Whether you’re on your honeymoon or receiving some much needed R&R before the big day, facials can help you relax while also offering your skin some serious pampering. We’ve decoded seven of the most popular types, so you’ll know exactly how that green goo is helping you.
With so many different treatments to choose from, spa menus can be confusing. Before you indulge*, we’re letting you know exactly what you’re splurging for:
Deep Cleansing: Before their wedding, brides often indulge in a deep cleaning treatment. They employ deep pore and tissue cleansing using steam and extractions to rid the skin of excess oils and stimulate circulation. This will help even out your complexion and give your skin natural glow. Now who’s ready for those close-ups?
Galvanic: This facial is shockingly rejuvenating—literally. It uses currents to heighten your skin’s capacity to absorb, allowing you to enjoy the full effect from your products, making this a great facial for all skin types. Additionally, the negative ions help force dirt from your pores to the surface while the positive ones gives you a fresh look, plumping the skin and banishing wrinkles.
Fruit Acid: Sometimes also known as a glycolic acid facial, they use acids derived from fruits to stimulate collagen levels to help reduce wrinkles, age spots, scars and hyperpigmentation. There are usually little-to-no side effects, so this is a good facial option if you’re closer to the big day. However, a series is recommended in order to see results.
Paraffin: A favorite for bridal beauty packages, a special paraffin mask is painted on the face over layers of gauze, sealing in anti-aging and rejuvenating creams. The result is better absorption and radiant-looking skin.
Collagen: This facial is a combo of several different kinds. Its phases usually consists of exfoliation, warm vapor, deep cleansing, lymphatic drainage, paraffin mask over a freeze dry collagen sheet, and sometimes topped off with a galvanic treatment.
Oxygen: This facial skyrocketed in popularity a few years ago because of its “quick fix” ability (and thanks to Madonna’s very public obsession with it). This breath of fresh air for your skin has immediate results, though they only last about two days (just long enough to last from rehearsal to reception). The process sprays atomized moisturizers onto the skin, using a stream of pressurized oxygen, increasing hydration and instantly making the skin look smoother, plumper and more youthful.
Gentlemen’s: Though men can certainly benefit from the aforementioned treatments, facials targeted to males are specially formulated to combat shaving-related needs, such as razor burn, skin sensitivity and dullness. It often consists of deep-pore cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliation and toning, while using masculine-scented essential oils and masks.
*Note: If you are unsure of how your skin will react to a treatment, we recommend trying it for the first time several weeks before the big day.
Photo credit: o5com/Flickr
