Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

What is a facial? Why do I need one?

A facial is a professional cleansing, purifying, and beautifying treatment of the skin on the face and neck. Facials are the number one treatment performed by estheticians, and a good way for your therapist to get a good understanding of your skin prior to suggesting more aggressive treatments.

For most people, facials can be scheduled every four weeks, although your therapist may recommend a different schedule. There are many variations of facials based on different needs, as well as different lengths of time. A mini facial may be only 20–30 minutes in length, while a more luxurious version may be 75–90 minutes in length. Tell your esthetician exactly what you want to get out of your facial, and she/he will be able to recommend a facial to meet your needs.

Preparing for a facial

Be sure to allow enough time to fill out an intake prior to your treatment. Plan to arrive a little early so you will not feel rushed and can enjoy the entire length of your treatment. Hydration is important; make sure you drink plenty of water, (which you're doing for healthy skin anyway), & avoid alcohol the day before your facial. Plan to not workout after your facial, as it is recommended to not sweat after your facial for 6-24hrs. Please stop exfoliating products 72 hrs before any planned service, this includes, but not limited to: chemical exfoliants (AHA's, BHA's), topical retinol products & physical scrubs. Also please be prepared to let your esthetician know of your current skincare routines, so that they can plan for the type of products to best suit your needs, the easiest way to do this is to just take a picture of your home care products so we know exactly what (if any) products will be contraindicated.

 

What to expect

Facials are generally very relaxing and soothing. Your esthetician will explain to you what the treatment steps will be. Be sure to communicate with your esthetician during the facial if any product burns, itches, or if you need anything or have any questions. Otherwise, just lie back and enjoy the experience! A facial generally includes the following steps:

  • Double cleansing of the skin.
  • Skin analysis.
  • Exfoliation by mechanical, enzymatic or chemical means.
  • Extraction of blackheads and other impurities, either manually (using gloved hands and cotton or tissue around the fingers with gentle pressure to remove the impacted pore) or using a metal extraction implement designed to clear blocked pores. This can also include the use of a lancet (a small, sharp blade to lift the dead cells of the skin prior to extraction).
  • Masking using a cream, clay, sheet, or jelly mask.
  • Massage of the face and neck, to aid in relaxation and stimulate blood and oxygen flow to the skin.
  • Application of products targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, mixed, sensitive, or mature).
  • Home care recommendations.

After the facial

After a facial, your skin will be soft, smooth and well hydrated. However, if multiple extractions were needed or if you required a fair amount of exfoliation, your face may be somewhat rosy for one to two hours or more, depending on how sensitive your skin is. This is normal. Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water over the next 24hrs, and do not plan any strenuous activity that will make your face perspire, since this may cause irritation depending on the services you've had.  Avoid direct sunlight: this includes tanning beds (which you should avoid anyway).Change your pillowcase, your fresh face deserves a fresh start: did you know cells do the most healing & renewing while we're sleeping? Let them turnover on a fresh set of sheets (with a silk pillowcase preferably). Don't forget to sanitize your glasses/ sunglasses; these can get pretty dirty from daily wear & it's easy to overlook. 

What about home care?

Your esthetician will go over which home care products are right for you to continue the improvement in your skin following your professional treatment. This way, you will be using products that maximize benefits and prolong the effects of your treatment. Your esthetician can explain how, when, and how much of the products to use. Feel free to call your esthetician if you have any questions.

Your esthetician

Your skin care treatments should be provided by a properly trained professional. Don’t hesitate to ask your skin care therapist about their background, training, and experience—especially as it relates to the treatment you are considering. Look to see that your esthetician holds a valid license in esthetics, or cosmetology- it should be visible in their treatment room.

At Literal Beauty Esthetics, Crysta is a Licensed Esthetician and professional member of Associated Skin Care Professionals. ASCP members have been validated as meeting their state’s licensing credentials and core training requirements, and agree to follow a code of ethics which ensures you’ll be treated responsibly and with the utmost respect. ASCP also provides its members with comprehensive resources that allow them to keep up with changing trends, making certain you’ll receive the most up-to-date therapies available.

What is a Dermaplane, and how will I benefit from it?

