Some beauty experts are calling 2021 the year of self-care, and for a good reason. This year, more of us than ever are prioritizing "me time" for activities like relaxation, exercise, and skin and hair care.
These little luxuries are a great way to improve your overall health and balance the stresses and pressure of everyday life. The self-care trend isn't just for the ladies. These days, more and more guys are setting aside time for little treats that women have been enjoying for decades!
Hair and spa treatments are popular choices. But, facials for men are one of the most beneficial options around. They are fast, affordable, and improve how you look and feel.
If you've never had a facial before, don't worry! This article is for you. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know before your first appointment.
Facials for Men
Not all facials for guys are the same. So, before you make your first appointment, you'll need to select a service.
Depending on your skin type, you'll want to focus on deep cleaning, rejuvenation, or damage repair.
No matter what men's facial treatment you choose, you can expect the service to contain a few essential parts.
Cleaning
The first part of any good facial is deep cleaning.
Your esthetician may use steam to open your pores before cleaning, to make extraction easier later on. Then, they will use a facial cleanser to strip dirt and oil from the surface of your skin.
This step allows other treatments, used later in your facial, to penetrate your pores and top layers of skin for a more noticeable result.
Extraction
Once your skin is clean, and your pores are open, the next step is extraction.
Your esthetician will gently remove blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads, using dermatological tools. If you shave and are prone to ingrown hairs, these may also be extracted.
If you're feeling nervous about extraction, relax. The process is quick and painless, and won't lead to infection or inflammation like at-home extraction attempts.
Exfoliation
Depending on your skin type, what services you've chosen, and how much extraction you need, your esthetician might also want to exfoliate your skin.
This process may use a mask, peel, or scrub to remove dead skin cells and polish away imperfections.
If you're going for a treatment that includes deep exfoliation, keep in mind that your face might feel sensitive for an hour or two afterward.
How to Choose a Facial
Are you getting a facial just for skincare purposes, or are you looking for deep relaxation, too?
Some men's facials include a massage, hydration and rejuvenation therapy, and other treatments. Be sure to check out all the options for facials before making your appointment.
And, when in doubt, contact your salon ahead of time and speak with an esthetician. These skincare experts are here to help!
Schedule Your Self-Care
Now that you know a bit about facials for men, you're ready to schedule your appointment.
Keep in mind that a facial will leave your face feeling refreshed, but it might cause your skin to look a bit red or blotchy for a few hours. So, you shouldn't plan your visit too close to an event or photo session.
Instead, opt for multiple sessions starting a few weeks before the big day. That will give your esthetician time to tackle any skincare issues you might have. And, it will ensure that your skin looks its absolute best!