How to Perform a Facial Treatment: 9 Step Guide

Facials are a relaxing way to exfoliate and hydrate the skin, creating a bright, beautiful complexion. There are many reasons why your guests may request a professional facial treatment: They could want clearer skin, may need hydration or may want to reap the anti-aging benefits of a facial. Whatever reason they have for scheduling a facial, you’ll want to be prepared.

Attending a cosmetology or esthetics program at Pivot Point Academy in Bloomingdale, IL a western suburb, will help you learn the basics of professional skincare, including facial treatments. The following are 9 steps to giving a professional facial treatment that you can explore first-hand at our beauty school. 

1.) HELP YOUR GUEST UNDERSTAND WHAT TO EXPECT 

The first step of a facial will be consulting with your guest to determine what they are looking for in their facial treatment. Learn about their skin type and what they hope will come from a professional facial treatment. You may also want to discuss the extraction process with them and find out what their tolerance is. Extraction is a key step in the facial process, but some skin types are too sensitive and may not benefit from this process. You may also want to outline the other steps and products involved in the treatment, so your guest is fully prepared and comfortable. 

2.) WRAP HAIR PRIOR TO PERFORMING THE FACIAL

Prior to performing a professional facial treatment, wrap your guest’s hair to keep water and products out of it. Be sure to not wrap the hair too tight or too loose – too tight and you may give your guest a headache, negating the relaxation they should be feeling throughout the facial treatment; too loose, and water or products can get in. 

Our esthetician education program provides students with the necessary resources, beauty concepts, and skills required to perform skincare and professional facial treatments in a spa setting. Enroll in an esthetics course at our beauty school to learn the latest beauty techniques. 

3.) CHOOSE APPROPRIATE PRODUCTS FOR THE PROFESSIONAL FACIAL TREATMENT

Once your guest is comfortable, spend time analyzing their skin to determine their skin type. Cover their eyes with a cool eye mask and use a bright light with a magnifying lamp to assess the skin and determine which products should be used. Don’t forget to consider your guest’s skincare goals and any sensitivities or allergies they may have. 

4.) CLEANSE YOUR GUESTS SKIN

After a skin analysis, you need to cleanse the skin with the appropriate cleanser based on your assessment of your guest’s skin. This may be the most important facial step to addressing your guest’s needs. Cleansers come in different formulations where enzymes and hydroxy acids can be added to assist in cell turnover, brightening, or even help prevent breakout activity. 

5.) EXFOLIATE THE SKIN

The exfoliation step of a facial usually occurs after the cleansing step or during the masking phase. This is considered one of the most important steps for the esthetician because many exfoliating products used in facials are available only to licensed professionals. Exfoliation also eliminates oils, dirt, dead skin cells, and other buildups on the surface of the skin, allowing subsequent serums and moisturizers to then penetrate deeper into the skin. 

Proper education is essential due to the nature of the chemistry behind the exfoliants and their effects on the skin. Exfoliants vary from being mechanical, chemical, or both. you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for usage. 

6.) MASSAGE YOUR GUEST’S FACIAL MUSCLES

Facial massage encourages blood flow to stimulate cell regeneration and promote deep relaxation during facial treatment. To perform a facial massage, use your fingertips and apply light pressure, moving slowly towards the ears. You may also move your fingers in a circular motion to stimulate the skin. Use these classic massage techniques throughout the professional facial to make your guest’s skin feel and look great. 

7.) APPLY A MASK

Typically facial masks are applied toward the end of the treatment. Masks come in different formulas and consistencies. Generally, clay/mud masks are great for absorbing excess oil, cream-based masks help address dryness, and gel masks can cater to combination skin. The mask is applied with a soft fan brush starting on the décolleté or neck area and sliding upward toward the face in long feathering relaxing strokes. 

8.) PERFORM A SCALP OR HAND/ARM MASSAGE 

Once the facial mask has been applied, you have some time to further treat your guest. Unwrap your guest’s hair and treat them to a scalp massage as you wait for the facial treatment product to work its magic. Another alternative is to perform a hand/arm massage.  Place a small amount of oil on your fingertips–aromatherapy oils can add an extra level of ambiance to the treatment–and massage the scalp or hand or arm using small, circular movements. 

9.) MOISTURIZE AND PROTECT

This is the last step in facial treatment. Application of toners, serums, face oils, essences, vitamins, and retinoids are performed before applying the moisturizer. These serums help address specific skincare concerns your guest has such as pigmentation, breakouts and wrinkles. Moisturizers help restore the skin barrier, which is why you apply them towards the end of the professional facial treatment. Moisturizer is followed by sunscreen. It is recommended to apply a minimum of an SPF 30 to give your guest adequate protection against UV rays. 

BONUS TIP: OFFER SKINCARE ADVICE AFTER THE FACIAL

Once you’ve completed all of the necessary steps of a facial treatment, you’ll have learned a lot about your guest’s skin. Before they leave, take a minute to offer them your expert advice on in-home skincare for their skin type. Give them the tools they need to have better, healthier-looking skin, and they’re sure to come back and see you the next time they need a facial or other skincare treatment. This step can also help you upsell products as a professional esthetician, which may earn you commissions at the salon where you provide services. 

Pivot Point Academy provides intuitive esthetician classes to teach students how to perform the perfect facial. Sign up for an esthetics course at our beauty school to master the latest skincare treatments and facial techniques. Our school also offers courses in cosmetology, barbering, and makeup, so you can find your ideal beauty niche. Call us at (847) 985-5900 or fill out our contact form to schedule a tour of our campus