Article: Gretha van Tubbergh from Ideas
Image: Fairlady

1. How is a facial done?
The procedure differs from salon to salon and depends on the type of facial you have chosen to have. A standard facial consists of analysis, cleansing, secondary cleansing (exfoliation), massage, sometimes extraction (removal of blemishes and blackheads), application of a facial mask and aftercare (usually a moisturising cream or gel). The whole treatment should take between an hour and an hour and a half.

2. What extras should be included with a good facial?
Caroline Magrath, owner of Constantia Wellness Centre in Cape Town, says that eyebrow plucking, and hand and foot massage may also be included. 'The therapist must maintain contact with the client during treatment. While the face mask is on, for instance, the therapist can give the client a hand or foot massage.'

3. Does a facial treatment include the décolletage area?
Yes, it traditionally includes the neck, shoulders and décolletage to just above the breasts.

4. What attributes should I look for in a salon?
The South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals (SAAHSP)stresses that the following hygienic measures are very important: a new set of sponges should be used for each client, tweezers must be sterilised before each treatment, towels must be clean and the therapist herself should be hygienic.

The association also recommends that salons have floors that can be washed rather than carpets. Because having a facial should be a soothing experience, you should choose a salon with a relaxing atmosphere where you will feel pampered.

5. How should a good therapist conduct herself?
Caroline says that a good therapist will listen carefully to the needs of her client, particularly if it is her first visit to the salon. During the treatment, the therapist should take special care to analyse the skin properly. A long-term course of treatment for the skin is very important, therefore knowing something about the lifestyle of the client will help her draw up the right treatment plan, she says.

The SAAHSP requires that the therapist respect the privacy of the client and not allow other therapists to wander into the treatment room, for instance. Caroline says it is also important that the therapist be innovative and tell the client about the range of treatments she offers to keep the client interested. There may be new developments in technology that the client is unaware of and the therapist should inform her client about these so that she can choose whether to include them in her treatment.

Tips