Skin Care Q & A: Why Do We Need Facials As We Get Older?

• Core Facts

As we age, our bodily processes slow down. Metabolism gets a little slower, as does tissue regeneration and cell production. Replacement of our skin cells, which happens every 28 days when we’re younger, also slows down. Some experts say the process actually takes about three times as long when we’re 50, and it goes downhill from there. There are several things you can add to your skin care routine to help the rejuvenation process: One of the most effective and relaxing is a good facial. But how do you tell good from bad?

The elements of a good facial include:

Opening the pores: This can be done with a facial steamer or a very warm washcloth. It’s very simple – just hold the warm, wet washcloth on your face and neck for three or four minutes. Not long enough to let the cloth get cold.

Cleansing: The major thing you want to pay attention to with cleansing is the skin care product used. Make sure it doesn’t contain chemicals or, if it does, they should be minimal, not known to be dangerous, and not too harsh for the skin. There’s a long list of chemicals to avoid, but you can start with alcohol, propylene glycol and mineral oil products. It’s almost impossible to get a good commercial skin care product that’s 100% chemical free. Many products are transported in conditions with variable temperatures and need something to stabilize the texture. Others need shelf life – hard to attain without a preservative. If you’re lucky enough to find something completely natural, that’s great. Otherwise, just make sure you avoid the big ones.

Toning: The purpose of toning is to catch any residual dirt not removed in the cleaning process and to ensure all the cleanser is removed. Again, use something as chemical-free as possible, and definitely avoid alcohol.

Exfoliating: This is where the cells get the real boost. You get rid of excess dead skin cells and, since exfoliating usually includes massage, you really get the circulation going, which stimulates the production of new cells and collagen. Again, choose a natural skin care product. And make sure you start off with something very mild – you don’t want to damage the skin, just clean it up. The face will flush slightly as the circulation increases but flushing disappears quickly. 

Masking: After cleaning off the dead skin cells, a masque, applied to the face and neck and left on for 15 to 20 minutes, tightens things up.

Moisturizing: Your skin’s been through quite a workout at this point and is a little raw and vulnerable. It needs protection – which it will get from a moisturizer. However, traditional moisturizers clog the pores and actually dry the skin, undoing all the good you’ve just done with your facial. Your best bet is a shielding lotion.  A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new protective layer that keeps out chemicals and locks in natural moisture. It really does seal the deal. Thousands of doctors now recommend it for dry skin care and for a host of skin problems.

So, what’s a good facial? In a nutshell, it would include all the steps above and would be free of skin care products and procedures that are harsh, irritating, toxic or otherwise damaging.

Many spas now offer facials using natural skin care products. Check around locally – you can find them and read about their services and products on the Internet or call and talk to them first – and you’ll find one that’s right for you. When you do, you’ll look younger, your skin will be in better condition, and you’ll feel so good you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven.

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