I've never had a facial, tell me about them

[CosmopolitanPlease]

I don't know if I should have a facial treatment at a salon. I'm 50 and have pretty normal skin, no spots anymore, neither dry nor greasy. However, lately I've noticed it looks a bit 'congested' around my nose and chin, with small blackheads but also these kind of white threads that poke out of my pores? I used to love a squeezing session in a mirror in a good light but my skin used to look so red afterwards and get spots, plus my eyes aren't as good as they were so I can't really see what I'm doing!

My skincare routine is dove soap and a flannel followed by Aldi caviar moisturiser, twice a day. I'm not interested in using any other products as any time I've tried new things they've made me spotty and been a waste of money.

Do you have facials, and does your therapist squeeze blackheads? Does this make your skin inflamed and spotty afterwards? Does it hurt, and how much do you pay? What else is entailed in a facial? Sorry for all the questions!

Facials vary from place to place. I've had quite a few in the past. Mostly they will do a cleanse, tone, massage, moisturise, using expensive skincare products. I don't think they're worth the money at all. They're great as an indulgent treat every now and again if you want something relaxing but, in terms of actual benefits to your skin, you're better off drinking lots of water and developing a good skincare routine at home.

I'd probably consider something like the hydrafacial though as they use something to extract all the dirt from your face. Expensive but I'd give it a go. Definitely wouldn't go for just a standard facial ever again though.

It really depends on your own skin as well. I've got quite good skin and a healthy diet, so I don't feel like I need the added expense of regular facials when I can achieve the same thing at home.

There are different kinds of facials. Some (the most complex) where they remove blackheads and others where they don't. The ones where they do, they'll use a steam machine to open up the pores.
I haven't done one in bloooody ages but find a place near your house, look up reviews online because they can damage the skin if not done properly, then give them a call and ask how much it would be for one where they remove blackheads and clean pores. There are other facials more geared towards age where they use this machine with electric current and then use an ampoule to tighten up the skin.
Oh and, even if you clean your face properly, be prepared to come out looking like a bloody ghost!

It really depends on the skills and experience of the person doing the facial. You can go from gnvq level 2 right up to a dermatologist. Qnvq will do a cleanse tone massage moisturise. However I feel you want a little more than that. Google your nearby area for facalists. Look for the skills they have. Like microdermabrasion, peels, Lazer, microneedling. If they can do all this then they should be good.

The white things are called sebaceous filaments. Completely normal. Pixi tonic type stuff after your evening facewash will help with them.

Skip the morning facewash and just put on the caviar cream.

A salon facial should be seen as a luxurious relaxing treat , often including some massage and lovely smelling products

I would do it every week if I could afford it

I have a Dermalogica 90 min facial maybe three times a year now and love it

Double cleanse , exfoliate, mask , serum , extensive facial décolletage and shoulder massage - all with products chosen for my skin type or need at that time

Will not drastically change my skin but it feels so good

I also use soap for my face, Dove or Simple, but after I use Witch Hazel and my skin is the clearest it's ever been. I don't think you need facials if you look after your skin.

I'd rather spend the money on some decent skincare products as I don't think facials give a long term improvement.

You could buy one of the Drunk Elephant starter packs for the same price as a facial and try a few different things. A decent serum would not make you break out and would make your skin look much better over time.