during this period. Once you hit the four to six-week mark it is time to schedule your next facial and begin the process all over again!
There are a few skin concerns that require more regular facials. These include hyperpigmentation and acne. There are also some alternatives to keep that fresh complexion for longer without a traditional facial.
If you are looking to treat persistent acne then you will want to have a light chemical peel once or twice a week for a one or two month period, as recommended by your skin care professional. These may include extractions, especially if there are a large number of blackheads present. These are highly impacted pores that are clogged with sebum but still open at the surface of the skin. Once the initial period of treatments is complete you can see how your skin is travelling and organise monthly treatments from here on.
Hyperpigmentation also requires light chemical peels more regularly for the first month or two. They help to remove areas of dark spots and areas affected by inflammation. This can be more prevalent in women who have higher levels of hormonal changes, such as those taking the birth control pill or pregnant women. They can also employ laser treatment and light pulses to even out the skin tone. They should be undertaken once a week for four to 5 weeks and then monthly after that. This does depend on your skin sensitivity though and should be addressed with your skincare professional. You must give your skin time to recover between sessions.
LED light facials can be used once a week and are especially useful for acne treatments. The blue LED light targets the sebaceous glands where acne-causing bacteria are located. It can reduce the size of these glands so that they no longer produce as much skin oil. Longer wavelengths can penetrate deeper into the skin and is useful to stimulate the production of collagen. This process helps to fight the signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. This will leave a smoother complexion.
Microdermabrasion can be undertaken monthly and is a high-tech treatment that must only be performed by a professional. It acts to give the skin the impression that it has been injured so that it speeds up the regeneration of cells on the surface of the skin. It exfoliates with tiny crystals or diamond tip implements while suctioning dead cells at the same time. It will smooth and soften the complexion in the long run, but redness and sensitivity are immediate effects of this treatment so you must be prepared for this. These should be kept to a once a month treatment and no more frequent.
Oxygen facials are a new procedure that pumps the skin with oxygen to plump, smooth and hydrates the skin instantly. This was an idea picked up from deep-sea divers, who had pure oxygen forced into their tissues. This is a procedure that is popular with celebrities. High-pressure oxygen is sprayed into the dermis, infused with minerals and vitamins which can be absorbed by the skin. It can be done as frequently as once a week if you can afford it!