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What Is a Standard Facial? A Beginner’s Guide

Does your bathroom counter overflow with half-used skincare products that promised miracles but delivered disappointment? A standard facial might be the solution you’re overlooking. 

This beginner’s guide to facials cuts through the confusion. It will explain exactly what happens during these professional treatments. The blog also enumerates the specific benefits standard facials offer and how they differ from your at-home attempts. 

We’ll walk you through the essential information you need before booking your first appointment—no fluff, just facts.

What Are Standard Facials?

Standard facials refer to comprehensive skincare treatments. These are typically performed by licensed estheticians. A standard facial is known to cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish the skin to promote a clear, well-hydrated complexion.

Unlike at-home facial treatments, professional facials utilize clinical-grade products and equipment. By doing so, standard facials deliver more profound results.

Standard Facial Benefits

Investing in regular standard facials offers several advantages. These have good effects on your skin health and overall well-being. These benefits are:

  • Deep cleansing that removes built-up oil, dirt, and debris from pores
  • Professional exfoliation removes dead skin cells more effectively than at-home methods
  • Improved blood circulation to the face, promoting cell renewal and a healthy glow
  • Expert skin analysis that helps identify underlying issues
  • Personalized product recommendations based on your specific skin type and concerns
  • Reduced stress and tension through facial massage techniques
  • Prevention of future breakouts through proper pore cleansing
  • Enhanced absorption of skincare products used at home
  • Visible improvement in skin tone and texture
  • Early detection of potential skin issues before they become problematic

Several clients report that standard facial benefits can even extend beyond improved skin appearance. They even have a relaxation component, significantly reducing stress levels. The latter can also have a positive impact on the skin.

Facial Treatment Steps: What to Expect

You might be wondering about what to expect in a facial. Understanding the typical process helps ease any anxiety. While treatments may vary slightly depending on the spa or clinic, most standard facials observe the following steps:

  1. Consultation: Your esthetician will discuss your skin concerns, current skincare routine, and treatment goals.
  2. Preparation: You’ll change into a spa wrap, and your hair will be secured away from your face.
  3. Cleansing: A thorough double cleanse removes makeup, sunscreen, and surface impurities.
  4. Skin Analysis: Using bright light and sometimes a magnifying lamp, the esthetician examines your skin to determine your specific needs.
  5. Exfoliation: Dead skin cells are removed using enzymatic exfoliants, gentle scrubs, or chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
  6. Steam: Warm steam is often applied to soften the skin and open pores, preparing them for extraction.
  7. Extraction: If necessary, the esthetician manually removes blackheads and clears clogged pores using specialized tools.
  8. Massage: A relaxing facial massage improves circulation and lymphatic drainage while reducing tension in facial muscles.
  9. Treatment Mask: A specialized mask addresses your specific skin concerns (hydrating, purifying, brightening, etc.).
  10. Toning and Moisturizing: The facial concludes with appropriate toners, serums, moisturizers, and sun protection.

Types of Effective Standard Facials

Customized Facials

The hallmark of an excellent skincare establishment is its ability to personalize treatments. Customized facials begin with a thorough skin analysis. Afterward, the esthetician selects specific products, techniques, and add-ons. All of these are tailored to your unique skin profile.

These facials might incorporate various elements. These may include hydrating serums for dry areas, oil-controlling products for the T-zone, brightening treatments for hyperpigmentation, or gentle approaches for sensitive regions. 

Many customized facials include deep cleansing facials. The latter focuses intensively on purifying the skin and removing impurities. These are known to cause dullness and breakouts. 

Customized facials often incorporate clarifying masks with ingredients like clay, charcoal, or salicylic acid for immediately visible results.

Acne Facials

Specially designed for those struggling with breakouts, acne facials focus on deep cleansing. They also come with careful extraction and antibacterial treatments. 

These specialized standard facials often include:

  • Thorough removal of excess sebum
  • Professional extraction of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)
  • Application of products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil
  • Anti-inflammatory masks to reduce redness
  • Guidance on home care to prevent future breakouts

Many acne-focused establishments also offer consultation packages that include follow-up care and product recommendations. These are effective in maintaining clear skin between treatments.

