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Your face is what you present first to the world and the healthier your facial skin the better you'll feel and better the world will respond too you. For OutUK Rodney L Washington looks at putting your best face forward.
It's never too early or too late to start taking better care of your skin. Now of course you understand the effects of taking in too much sun, alcohol, smoking and poor diet can have on your skin. It causes excessive dryness, blemishes, breakouts and premature wrinkles but, there are some simple things that you can do now to slow down the effects of aging and poor lifestyle keeping your skin with a radiant healthy glow.
Regular facials will help keep blackheads, sudden breakouts and the elasticity of your skin in check. If you've never had a facial before you don't know what you're missing. A facial is more than just a massage and cleansing of your face. Generally a facial starts with a through deep pore cleansing of your skin often with soft bristle brush to exfoliate. Afterward your face is gently massaged and steamed and followed by a mask customized for your skin type and particular need. After the mask is removed your aesthetician may use an extraction tool to clear up any problem areas that the mask brings to the surface.

Finally the skin is cleansed again, moisturized and your treatment is completed with a neck and shoulders massage. Sometimes your facial will include a hand and foot Paraffin (a heated moisturizing wax) wrap which will leaves your hands and feet baby soft.

If you want to get the most out of your facial here are some tips:

Communicate your facial needs, problems & concerns with your aesthetician or reservations when booking your appointment.

Guys check with the spa when booking the appointment about whether or not you should shave before your facial. The appointment desk should inform you of this automatically but always ask.

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.

Ask your aesthetician at the end of the treatment about how to take better care of your skin including selecting a good moisturizer, toner and cleanser.

You can maintain your facial at home by cleansing and steaming your face, all you need is a bowl of hot water, some essential oils and a towel. Place a few drops of the oil into the steaming water, lean over the bowl and cover your head with the towel. Allow the steam to open your pores. Cleanse your face with a gentle soap and follow up with a good moisturizer designed for your skin type.

Excerpted from the Spa Fitness Trainer web site, courtesy Here & There Travel Publishing.