the Cost of Facials

I received a facial at a local spa. It took place in a private room at the spa. The room was small, with just enough room for the aesthetician to walk around the table. I was given a comfortable cotton gown to wear that was sleeveless and strapless, with an elastic top. The facial took approximately 45-50 minutes, and included extraction (where your pores are squeezed to remove whatever is in them). The facialist used a machine which releases steam onto your face and gets your pores open. She also spent a great deal of time massaging my face as well as my neck and upper chest, and rubbed in several different kinds of lotions and tonics. At one point, a mask that dried quickly was placed on my face, and I would lay with the mask on my face for about five minutes, before it was peeled off. I was instructed after the facial to leave the lotions on my face until the evening (i.e. don't wash them off). I was also told to expect some redness, but that would go away in a matter of hours. In the end, I left a $10 tip.

This was a very good facial. The pore extraction was painful, but I think that's a treatment that will always be painful. I didn't ask which products were used on my skin, but whatever they were, they all smelled good and seemed to do the trick. The best part of the facial was the massage. I could tell that it was working to improve my circulation.

The best way to get a good facial is to ask around and talk to others locally who have had them. Once you have a list of places, call and find out exactly what the facial entails, how long it is, and what the cost it. Also ask if there is pore extraction, steam, or any other special treatments along with the facial. If the facial is at a spa with other facilities, find out if you have access to those facilities also when you get your facial.