This treatment is a non-invasive approach to physical exfoliation; it consists of removing the outermost layer of dead skin cells using an ultra-sharp sterile scalpel while removing fine vellus hair (also known as peach fuzz). Dermaplaning leaves skin smooth, supple and vibrant, it will also increase the penetration of active ingredients.

Preparing for treatment

The procedure is noninvasive and requires little preparation. Not everyone is a candidate for Dermaplaning, however the only contraindicaton for a Dermaplane service is active acne (red or inflamed comedomes). Your esthetician can 'oil-plane' your skin if the condition requires extra protection as well.

What to expect

Most clients do not find the procedure to be painful. The esthetician will instruct you to relax as they hold your skin taut and 'scrape' the skin with the scalpel. Please be careful not to abruptly talk or move as the blade is very sharp. If you've been Dermaplaned before, do not abruptly try to 'help' your esthetician at certain areas, tucking lips or opening mouth, until you are asked to do so; every esthetician has a slightly different order of operation to their service.   

Home care after Dermaplane

Because fresh skin has been newly exposed, it is important to apply sunscreen, avoid direct sunlight or tanning booths following your session. Avoid products containing harsh chemicals, dyes, or perfumes. A layer of dead skin has been removed so your normal home care routine may be adjusted for a few days. Switching your pillowcase or changing your sheets is a good idea after this service, and be sure to clean any surfaces that may touch your fresh skin: sunglasses, phones, & hats that sit on your forehead.

I’ve never been waxed before. How is it done?

Waxing is the most common method of hair removal in spas today, hair on any part of the body or face can be waxed. Durring a waxing service wax is applied to the chosen area and then removed quickly, which also pulls the hair out of its follicle giving you smooth skin since the whole hair and its root has been removed. There are two types of wax: hard and soft. Hard wax, which is easier on delicate or sensitive skin, is often used on parts of the face, underarms, and bikini area. Soft wax is used on the legs, arms, back, and chest.

Waxing reduces hair growth when performed at regular 30-45 day intervals, depending on your hair growth cycle. Because waxing pulls the hair out by the root, it grows back softer, finer, and thinner; the more you wax, the less hair grows back.

Waxing with soft wax should not be performed if you have particularly sensitive skin or are prescribed topical retinoids because it pulls off a couple of layers of skin cells along with the hair. Waxing can cause tenderness, redness, & sensitivity: especially if it's your first time, or if you have very reactive or sensitive skin. In addition, some medications will cause the skin to react badly to waxing; Don’t wax if you’re taking Retin-A, or Accutane*; if you're on any type of acne prescription, please let your esthetician know before the appointment (usually there are forms to fill out in office or online), this way if the medicine is contraindicated for waxing your esthetician can discuss alternative hair removal options with you.

*Soft Wax is contraindicated for Accutane for a period even after you have stopped taking it. 

Preparing for treatment

Let the hair grow out to about 1/4" - 1/2" long, ideally at LEAST the length of a grain of rice; if hairs are too short, the wax won’t adhere strongly enough to pull them out.

Refrain from taking a shower or bath before the treatment; soaking the hair will soften it, allowing it to break more easily and making waxing less effective, however exfoliation a day  prior to body waxing is recommended. 

lf you've never had a wax, take an ibuprofen approximately 20 minutes before your service to help lessen the pain/ prevent inflammation.

Wear loose fitting, breathable clothing around the area(s) being waxed; tight clothing may cause irritation.

Stop FACIAL exfoliating products 72-48 hrs prior to your appointment, regular exfoliation between BODY waxing appointments is recommended and may continue to be done up to a day before your appointment. 

What to expect

An antiseptic lotion/ spray may be applied to cleanse the area first. Some estheticians apply a light dusting of pre wax powder to be sure the skin is dry before applying the wax.

  • If soft wax is being used, the warm wax will be spread on the hairs in a thin layer. A pellon strip is then applied to the wax, and rubbed in the direction of hair growth. The strip is then pulled quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth while the skin is held taut with the other hand.
  • If hard wax is being used, a thicker amount of warm wax is applied and allowed to dry. No cloth strip is applied. The wax is flicked to allow the esthetician to grip it, and it is then pulled off quickly in the opposite direction of hair growth. Hard wax doesn’t adhere to the skin as much as soft wax, and is therefore used on more delicate or sensitive areas such as the bikini area, underarms and face.

