A typical FACIAL can involve all or some of the following steps

Cleansing
With a cleanser (milk, gel or rarely a foaming cleanser) the skin is washed, removing dead skin cells, dirt, pollution, makeup and excess oil. Sometimes a second cleanse may be necessary. Eye makeup is also cleansed off with a specialised eye cleanser.

Exfoliant
With different forms of exfoliant, the top layers of dead skin are gently removed. Doing this allows moisturisers and other skin treatments to penetrate deeper into the skin 25 to 80 % deeper. We can use brushes, scrubs, enzymes, chemical peel (AHA and BHA) and gomage (French for rub off peels).

Deep Cleanse
A cleansing cream is massaged into the skin around chin, nose and forehead or where there are clogged pores. It penetrates deeper into the pores and helps soften and remove the excess oil and debris that makes up a clogged pore.

Steam
Steam is directed onto the skin to help moisturise and soften the skin and prepare it for the following treatments. Often the massage can also be performed with steam.

Massage
A 10 to 20 minute relaxing massage using a cream or oil is carried out on the face, neck and the shoulder area. We can also massage with special masks.

Extractions
This is a process where clients with milia (blackheads and whiteheads) have them removed. A small lancet is used to open the milia and the contents of the Milia are gently squeezed out.

Mask
A mask (cream, gel or clay) is applied to the skin and allowed to remain on the skin for between 10 to 20 minutes. Depending on what has been done to the skin and what we think the skin needs determines the type of mask used and this will vary from time to time. They tend to be deep cleansing or moisturising or contain active ingredients (i.e. vitamins , enzymes, fruit acids)

Tone
Toner is a liquid which is applied to the skin to help remove any remaining product and to help restore the pH balance of the skin. It helps the skin fight bacteria.

Serums
A thick liquid with active ingredients that penetrates easily and deeply into skin. They contain different actives to suit different skin problems. i.e. dry skin.

Moisturiser
This is a cream that helps retain and replace moisture in the skin surface. It is also a barrier to help protect the skin surface from pollutants and dehydrating.

Sunscreen
This is a cream used to help block the damaging effects of the suns rays. It also helps in preventing pigmentation and wrinkles. A sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays and be used throughout the year. If outside for prolonged amounts of time it should also be reapplied several times.