Men’s Facials

While skincare is important for everyone, men’s skin has specific characteristics that benefit from tailored approaches. 

Men’s facials typically address concerns like:

  • Coarser skin texture
  • Increased oil production
  • Irritation from shaving
  • Ingrown hairs
  • Larger pores
  • Signs of aging specific to male skin

These treatments often incorporate stronger exfoliation methods and soothing components to address razor burn and sensitivity. Such features make them an excellent introduction to skincare for men who might be new to professional treatments.

Back Facials

The back is one of the most challenging areas to treat effectively at home. Thus, back facials are a valuable addition to any skincare regimen. These specialized standard facials treat the skin on your back like the facial skin, with adaptations for its unique characteristics:

  • Deep cleansing to address oil buildup
  • Exfoliation to remove dead skin cells
  • Extraction of difficult-to-reach blemishes
  • Targeted treatment masks for specific concerns
  • Moisturizing appropriate for body skin

Back facials are particularly popular before special events where the back will be exposed, during swimsuit season, or as part of ongoing treatment for back acne.

Preparing for Your First Facial

To get the most from your standard facial, some preparation can enhance your results:

  • Avoid exfoliating treatments or products for 2-3 days before your appointment.
  • If possible, arrive with clean skin (no makeup).
  • Skip retinol products for 48 hours before your treatment.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure in the days leading up to your facial.
  • Come prepared to discuss your skincare routine and concerns.
  • Men should shave at least two hours before the appointment.
  • Stay hydrated before and after your treatment.

Post-Facial Care

After experiencing the benefits of a standard facial, proper aftercare will extend and enhance your results:

  1. Hydrate: It is vital that you drink plenty of water. This step is proven to support your skin’s detoxification process.
  2. Protect: Apply sunscreen diligently. This is because freshly exfoliated skin is more susceptible to UV damage.
  3. Wait: Hold off on makeup application for at least six hours if possible.
  4. Avoid: It is also recommended that you skip intense workouts, saunas, or steam rooms. Do this 24 hours after your treatment.
  5. Follow: Use the products recommended by your esthetician. Remember, they have been selected specifically for your skin’s needs.
  6. Be Patient: If you received extractions, minor redness is normal. You can expect them to subside within 24 hours.

How Often Should You Get a Facial?

For optimal results, most skincare professionals recommend scheduling standard facials every 4-6 weeks, which aligns with your skin’s natural cell turnover cycle. However, this frequency may vary based on:

  • Your specific skin concerns
  • The time of year (seasonal changes affect skin)
  • Your budget
  • Special events you’re preparing for
  • Age (mature skin may benefit from more frequent treatments)

Those addressing specific concerns like acne or hyperpigmentation might benefit from more frequent treatments initially, followed by a maintenance schedule once improvements are established.

Facial Studio Magdalena: Excellence in Standard Facials in Chicago, IL

Nestled among Chicago’s vibrant skincare scene, Facial Studio Magdalena emerges as a hidden gem for those seeking transformative standard facials in Chicago, IL. Like skilled artists working on a canvas, our estheticians craft standard facials that meet the expectations of our clients.

We are a top choice for providing a variety of services. Each is customized to meet specific skin concerns, including Customized Facials, Acne Facials, Men’s Facials, and Back Facials, along with an Acne Facial and Consultation Combo Pack.

Healthy, Radiant Skin Awaits – Explore Standard Facials Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a standard facial typically take?

A standard facial typically takes 60-90 minutes from start to finish.

Will a facial help with my acne?

Yes, specialized acne facials can significantly reduce breakouts by deep-cleaning pores, removing excess oil, and incorporating antibacterial treatments.

Is there any downtime after receiving a standard facial?

Most people experience minimal to no downtime after a standard facial, though some temporary redness is normal for a few hours.

How soon before a special event should I schedule a facial?

Schedule your facial 3-5 days before a special event to allow any potential redness to subside while still enjoying the fresh, glowing results.

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