How much does it hurt?

Most people tolerate waxing well and get used to the sensation after a treatment or two. The level of discomfort you will feel depends on your level of pain tolerance in general, and on which area is being waxed. If you still find waxing very uncomfortable after several treatments, many estheticians offer numbing crèmes that can be applied 45 minutes prior to the service, in addition to asking you to take two ibuprofen tablets prior to their appointment, which will also help to reduce inflammation in the post-waxed area. For women, it is generally best not to schedule waxing services just prior to or during your period, as you are more sensitive to pain at this time and may experience more discomfort.

Home care after waxing

It’s important to care for the waxed area properly after treatment to prevent ingrown hairs, breakouts, or other reactions. Exfoliation, using exfoliating gloves (body waxing after care), or recommended serums, lotions, and oils will help keep the skin clear.

Avoid using a bar soap because it leaves a film on the body that could cause ingrown hairs.

Directly after waxing, avoid direct sunlight and tanning booths, especially while the skin is still red from treatment.

For 24 hours after waxing, avoid exercise, hot tubs, saunas, taking a soaking bath, super hot showers (warm comfortable temp is fine) and products with harsh chemicals, perfumes, or dyes.

Apply moisturizer 24 hours after treatment to help keep the skin hydrated.

Your esthetician

Your skin care treatments should be provided by a properly trained professional. Don’t hesitate to ask your skin care therapist about her background, training, and experience—especially as it relates to the treatment you are considering. Your therapist is a professional member of Associated Skin Care Professionals. Our members have been validated as meeting their state’s licensing credentials and/or core training requirements, and agree to follow a code of ethics which ensures you’ll be treated responsibly and with the utmost respect. ASCP also provides its members with comprehensive resources that allow them to keep up with changing trends, making certain you’ll receive the most up-to-date therapies available.

 

What causes acne? How can skin care treatments help?

Acne is the most common skin disorder, and 85 percent of all Americans will experience it some time in their lifetime. While commonly thought to be an adolescent problem, it can appear at any age, most often on the face, back, and chest.

The causes of acne are complex, but usually involve the overproduction of oil, the blockage of follicles that release the oil, and the growth of bacteria in those follicles. This can be triggered by many things, including a change in medications or a change in hormone levels caused by stress or other factors. It’s important to treat acne early to avoid scarring.

There are 4 grades of acne. Grade 1 is the mildest form, with open and closed comedones (whiteheads and blackheads). Grades 2 and 3 include papules and pustules as well. Grade 4 is the most advanced form, with all the above plus the appearance of cysts or nodules beneath the skin surface, that can be dime size or larger and often require medical attention to treat. Acne is not only painful but can be very emotionally and psychologically challenging as well.

Who can benefit from acne treatment?

Anyone who has acne can benefit from treatment. Acne sufferers often state their quality of life and self-esteem improves dramatically once their acne is alleviated. If you are seeking a licensed esthetician’s care, chances are you’ve already tried over-the-counter preparations with disappointing results.

Depending on the grade of your acne, your esthetician will go over the treatment options that would be the most successful for you. If you have Grade 4 acne, your esthetician will refer you to a dermatologist who can treat it medically. Once your acne is under control and improving, your esthetician can suggest treatments that will assist you in accelerating the healing process, relieving pigmentation which often accompanies acne.

Visiting your esthetician for acne treatment

Be ready to fill out a medical questionnaire and describe what medications and skin care products you are using. Your therapist will do an analysis of your skin, look for any interactions between products and medications, and devise a treatment plan that’s suitable for your unique needs. Keep in mind that results require a commitment on your behalf to follow a prescribed home care and professional treatment program. This often involves a series of professional treatments. It takes time to balance the skin and treat acne. Though results may not happen overnight, you are on the path to reclaiming your beautiful, clear skin!

What should I expect from my acne treatment?

You should expect regularly scheduled treatments. Your treatment program may begin with an acne facial. This may include deep cleansing and extractions (clearing blocked pores), special exfoliation that will not increase inflammation or spread bacteria, a balancing/calming mask, anti-bacterial and balancing products, or some combination of these. The goal is to deeply cleanse follicles and disinfect them, clearing away oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells.

