Looking Fit 07/2004: Facial Services

by Judie Bizzozero

Tanning salons easily can incorporate facial services into their offerings and become an all-around skincare source for their clients. In fact, many salons are gaining non-tanning customers because they are offering services that have a wide market appeal.

The skin on the face is one of the most sensitive areas of the body, as well as the area most exposed to the daily environment. As a result, the face often is the first part of the body that begins to show signs of dehydration, stress, fatigue and premature aging. Therefore, many Americans believe that facials are a necessity for revitalizing dull, tired skin by rejuvenating it and blood cells by supplying moisture and removing toxins and impurities, as well as improving elasticity, texture and overall appearance.

One of the most beneficial and well-known aspects of facial therapy is the mask. The use of masks dates back to ancient times. It is believed that former civilizations discovered that some types of clay, mud and earth had healing powers. When applied to the skin, these natural substances left it softer and smoother and aided in the healing of blemishes and wounds.

Today, a great variety of natural and synthetic products are marketed as facial masks to improve the appearance of the skin. These preparations usually are in paste, gel or dry powders that are meant to be mixed with other ingredients. Masks are applied to the face while moist and allowed to dry or set, thus producing a tightening and stimulating sensation. When removed from the face, dead cells and other impurities are removed with the mask. Other masks, such as the wax mask or the peel-off type mask cause the skin to perspire. The perspiration then is trapped beneath the mask so that it does not evaporate. Instead, the moisture is forced into the skin where it plumps up fine lines.

Many commercial masks on the market claim to remove oil, blackheads, dead surface cells and other debris from the follicles and surface of the skin; however, some of these claims may be exaggerated. A mask should be used at the end of a facial treatment for its beneficial ingredients and its calming, smoothing, toning and hydrating effects.

Masks generally are classified as warm or cold. A good mask must be safe to use and nontoxic. The mask should be smooth and contain no gritty particles and should be of a consistency that spreads over the face easily. Masks also should be removed easily with cotton compresses, sponges and tepid water. If a peeling mask is used, it must peel off the face without causing discomfort to the client.

There are many different types of ingredients used in masks. They include glycerin, zinc oxide, calamine, magnesium, fuller’s earth and sulfur. Additionally, almond oil, rose water, orange flower or witch hazel often are used in masks to stimulate the skin and bring forth smoothing qualities when the skin is irritated.

Masks come in two forms: clay and gels. Most masks are applied with a spatula and easily can be smoothed on the face with the fingers. The clay mask absorbs oil and debris from the skin, leaving it with a smoother, more even texture. Clay produces a healing action that is beneficial in reducing inflammation, and mild bleaching agents often are added to the mask.

The gel mask may be clear or tinted and should be spread on the face evenly. The first type of gel mask is the peel-off type. This mask is allowed to dry on the face and usually is peeled off in one piece. The peel-off mask prevents evaporation of perspiration and forces the moisture into the corium layer of the skin.

The second type of gel mask, also called a jelly mask, does not necessarily need to dry on the face since its active ingredients can be more beneficial to the skin before it dries out. This type of mask helps to hydrate the skin. It does not absorb or remove oils, dead cells or debris; however, it’s beneficial because of its calming, soothing and refreshing effects on the skin.

Commercial masks used in the salon usually come in bulk form. A salon owner must decide the mask to be used for the client’s particular skin condition; enough ingredients for one application then are placed in a container. Some masks, such as yeast masks, come in dry powder or in flake form and must be premixed.

In addition, masks such as yeast masks or herbal jelly masks are beneficial for most types of skin conditions and may be applied to the entire face and neck. However, others may be formulated for a particular skin condition such as dry skin or oily skin. Therefore, in the case of combination skin, each area of the face must be treated separately for its particular condition. Masks formulated for dry skin are applied to the dry areas and masks formulated for oily skin are applied to the oily areas.

A salon can accomplish wonderful things by offering facials; however, it is up to each individual to continue the process by using skincare products at home. By offering these types of products, salons can allow clients first to try many of these therapies in the privacy of their own homes.

Most general marketing guidelines also apply to marketing facial and skincare products. Every culture has its own perception of what is good and bad. Until recently, Americans have not had the advantage of growing up in a society that values spa treatments as a prescription for a good life. Teaching clients about these services, including facials, is the first task for salon owners. Once clients are educated about the tremendous benefits of these therapies, acceptance and then demand naturally will follow.

Provide A Complete Menu

There are numerous different types of facials and masks that may be incorporated into a salon. The following is a short list of facials that a salon might want to provide, along with a short description of each.

Aromatherapy Facial—The first step to achieving a flawless complexion is to balance the skin. The aromatic essences used in aromatherapy are the most effective natural ingredients known for promoting healthy, balanced skin and for correcting minor flaws.

Customized Facial—This is an aromatherapy facial supplemented with special treatments and products to correct specific conditions. It may include an enzyme paraffin facial, which features a deeper exfoliation using papaya and pancreatic enzymes to remove the excess buildup of dead skin cells. In addition, the skin is nourished with seaweed serum and a paraffin mask for extra hydration.

Vitamin B2 Facial—This is a facial mask that is clinically proven to stimulate twice the collagen production of Retin A.

Advanced Eye Care—The eye area is where most see the first signs of aging. Advanced eye care is designed to nourish the delicate tissues around the eye to counteract the effects of age.

Teen Facial—The most essential education for a teen-ager is learning how to keep the skin clean and free of impurities. For teenage acne, consider a customized facial or glycolic therapy.

Glycolic Facial—Glycolic acid facials are for sun-damaged or aging skin. Glycolic acid acts as a rapid exfoliator, increasing cellular renewal that can reverse the damage caused by the sun—including superficial wrinkles, rough skin, pigmentation and age spots.

Men’s Relaxing Facial—This facial is used to soothe and hydrate skin that has been irritated by shaving, environment or stress. The treatment consists of deep pore cleansing followed by a light facial massage and mask.