Spa Facials

Part of the Spabreaks.com Spa Treatment Guides

Facials are a classic part of the spa experience, and while massages are the most regularly booked spa treatment, a facial can be just as relaxing. Targeting a wide variety of goals, they can be relaxing, restorative, cleansing, anti-ageing or nourishing, facials can be anything from 30 minutes to more than 90 minutes, and can include a variety of phases depending on what you choose, where you go and what you want to achieve.

Aromatherapy: aromatherapy oils are commonly used in different spa treatments to achieve different benefits. In combination with other elements such as pressure point massage, they can be soothing, uplifting, clarifying or, ultimately, relaxing.

Lymphatic massage: a lymphatic drainage facial works uses soft brushing movements to detox and stimulate for visible results.

Galvanic facial: a galvanic facial uses a low-level current to help infuse products into the skin, stimulate cells, soften the skin and achieve results.

Microdermabrasion: a non-invasive cosmetic procedure, microdermabrasion uses fine crystals and a vacuum to remove dead skin cells. It helps to reduce fine lines, minor scars, wrinkles and age spots, and make the skin smoother and younger looking.

LED light therapy: a noninvasive skin treatment that’s typically used for acne and other skin problems, LED light therapy is often incorporated into facial treatments to simply lift and brighten skin and improve its appearance.

Anti-ageing: anti-ageing facials can incorporate lots of different elements, such as chemical peels, collagen masks, serums and ingredients like hyaluronic acid, that help to nourish the skin, keep it hydrated and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Brightening: brightening facials help to improve the general appearance of the skin, increasing cell renewal, boosting skin tone and clarity, removing impurities and leaving skin glowing.

Hydrating: hydrating facials are designed to replenish the skin and strengthen its protective barrier to help it retain moisture.

Oxygen: a facial where oxygen is applied onto the skin with the idea of improving skin tone and reducing the signs of ageing. It involves a machine that is used for spraying highly concentrated molecules of oxygen right into your skin, infused with vitamins, minerals, essential nutrients, and botanical extracts.

Enzyme: enzyme facials are used to rebalance and exfoliate the skin, they often use pumpkin enzymes, improving skin radiance and the ideal treatment to have 24 hours before a party.

Chemical: a chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin to remove the top layers to allow smoother, younger looking skin to return in its place. These are only available at select, specialist destinations offering non-invasive cosmetic procedures.

Depending on the facial that you choose to have, products may only be applied to the face or may extend to the decollete and shoulders. Sometimes they may also include a head massage in which oils might also be used in the hair. With that in mind, you can choose to stay in your normal clothes or pop on a robe over your underwear or swimwear. Sometimes you might be asked to undress down to your underwear, in which case a therapist will provide you with a towel to settle under and they will only uncover you to the places where products are being applied. That way it avoids getting any creams or oils on your clothing. If you have any questions however, feel free to ask your therapist at any time - it’s important that you feel comfortable during your facial.