Your esthetician may also recommend a series of chemical peels. Once the active acne is cleared, microdermabrasion will assist in minimizing the appearance of scarring and diminishing residual darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation).

What about home care?

Your esthetician can provide the best guidance on caring for your skin between treatments. Generally, this will involve keeping your skin clean and avoiding picking at your blemishes—the single biggest cause of scarring. It’s very important you follow instructions given to you by your esthetician. Untreated or undertreated acne can lead to continuing, worsening outbreaks and scarring. Your esthetician will be in close contact with you to be sure your products are working effectively for you. As your treatment progresses, your esthetician may change your home care routine to fit your changing skin’s needs.

What is rosacea, and how is it treated?

Rosacea (rose-AY-sha) is a chronic skin disease that causes varying degrees of redness and swelling, primarily on the face, but also at times on the scalp, neck, ears, chest, and back. It is considered a vascular disorder (a disorder of the blood vessels).

The condition can develop over a long period of time and is more common in adults, particularly those with fair skin. More women get it than men, though in men the condition is often more pronounced. Severe, untreated rosacea can lead to a disfigurement of the nose called rhinophyma.

There are four grades of rosacea:

  • Grade 1: Mostly redness.
  • Grade 2: Pimples and other blemishes.
  • Grade 3: Edemas (swelling due to fluid retention) and inflammatory bumps on the nose.
  • Grade 4: Symptoms affecting the eyes.

No one knows the cause of rosacea, but it is thought to run in families and can be aggravated by environmental factors and diet. Although rosacea can be accompanied by pustules, it is not acne. Researchers believe rosacea might be caused by several things: abnormal function of the blood vessels, sun damage, and an abnormal inflammatory reaction.

People with rosacea often learn that certain things trigger their flare-ups. It is believed that fluctuations in temperature (especially extreme heat or cold) is a common trigger. Spicy foods and alcohol consumption can also cause flare-ups.

How is rosacea treated?

The key to rosacea treatment is to catch it early. It may start with skin that merely flushes red. Reducing skin temperature and calming the skin is usually the first objective. Once inflammation is under control, other treatments follow. There are many treatments, including topical agents containing azelaic acid or the antibiotic metronidazole. Both have proven helpful in relieving the symptoms of rosacea. Your physician may also prescribe internal antibiotics in the tetracycline family. Esthetically, rosacea is treated with chemical exfoliation, ultrasonic treatments, and calming, soothing, hydrating treatments.

While not a cure, any of these treatments can help control symptoms, sometimes for several years. Self-treatment is not advised, beyond a simple and gentle cleansing routine. Some over-the-counter remedies may actually worsen symptoms, as will aggressive scrubbing and rubbing.  Your licensed esthetician may refer you to a dermatologist for evaluation and medical support.

What to expect from a rosacea treatment

Be ready to fill out a questionnaire and describe what medications and skin care products you are using. Your therapist will do an analysis of your skin, look for any interactions between products and medications, and devise a treatment plan that’s suitable for your unique needs. Be prepared to commit to a series of treatments and a home care regimen.

After your professional treatment, your skin care therapist can recommend a home treatment plan, as well as follow-up professional treatments. Your skin may be more sensitive after treatment. Many professional skin care lines provide specialized products that sooth the inflammation of rosacea. Your esthetician will carefully choose products for you that are least likely to irritate your skin.

What about home care?

Your esthetician can provide the best guidance on caring for your skin after a treatment. In general, people with rosacea should keep a diary of things that trigger their condition: environmental factors such as sun, wind, stress, exposure to heat or severe cold, alcohol or spicy food consumption, and irritating face products. Responses to treatments vary widely; trial and error is unfortunately part of the process when working with rosacea.

What are antiaging treatments?

Thanks to the wonders of science, and innovation by skin care professionals, you can choose from a wide range of antiaging treatments. You need not have wrinkles or discoloration to actively participate in an antiaging regime—many smart consumers begin caring for and protecting their skin at a young age.

Consumers today are opting for minimally invasive procedures to avoid downtime and the unmistakable appearance of having had surgery. People may notice after treatments with your skin care professional you simply seem healthier, happier, less tired, and more confident.

