Facial Services

Now that you have a basic knowledge of the various types of skincare services that tanning salons can offer, it is time to delve deeper into an area that is gaining in popularity. Tanning salons easily can incorporate facial services into their offerings, thus becoming an all-around skincare stop 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 it with lost moisture, 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, 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 is 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. In addition, masks should be able to 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 often mild bleaching agents also are added to the mask.