text: FACIALS ARTICLE | BRISTOL BEAUTY - mobile beauty therapists and beauty treatments across Bristol
  Relaxation & general wellbeing
  A good facialist will be a mine of invaluable information about how to keep your skin looking its best. It's not just about selling products; a facialist who is passionate about what she does will welcome any questions and be only too pleased to offer advice and share her knowledge and expertise with you. So while you have her undivided attention get your money's worth and ask away!
  Local or general Infections of a viral, fungal or bacterial nature. A professional facialist will refuse to treat you if you present any signs of these as there is a serious risk of cross contamination not just for the facialist but for other clients.
  Broken bones, broken skin or bruising in the area to be treated.
  It's vital to tell your facialist if you are undergoing microdermabrasion or glycolic peel treatments. They don't rule out a facial treatment but exfoliation is not recommended. Similarly if you are suffering from or have been treated for cancer in the previous 6 months, massage is not recommended. If you suffer from diabetes, respiratory problems or high blood pressure it is also important to disclose this as facial steaming is not recommended.
  In these cases most facialists will be happy to adapt the treatment accordingly.
  How often do I need a professional facial?
  To get the best results and keep your skin at its best a professional facial treatment is recommended at least every 4-6 weeks.
  For 24 hours after a facial it is ideally best to avoid makeup and UV light exposure. The pores have been opened and the skin exfoliated and stimulated. This combined with potentially pore clogging products such as makeup could lead to congestion (blocked pores, blackheads and spots). Combined with sun bed use or sunbathing this could result in an adverse reaction such as prickly heat. Also if you have a special occasion to attend such as a wedding or other event, it's best to schedule your facial treatment at least a week beforehand as in the short term a facial treatment may draw out impurities.
  A good skin care regime at home doesn't have to be about expensive products. There are great products on the market to suit every skin type and condition and every budget. The most important thing in order to keep your skin looking and feeling its best is to thoroughly cleanse the skin twice daily and to maintain the correct levels of oil and water. A good facialist will talk to you about your skin type and offer advice about the best types of product to use. Drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep and avoiding (or at the very least cutting down on) toxins such as nicotine, caffeine and alcohol will also make a difference.
  The facialists mantra; cleanse, tone, moisturise
  For makeup removal, using a separate cream or lotion cleanser, toner and moisturiser is the best bet to ensure that all traces of makeup are thoroughly removed at the end of the day. Two cleanses are recommended followed by toning. (to make your toner go further apply with damp cotton wool pads) followed by a suitable moisturiser.
  If you are using a hot cloth cleanser always make sure that your cloth is either changed or thoroughly cleaned really regularly at a temperature hot enough to kill off any bacteria. If not the bacteria will multiply very quickly and could cause spots. (A professional facialist will sterilise any reusable products such as flannels and sponges after every single use).
  Liquid cleansers or face washes for use with water are best used in the morning and on makeup free skin.
  Cleansing wipes are fine as a convenience in circumstances where a full cleanse & tone routine is not possible. They may not always remove makeup as thoroughly however and therefore over time there could be a risk of residue building up which could quickly lead to clogged pores, blackheads and spots.
  Exfoliation is so important to keep skin looking fresh and bright and to avoid congestion (clogged pores that lead to spots and blackheads). Exfoliating 2-3 times per week for oily and combination skins and once or twice a week for dry or sensitive skin is recommended using a gentle product with fine grains. (Coarse grained exfoliants that are too harsh may cause damage to delicate facial skin).
  Face masks are great but it's really important to get the right product for your skin type as they vary enormously. Generally speaking clay or mud based setting masks are for deep cleansing and removing impurities and therefore are best for oily skins. Creamy non-setting masks tend to be for intensive hydration and are therefore best used on dry skin. Ideally a mask should be applied once a week following cleansing and exfoliation. If you think that sounds time consuming why not try putting on a mask before you get in the bath or shower and removing it when you get out.