Some antiaging treatments your skin care professional may be able to provide are a custom facials, chemical exfoliation, and phototherapy (exposure to light-emitting diodes).

Who can benefit from antiaging treatments?

Anyone who is smart enough to use sunscreen is already participating in an antiaging regimen, and there is so much more you can do. Treatment recommendations will vary according to skin type and condition, chronological age and skin maturity, level of sun damage (everyone has some), and the goals you have for your skin. Your esthetician can outline your options and make recommendations.

How should I prepare for the treatment?

Be ready to fill out a questionnaire and describe what medications and skin care products you are using. Your therapist will do an analysis of your skin, look for any interactions between products and medications, and devise a treatment plan that’s suitable for your skin type and condition. If possible, come to your appointment without anything on your skin. Start your treatments when you know you're ready to commit to a home care regimen.

What to expect

The results of your treatment may be obvious right away or may take some time to achieve. This depends entirely on your program and the methods used. Your skin care professional should be able to outline realistic goals for you. In some cases, skin is in poor condition and needs to be strengthened and conditioned before treatments can be performed. If you are suffering from acne, dermatitis, or rosacea, you may have to set your goals aside until you’ve cleared those symptoms. The good news is you may gain younger-looking skin as a side benefit of clearing and treating these conditions. Healthy skin is usually beautiful, and beautiful skin is usually healthy.

What about home care?

Your esthetician can provide the best guidance on caring for your skin, & usually will recommend products meant to enhance in office treatments. It’s key to commit to a home care regimen in order to maximize your investment in the treatments your esthetician provides.

How can I get a “safe” tan? How do I choose the right sunblock?

Like many people, you’d love to have that bronzed look but don’t want to expose yourself to harmful ultraviolet rays. With spray tanning and airbrushing, there are ways to get this attractive look safely.

The tanned look has been popular for decades and reached a new level of sophistication in the 1970s when tanning beds were invented. Many people found them a fast way to get an even, year-round tan. However, dermatologists soon became alarmed at the growing incidence of skin cancer and started educating the public about the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet rays.

Some manufacturers of tanning beds promote the misconception that getting a base tan in a tanning bed will protect you from an even more damaging sunburn. But dermatologists agree there is simply no safe way to sunbathe or use a tanning bed.

Spray and airbrush tanning

Fortunately, there are safe alternatives. Most dermatologists consider spray and airbrush tanning as safe as applying makeup.

The active ingredient for sunless tanning, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is derived from raw sugarcane and sugar beets, which reacts with the skin’s amino acids to produce color. This color develops three to four hours after application, deepens over the next 24 hours, and lasts one week to 10 days. A session usually takes 30 minutes or less and may be performed in a spray booth or with a handheld spray unit. Clients undress to their level of comfort; many wear bathing suits. The solution easily washes out of fabrics you wear to your session and, in general, does not rub off onto clothes.

You’ll still need to wear sunscreen, as spray and airbrush tanning don’t provide protection from the sun.

Help or hype?

It’s also helpful to know which sun protection aids on the market measure up to their claims. Following are a few products and procedures you may have heard about.

  • Some companies promote ingestible pills that purport to provide sun protection. Experts say there is insufficient scientific evidence to support these claims.
  • There are bracelets that manufacturers claim will signal you when it’s time to apply more sunscreen or to move into the shade. Experts don’t consider these an adequate safeguard.
  • While some companies claim their contact lenses protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, this is a little misleading since the entire eyeball needs protection. For best results, use a pair of comfortable wraparound sunglasses with an ultraviolet block and polarizing lenses.
  • Cellulose fabrics, like acetate and rayon, block some ultraviolet rays. Rit makes a product called SunGuard, a detergent you add into your washer, that significantly improves the sun protection factor of cotton clothes for about 20 washings.
  • For maximum safety, look for some combination of these ingredients in a sunscreen: avobenzone, mexoryl, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.
  • Your car windows are already protecting you from 50–75 percent of the sun’s rays. Film that rejects as much as 99 percent of ultraviolet rays can be applied to windows. Have this done professionally, however, as the do-it-yourself products are very difficult to apply effectively and often bubble. Many states govern how much you can tint certain car windows, such as the windshield and driver’s side front window. A window-tinting professional can provide guidance on this.