Skincare Class Is In Session! The Facial

All of you already know that I’m a skincare junkie and I’m honoured that you trust me to make skincare recommendations. I get such an overwhelmingly positive response when I feature new products that work that I thought I would start new series called “Skincare Class” and we are starting with the ins and outs of the facial.

Welcome To Skincare Class!

My Skincare Class series will focus on providing information on key skincare ingredients, how they work, skincare application, treatments and more. You will still see separate skincare reviews, but I plan on adding a searchable category to www.styledomination.com so that you will always have easy-to-find, concise information at your fingertips.

What better time to start than at the beginning of the new decade, amirite? So, sit back, grab a cup of Earl Grey…class is in session!

What Is A Facial?

A facial is performed by a licensed professional and usually includes cleansing, exfoliation, facial massage, extractions and application of a mask.

This treatment normally leaves your skin looking glowy, more even and allows new skin cells to regenerate more quickly through in-depth exfoliation.

The Facial – The Ten Spot Westboro/Kanata

I’ll be the first to admit that facials weren’t my favourite. In the past, I’ve experienced too many administered by overzealous estheticians who have scarred me via painful extractions. I’ve also suffered horrible breakouts thanks to too-harsh facial products.

Several weeks ago, my friend Tara and I were invited to experience The Ten Spot Beauty Bar’s signature “The Facial“. After some gentle coaxing and seeing that the Ten Spot Westboro-Kanata uses Dermalogica products – a brand that I know and trust – I decided to suck it up and let them pamper my combination skin.

What To Expect During “The Facial”

Upon arrival, Tara and I were shown to their comfortable facial room which is communal (two facial chairs are in this cozy space). Some people may be uncomfortable with this set up, but it suited Tara and I just fine.

After settling in, our makeup was removed and skin cleansed with a hot towel. Our clean skin was then analyzed to determine skin type (we were also asked to divulge any skin issues and/or problem areas). The estheticians then chose the right Dermalogica products to use to best suit our skin. The whole process was completely customized.

The Facial includes lavishing the skin with hydration, steaming and gentle, yet effective extractions. Tara and I felt completely refreshed once done.

The Benefits of Facials

Glow Booster

Facials provide deep skin cleanses that most cannot achieve at home.

Most facials also improve blood circulation to the face that also boosts skin’s glow and speeds up cell regeneration (dead skin cells being replaced with new ones at a faster rate.

Acne Reduction

If done well, a good facial can reduce acne by removing excess oil and increasing moisture. Pollutants, dirt and excess sebum are cleansed away allowing skin to regenerate more quickly and reducing the formation of pimples.

Blackhead and Whitehead Extractions

A good facialist will remove blackheads and whiteheads safely and painlessly, in turn unclogging pores and leaving skin looking more even.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation of the skin removes dead skin cells, improves skin tone, reduces the appearance of pores and allows products to penetrate the skin more deeply and effectively.

For the most part, exfoliating products used by facialists are chemical exfoliators (containing acids or enzymes) that are generally more powerful than those you’re using at home.

Relaxation Central

When your facialist is great and not hurting you with painful extractions (sorry, I’m traumatized from a past experience), facials are relaxing AF!!! You settle in, close your eyes and simply enjoy the process of being pampered and massaged!

Our facial at The Ten Spot was just that, a much-needed moment to just sit and relax.

Dermalogica Products Used That You Need To Try Too

There were three products used during The Facial that really stood out: The Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist and Multivitamin Power Firm Eye Cream.

Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist

This antioxidant rich mist is like heaven in a bottle. My forehead is notoriously dry, so I started using this after cleansing my skin and before moisturizing. So far, I’ve noticed a definite boost in moisture.

On top of that boost, it leaves skin looking so glowy and healthy. Picture healthy, dewy skin that only a tropical vacation can provide.

Pro Tip: spritz some of this on AFTER you apply your makeup for a dewy finish. Also, keep your bottle in the fridge for a refreshing pick me up. I do so and then tote mine to the gym for a quick post-workout pick me up.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm Eye Cream

I’m always on the hunt for a good eye cream. Many hydrate the delicate area well, but don’t do anything doing to reduce puffiness or dark circles.

Firstly, this eye cream smells so good – light raspberry vanilla (not overpowering though).

Secondly, this is a gel formula that has a rich, soft texture which makes application easy. It does not interfere with your eye makeup.

As this formula contains Vitamin C, I like to apply it in the morning to protect my skin from environmental stressors encountered throughout the day. That being said, your skin undergoes “deep repair” while you’re sleeping, so please use this at night too for great results.

Puffy eyes is not something I suffer from, but I did notice a mild improvement in my dark circles using this product for several weeks straight.

WARNING: Do not use products containing Vitamin C with products containing retinol, salicylic acid or glycolic acid at the same time as you risk burning your skin, and/or suffering from stinging and redness.

SHOP THE POST!

Are Facials Worth It?

Facials are a great step to incorporate into your beauty regimen, but they aren’t for everyone. I do recommend trying one out though to see how it works for your skin. Before you do so, be sure to research the spa and facialist carefully (read allll the reviews!) and ask as many questions as you can. The Facial at The Ten Spot was gentle, relaxing and I nor Tara suffered any breakouts afterwards.

*In collaboration with The Ten Spot Westboro/Kanata, but all opinions are my own.