There is nothing quite like the post-facial glow. You walk out of the salon with a renewed lease on life. Your skin has never looked so clear, so plump, so radiant!
While facials can be a great way to give your skin a little boost before a big event, the problem is, that it doesn’t seem to last forever. Yes, you can book in for your regular facials, or even try a facial subscription, but there are also ways you can maximise your glow at home.
What is a facial?
Facials are non-invasive treatments that are performed by licensed aestheticians. They can be customised to suit your skin needs, but often include fundamental steps such as cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating.
Each facial will offer a different result, depending on the skin concern. You may look for a classic facial to provide a boost of hydration to plump the skin, or microdermabrasion, which uses a textured wand to gently exfoliate the skin.
There are also chemical peels, lymphatic drainage, microneedling facials, and many others.
Spas and salons will all offer a range of different treatments, so if you are unsure which is right for your skin, chat with the clinic beforehand to organise a consultation.
What are the benefits of a facial?
Regardless of the treatment you choose, facials can go a long way to boost your skin. Earth and Skin recommends regular facials to maintain skin health.
By booking a facial, you get a deeper cleanse than you would normally achieve at home. Earth and Skin also say that facials can be considered an investment in your skin’s future.
Aestheticians are experts in their field, so will be able to assist you in any areas of concern you have for your skin.
Why is it important to look after our skin between facial appointments?
Whether you get facials regularly, or it’s a treatment you indulge in now and again, looking after our skin is key for long-lasting results.
“Looking after your skin between appointments is the best way to maximise and prolong the results of any treatment,” says Corri Marshall, Cosmeceutical Expert of over 20 years and Co-Founder of global skincare brand, DermapenWorld.
“Healthy, hydrated skin also heals more quickly, and the faster your skin can heal, the more consistently you can enjoy treatments, speeding up the results you’re looking for,” she says. “Talk to your clinician to come up with the best moisture routine for your skin type and watch the results compound!”
So, keep reading to find out what DIY skin treatments you can do to maximise your facial results.
LED Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2
$679 from CurrentBody
LED masks provide red light therapy, which allows red and near-infrared light to penetrate the cells of the skin.
Using an LED mask in between your facial services may help stimulate collagen production in the skin. It also claims to have benefits such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and rough, textured skin.
Red light therapy from your LED mask is performed in short intervals. “The anti-inflammatory effect of LED aims to speed up the healing process, making it perfect for use immediately after [treatments such as] microneedling,” Corrie says.
It is best to speak to your General Practitioner before trying any treatment. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
NuFACE® Mini+ Starter Kit
$407 from MECCA
You can think of a NuFACE as a workout for your face. It uses “microcurrent technology” which sends tiny electrical currents to stimulate the facial muscles, causing them to contract.
By gliding and holding the device over the contours of your face (such as jawline, cheekbones, and brows), it aims to lift and firm the skin.
Using the NuFACE in between your facial appointments may assist in keeping your skin looking firm and lifted between visits.
It is best to speak to your General Practitioner before trying any treatment. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Dermapen HOME
$806 from DermapenWorld
If you use your salon visits for a microneedling facial, the Dermapen HOME could be an addition to your routine.
This at-home microneedling device creates micro-injuries to the skin, which could stimulate the skin’s natural healing process. The aim of the process is to increase the absorption of skincare products.
“There is no one size fits all, but there are good rules of thumb to ensure you’re meeting your skin’s needs without overexerting it,” Corri says about the frequency of using an at-home microneedling device. “Beginners should try out treatments once per fortnight. If your skin responds well after a month or two, then increase this to once per week for maximum results.”
It is best to speak to your General Practitioner before trying any treatment. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
$354.99 from Amazon
The Medicube device can be considered a bit of an all-in-one, and its different settings offer different results.
Hailing from South Korea, this device has four modes: booster, microcurrent, derma shot, and air shot.
This might be a good addition to your nightly routine if you want to target multiple skin concerns at once, without swapping and changing devices.
It is best to speak to your General Practitioner before trying any treatment. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Skin Gym Face Sculptor
$129 from Sephora
The Skin Gym face roller is designed to help sculpt your face. The two spheres provide a kneading action that mimics a facial massage.
By rolling upwards and outwards from the centre of the face, the facial roller aims to help lift and create definition along your jawline and cheekbones.
If you enjoy lymphatic drainage or any other form of lifting and sculpting facial, this could be a great tool to use at home to boost the results.
An extra tip: keep this in the fridge, and it will help cool and depuff your skin while sculpting.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
Cancer Council SPF 50+ Face Day Wear Hydrating Serum Sunscreen 50ml
$23 from Woolworths
Perhaps the most important step in prolonging your facial results is daily sunscreen. It is the ultimate way to protect your skin and aid in the prevention of premature ageing.
Cancer Council offer a range of sun protection, so choose one that works best for your skin. This hydrating serum also includes hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and Vitamin E.
Think of your facials as the restorative step in your routine — as it aims to help repair and rejuvenate your skin. However, your sunscreen is the protective step.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Sunscreen is only one component of sun protection. Reapply every two hours and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
