What is a European Facial?

A European facial simply includes extraction, exfoliation, and massage. The first step to the facial is cleaning the face. The cleaning process helps remove makeup and dirt from the face leaving a clean “canvas.” The next step would be extraction. Extraction involves removal of blackheads, whiteheads, and any other impurities within the face. This usually involves the spa professional using a magnifying glass to help him with the extraction process. During this process, pimples are also treated, according to Valerie D. Callender, M.D., medical director at the SKin and Laser Center in Mitchellville, Maryland.

The next step is the exfoliation process. During the exfoliation, the skin is exfoliated. This means that the older and dead skin cells are removed. This can be done through mechanical or chemical devices. Mechanical means that the spa professional will scrub your face with an abrasive treatment.

Chemical process uses scrubs to exfoliate the skin which contain salicylic acids, glycolic acids, fruit enzymes, citric acids, or malic acids. In low doses, this can be done by the spa professional using over-the-counter treatments. When chemicals are used in high doses, it is best to have this done by a dermatologist.

A soothing mask is also placed upon the client’s face. This mask is actually picked using the client’s skin type. The client’s skin type may be dry, oily, sensitive, or a combination skin type.

The European facial usually ends with a face, neck, and shoulder massage. The massage helps relieve tension in the body allowing for a better blood flow and circulation.

Who is a Good Candidate for European Facials?

The best candidate for a European facial would be one who is in good physical and psychological health. People who need minimal treatment on their skin and pores such as removal of minor blackheads and whiteheads would make for better candidates. Clients who have severe acne problems would be better off seeing a dermatologist. That’s because European facials may even cause more breakouts, making medicinal treatments a better option.

If you are unsure if you are a good candidate for a European facial, you should consult with your physician as well as a dermatologist. Try looking into several spas before choosing one to have your procedure. Make a list of pros and cons of each, allowing you to get a better visual of the spa with the most benefits and the least potential for risks.

Benefits

Benefits include removal of impurities of the skin such as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. It also includes the removal of embedded dirt under the skin. After a European facial, the face feels renewed and youthful. Circulation and blood flow is better leaving the feeling of being tired, stress, and tense behind.

With the rejuvenated you, comes a lift in confidence. Having a “perfect” face to look back at in the mirror gives you a better sense of self as well as higher self-esteem. The detoxification process of the skin also gives you healthier skin..

Risks

You probably think that no risks are involved with getting your face “really cleaned.” But, when you have your face poked and prodded as well as cleaned and picked at, it leaves your skin open for infection. Extracting the unhealthy dirt from the skin leaves pores open and ready for infection to set in.

If your spa professional is not careful, you may be at risk for not only infection but for scarring of the face as well. To ensure that you have the best possible outcome after your European facial, choose the spa site wisely. Make a few trips beforehand, asks previous customers about their experience, and evaluate the cleanliness level of the spa as well.

While risks are few and far between, they are possible. To ensure minimal risks, you must also follow any after-care directions. After the procedure, if you are feeling any pain, discomfort, or you think there may be infection they should consult a doctor immediately.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.