How often should I get a facial?
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A lot of people ask me ‘How often should I have a facial?’ Well in truth, theres no straight answer. All skins are different and in some cases, where corrective work is needed (such as in acne for example) this may need to be treated as often as every week, but in most cases to achieve and maintain healthy skin, the answer is once an epidermis….
What is the epidermis?
The Epidermis is the outer layer of skin. The skin that you can see, it’s very top section is effectively dead, and dead skin cells should shed off through a process known as desquamation. However this doesn’t always happen, and the dead skin cells can hang around unwanted for too long causing a condition known as hyperkeratinisation. This can lead to congestion, breakouts and dull looking skin.
In an ideal world, the epidermis should shed and renew itself every 28 days, as it does in a young, healthy skin. BUT as we get older, or through poor skincare choices, this can slow down dramatically. As you enter your 30’s this is more like 38 days, 40’s can take 48 days, 50’s, 58 days and so on (you get the idea). As the natural cell renewal process slows down, things may need a little encouragement. Using quality exfoliators, having a facial or even a chemical peel will certainly get things moving. Be mindful however though not to over do it, as this can cause sensitisation and an impaired barrier, which will in turn result in other issues. It’s important to get the right type of exfoliation and also the right frequency. A professional skin therapist can guide you. In any case, as old layers of skin come away, it is important to treat the new skin with active ingredients that will hydrate, clear, soothe and protect to prevent any other skin issues arising.
Seriously though, even the best facial in the world won’t last forever, You don’t go to the gym once and suddenly get the body of your dreams. The skin is ever changing, persistence in key.