Put your best ‘Face’ forward!

There are loads of facial treatments available out there for all your skincare requirements.

A basic clean up
A clean up cleanses, exfoliates and moisturizes facial skin. Ugly blackheads and whiteheads are cleared by gently steaming the face. Regular clean-ups can prevent and reduce skin problems. The skin is first cleansed under steam, and then very gently scrub granules are massaged over the skin. After removing the scrub, another creamy cleanser is applied and the skin is exfoliated further with a soft rotating electric brush and massaged. These are recommended for all skin types and can be done on people under the age of 25.

The advantages of Clean-up are :
It reduces tanning
Removes dirt and blackheads
Provides a clean and glowing complexion.

Normal facials
These facials are a simple cleanse, steam and massage affair. They’re the least expensive of all facials. They’re also the best option for normal skin that isn’t prone to acne. The difference between these facials and a clean up is that the skin is massaged for a longer period of time in a facial.


Special facials
These are a step-up from the normal facial. Specially formulated hypoallergenic creams are used to moisturize the skin. Face packs are applied depending on different skin types and special cleansing and rejuvenation techniques are also part of the process. These are recommended for people with sensitive skins.


Bio-lift facials
In addition to cleansing, massage and rejuvenation techniques, these facials include treatment that targets dark circles under the eye. The characteristic of this facial is the biomask, which tones and tightens the skin on the face, making it look younger.


AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) facials
AHA acids, which are derived from fruits and flowers, are known for their anti-aging effects. These facials use creams formulated with AHAs, which help the skin look smoother and healthier. They are also recommended for people who have pigmented skin, and are prone to wrinkling easily. In these, creams containing flower extracts are used, which improve action of the capillaries, skin texture and tighten pores — inducing relaxation and calming the mind. In ancient times, the fragrance of rose, lavender, jasmine, neroli, etc., was used to cure depression, insomnia, anxiety and other mental states. Fresh fruit facials are done with pulps of fresh fruits; mostly seasonal fruits. For eg orange or sweet lime pulp. Fresh fruit facial is very good for very sensitive skin, which cannot tolerate any chemically prepared cosmetics. Fruits are chosen according to the skin type. banana for dry skin and orange for oily skin.

Paraffin facials
These facials are offered as part of bridal beauty packages. It involves the application of a special paraffin
mask on the face over layers of gauze, which helps seal in the special anti-aging and rejuvenating creams applied to the skin. It aids better absorption and brings back the radiance of the skin.

Anti-oxidant and pollution-fighting facials
This facial uses creams and masks enriched with free-radical fighting agents like Vitamin A, beta-carotene and Vitamin E. Pollutants are first removed and the skin is then deep cleansed in this procedure. This is recommended for people who have to be outdoors often-on account of their work.


Acne facials
A treatment for those who suffer with troubled skin; particularly effective on teenage and adult acne. After cleansing this treatment begins with enzyme or glycolic acid exfoliation and a warm vapour mist,
followed by extensive manual deep pore extractions, electric disencrustation and a skin-calming, anti-bacterial masque. This facial should be performed at regular, two-week intervals until problem clears.

Collagen facials
This type of facial includes use of a multi-phase technique of exfoliation, warm vapour, deep pore cleansing, lymphatic drainage massage and self healing mineral or paraffin masque over a freeze dry collagen sheet to ensure the ideal hydrating effect. Normally in this kind of facial, liquid nutrients in the form of vials or ampoules are used and for quick absorption of liquid nutrients in the skin, laser or galvanic treatment is done. This is an effective preventative treatment against harmful environmental damage, wrinkles and dark circles. Recommended for all skin types.

Aromatherapy facial
In these essential oils are used, which have potent and specific curative properties that are of particular benefit to the skin. They are effective for relaxation of body and mind. Aromatherapy facials help clear skin congestion and improve the normal functions of the skin. The mask, which is applied at the end of the massage, also contains essential oils. The elimination of toxins, the improvement in the skin’s normal functions, including cell regeneration and the uplifting effect, all combine to make aromatherapy facials revitalising and rejuvenating.

All that glitters is not gold...
No doubt diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but we cannot start eating it and rubbing it on our skin. It is a known fact that diamond is the hardest substance on the surface of the earth. It is also the most inert substance known to man. Keeping these qualities in focus, a diamond is used as a cutting, polishing and smoothening agent for tough metals and stones. However much fine a powder the diamond is ground into, it is abrasive for soft skin and rubbing on skin will only abrase the skin and damage it.

The so-called diamond creams, packs, facials etc, glorified and made attractive by the prefix of the word diamond, either contain glitter additives or some abrasive nanodiamond particles. In this case they would only provide mild abrasion and if by chance they penetrate the skin, there are chances of damage to the skin as well. It can incite a foreign body reaction and cause skin irritation. The only cosmetics where these nanodiamonds can be used are cosmetics, lipsticks, eyeliners and exfoliants.

Similar is the case with the much-hyped gold facials and facial products. Gold in its elemental form is an inert metal and does not have any effect on the skin. However, in compound form it can cause skin allergy which can result in itching and redness of the skin. Gold allergy is very common and such facial products are best avoided on the skin. These days market is flooded with such glittering products. Most of them contain some glitter foils and sold by the name of gold, diamond and platinum.

So we now understand that gold, diamond and platinums are best left to put on the skin as adornments and one must avoid using them in skin care products.