To facial or not to facial?

So, I have something to share with you. Last weekend, I had a life changing experience. That's right, life changing. I had…a facial.

Now, I may be a little late to the party on this one, but I've never really been game to try a facial before, what with having very sensitive, blemish-prone skin (the best kind!). I had heard more horror stories than those of success when it comes to facials, so forgive me for being a little hesitant. But lets not get too caught up on who put who off facials (points if you got the very vague Monty Python reference there) - lets talk through the process, and more importantly, the results.

After I was tucked up in bed (if that's the right word) in the spa room, the lights were dimmed, and it began. The whole process started with a cleanse, followed by a second cleanse with a Clarisonic brush cleanser. I've never used a brush cleanser before, and I always had it in my mind that it would be too harsh for my problem skin, but I'm pleased to report it wasn't, and I'm also considering purchasing a brush cleanser for myself - not necessarily the Clarisonic, but more on that in another post.

Where was I?

Following the double cleanse, she then used an exfoliator, which was great, as it wasn't too grainy or harsh. She exfoliated really thoroughly, and after removing the residue with a hot cloth, she spent a good five minutes massaging a face mask into my skin. The only thing I have to say about that is it really stung when she first put it on! I'm honestly talking burning, stinging, agony, but that only lasted about a minute, and then the mask started to feel quite cool and tingly. Perhaps that was the desired effect, or perhaps it was a peel-type mask? I did forget to ask at the end, as I walked out in a semi-dazed relaxed state.

While the mask did its work, she then gave me a super-relaxing head and neck massage, which nearly had me dozing off towards the end, and then removed the mask, again with a hot cloth. After applying a light moisturiser, I was up and on my way, feeling like I had got my money's worth just from the experience alone.

But the results! If you're still with me at this stage, congratulations - this has been the longest post ever, but hang in there for a bit longer!

For a good ten days to two weeks after the facial, my skin was seriously glowing. I'm talking that real lit-from-within healthy glow that you just can't replicate with make up. I had people at work commenting on how good my skin looked! 

So how do I feel about facials after my first experience? I'm sold! I've already booked in for another this weekend, and I'm sure they will become a once-monthly occurrence in my skin care routine.

Ever had a facial? What did you think?

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