By Polly Keary, Editor
Few things make one feel as pampered as does a spa facial, with its gentle cleansing processes, soothing massage and comforting warm compresses, all in a relaxing atmosphere.
And facials can be as good for the skin as they are for the soul, sloughing away dead skin cells and old oils and leaving radiant skin in their wake.
There are, however, some claims that some estheticians may make but aren't supported by scientists, and by watching for those who make those claims, one can tell which to avoid and which to trust.
For example, while many products and some aestheticians will declare that a product or process can open or close pores of the skin, in fact, pores don't actually close.
Rather, they may appear smaller in the wake of services that plump the skin, an effect that is typically temporary. And astringents may tighten the skin over all, resulting in the appearance of shrunken pores, but that, too is temporary.
And while facials are great for keeping skin clean and exfoliated, they aren't usually terribly dramatic about reducing the signs of aging.
Rather, depending on the products employed or the procedures used, they can gently reduce mild discolorations and in some cases, outbreaks.
However, they can and often do cause outbreaks, if the wrong products are used for a person's skin type.
Barbara Olson, aesthetician at Monroe's Indulge Day Spa, said that facials are a great way to introduce antioxidants to the skin to protect against damage.
And, she said, it keeps the skin moist.
"It provides hydration, which plumps skin up," she said. "As we get older we lose hydration."
Also, a facial massage can stimulate blood flow to the skin, which helps speed regeneration.
A facial every month is ideal for cleansing away old skin cells, she said.
"I recommend getting a facial every 28-31 days," she said. "That is the prime time to do it, because our skin wants to turn over cells in about that much time."
Spas offering facials in Monroe include:
Indulge Day Spa at 114 S. Lewis St. (360) 794-1618
Facials range from the 30-minute Refresher Facial for $35 to the Customized Core Facial, including skin analysis, exfoliation, facial and decollate massage and a customize masque treatment, for $90.
See http://www.salonandspamonroe.com/.
Golden Bough Day Spa at 118 N. Lewis St., Ste. 110. (360) 568-0721
Golden Bough offers advanced facial treatments featuring more exotic offering such as a heated amethyst bio-mat, micro-current lifting, lymphatic drainage, rose hip masques, chakra-coordinated crystal treatments, and photo facials. Prices start at $85.
See http://www.goldenboughdayspa.com.
Spa Mamas at 14650 N. Kelsey Ste. 107. (425) 355-8280
623 W Main St.355-828(360) 355-8280
This brand-new spa in Monroe offers a number of facials, including a 30-minute facial that includes a mini makeup application upon its conclusion, an anti-aging facial including a glycolic peel, an acne treatment facial and a "Sugar Apple Peel" including several acids that remove old skin layers and apple-derived components to promote health skin regeneration.
See http://www.spamamas.net
Kathleen's Day Spa at 22021 Old Owen Rd.
Kathleen Sather is a highly-educated aesthetician who has served on government boards overseeing industry standards and who has won numerous awards for her Old Own Road spa.
To learn about her current menu of facial services, call (360) 794-3395.
Golden Nail Spa at 19689 U.S. 2 near Safeway
While primarily a nail salon, devotees rave about the facial services offered at this small spa, including stone massage, facials, paraffin treatments and more.
No appointment is necessary; drop in or call (360) 794-3883 to learn more.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment