What are facials?


FACIALS – What are facials – Classic Pamper Facials

Most people are not aware of what results can be achieved with correct skincare.

When skin type and skin conditions are wrongly identified, using the wrong skin care can cause more damage and harm.

Repairing this damage becomes crucial with any skin care plan or program.

These people can end up with major skin problems, when they have used strong or wrong skin care products and treatments and this can lead to requiring doctor’s visits if problems worsen.

Correct Skin Analysis and Diagnosis is so important.

Images prefers to offer our clients

  1. A thorough skin analysis – looking and feeling your skin in its current state.
  2. Then guide our clients towards basic easy skin care routines, often using basic simple but correct skin care products.
  3. Plan a Corrective Treatment Program
  4. Start Progressive Repairing Treatments
  5.  
  6. Then gradually add more intensive anti-ageing or corrective healing ingredients as the clients skin condition progressively improves.
  7. Finally continue to maintain our client’s skin care, dealing with subsequent skin care concerns, beauty routines or Aesthetic goals.
  8. If skin concerns are deemed beyond our scope of care we will refer you to more advanced medical care.
  9. We are here to be your skin care coach.
 

What is a Facial?

Facials are treatments for the skin and underlying tissues of the face, neck and chest area or even to treat the back. Facials are made changeable to suit any sort of skin type or skin problems.

What is a Consultation?

Before any facial procedure is begun a quick skin consultation is carried out to determine what the best type of facial should be carried out.

We will give you a thorough skin analysis, looking at your skin, and then discuss:

We can then begin our first treatment based on our discussion and addressing your concerns. We have experience in many skin concerns and conditions.

  • What is your current skin state?
  • What concerns you about your skin?
  • What is your priority concern and therefore priority treatment?
  • What treatment options are available to treat your concerns?
  • Design a treatment program to address your concerns.
  • What subsequent concerns and treatments will follow?
  • What home care would best suit you and your skin concerns?
  • A consultation costs $20 but this is redeemable against your next treatment.
 

WHAT DO FACIALS INVOLVE?

A typical facial can involve all or some of the following steps:

Cleansing

  • With a cleanser (milk, gel or rarely a foaming cleanser) the skin is washed, removing dead skin cells, dirt, pollution, makeup and excess oil.
  • Sometimes a second cleanse may be necessary.
  • Eye makeup is also cleansed off with a specialised eye makeup cleanser.
  • Images Beauty Therapy promotes the use of vegetable oils to cleanse skin and to deep clean pores using the principle of oil dissolving oil. Clogged pores are hardened dried skin sebum or oil.
  • The use of vegetable oil dissolves these clogging hardened lumps of dried sebum inside pores gradually “melting” the clogs.
  • Vegetable oils are massaged in and Tissues are used to gently rub and remove the skin and vegetable oil from the skin surface. The tissues, when used correctly, miraculously lift and remove many clogs.
  • Your therapist will teach you how to use your tissues to best effect.

Exfoliants and Peels

To keep our skin functioning at its most optimal state we naturally shed our top layer of skin every day and this process allows the skin to clean, refine, smooth, replace and repair dry and damaged skin.

There are different forms of exfoliant and when our skin slows with age, we can improve our skin texture by gently removing top layers with skincare products ourselves. Doing this allows moisturisers and other skin treatments to penetrate deeper into the skin 25 to 80 % deeper.  Different exfoliants have different effects and different depths, so care must be taken when deciding which to use for desired benefits.

Exfoliants are divided into Physical or Chemical Physical = Scrub, Gomage (French for rub off), Microdermabrasion, Brushes, Scrub Pads Physical exfoliants buff the surface of the skin – a bit like sanding down rough wood; the skin surface is smoothed, and removes old hardened rough skin. When the old skin is removed the newly exposed skin feels moist soft and hydrated. Typical Scrubs are grains or crystals such as Salt, Sugar, Baking Soda and Ground Seeds or Nuts (Rolled Oats or Ground Apricot Kernels or Kiwifruit Seeds) to Pumice and Plastic beads.

Chemical = PEELS = AHA and BHA, Enzyme and TCA PEELS Chemical peels work by penetrating into the skin and dissolving the “glue” that holds the skin cells together onto the surface of the skin and then over the next 3 to 5 days the old skin falls off. Mild peels are gentle and not visible but deeper. Stronger peels can be more visible and obvious (like sunburnt skin).

Diamond Micro Dermabrasion – is a Physical Diamond Microdermabrasion is an electrical device used to clean, refine and smooth the skin surface. It is an alternative exfoliation to chemical peeling. A hand piece imbedded with tiny diamond particles is glided over your skin to buff the surface and suction is used to vacuum up the dead skin. This stimulates healthy reactions in the deeper layers of the skin. Microdermabrasion enhances the benefits of any topical applications of skin care applied immediately after.

Massage

A 10 to 20 minute relaxing massage using a cream or oil is performed on the face, neck and the shoulder area. Our hands move across your décolletage (upper chest), around your shoulders, up your neck and around your face to relax your muscles and stimulate your skin.  We can also massage with special masks.

Extractions

This is a process where clients with milia (blackheads and whiteheads) have them removed. A small lancet is used to open the milia and the contents of the Milia are gently squeezed out.

Mask

A mask (cream, gel or clay) is applied to the skin and allowed to remain on the skin for between 10 to 20 minutes. Most masks are applied after extractions, massage or exfoliation to either calm and balance the treated skin or to infuse active ingrediants in the mask substance. Depending on what procedure that has been done to the skin and what we think the skin needs determines the type of mask used and this will vary from time to time. They tend to be deep cleansing or moisturising or contain active ingredients (i.e. clays, enzymes, oils, water, vitamins, minerals etc)

Ultrasonic Infusion

Ultrasound is a small electrical machine with small hand held massage heads which use sound waves. The sound waves are in the ultrasonic range – vibrating or “waving’ very fast. The sound waves are directed in to the skin and underlying tissues and it is the vibration and heat that is generated that stimulates and penetrates below the surface of the skin to promote cellular renewal and repair, increase blood circulation, eliminate toxins, encourage lymphatic drainage, exfoliate dead skin cells and improve skin care product absorption and effectiveness. It stimulates fibroblasts and stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin.

Ultrasound is a great treatment for treating many skin concerns such as Soften Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Firm & Tone Sagging Skin, Help Decongest Puffy Eyes, and Improve Dark Circles under eyes, Fade Freckles & Age Spots, Heal Shallow Scars, Shrink Enlarged Pores, and Improve Skin Texture & Tone.

We use the ultrasonic machine to infuse our serums deeper into the skin. Many of our clients nick name this treatment as “ironing out the wrinkles.” A lot of clients just love the lovely warm sensation as we gently rub the surface of your skin.

Toner

Toner is a liquid which is applied to the skin to help remove any remaining product and to help restore the pH balance of the skin. The acidity of toner helps the skin fight bacteria.

Serums

A serum is a thick liquid water or oil like solution with active ingredients that penetrates easily and deeply into skin. They contain different actives to suit different skin problems. I.e. dry skin.

Moisturiser

This is a cream that helps retain and replace moisture in the skin surface. It is usually an emulsion of oil and water that helps to hydrate (add water) and protects the skin from evaporation. Moisturiser is a barrier to help protect the skin surface from pollutants and dehydrating.

Sunscreen

This is a cream used to help block the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. It also helps in preventing pigmentation and wrinkles. A sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays and can be used throughout the year. If outside for prolonged amounts of time it should also be reapplied several times during the day.

Examples of Facials

Mini Facials 30 minutes $60 - $65
Deep Cleanse Facials 45 minutes $65 - $80
Full Deluxe Facials 60 minutes $110
Chemical Peels 30 minutes $60 - $80 - $120

Mini Facials

A mini facial is a small facial, fitting in what can be done in 30 minutes – either a relaxing quick facial or a quick deep clean.

Many people with acne have weekly smaller 30 min extraction facials with calmative masks. We gradually extend the gap between facials as skin condition improves.

We gradually extend the gap between facials as skin condition improves.

  • Express or Mini Facial is a very basic facial.
  • Extraction Facials 30 minutes of more intense cleansing and concentrating on extractions of blackheads and a calming face mask.
  • Microdermabrasion Facials 30 minutes concentrating of the exfoliating effects of microdermabrasion and restorative hydrating serums afterwards – micro dermabrasion uses an electrical device to suction and scrub the surface of the skin removing the layers of dead dry skin.
  • Acne Facials and Treatments incorporate ingredients and procedures to deep clean the skin, remove Blackheads and Whiteheads (Milia) that clog the skin pores, and then encourage the healing process to begin and calm inflammation. We encourage clients with “problem” skin to have small Mini Facials on a frequent basis to achieve better and faster results. i.e. 2 small 30 minute facials twice a month is better than 1 large 60 minute facial once a month.

Deep Cleanse Facials 

As the name suggests, these facials will deep clean the facial skin.

Your therapist concentrates on cleaning steps. These may include double cleansing and chemical or enzyme peels to dissolve or soften the tough top layer of skin.

We skip the more pampering steps.

We spend more time during your facial performing extractions of blackheads and calming with masks.

Full Deluxe Facials

  • Revitalising 60 min Facials include Cleansing, Exfoliant, Massage, Mask, and Tone, Serums, Moisturiser, Sunscreen plus vitamins and Hydrating products. It is an hour of complete skin pampering. We try to fit all the steps into an hour to give your skin a thorough spoil.
  • Dehydrated Skin 60 min FacialsDehydrated Skin Facials incorporate ingredients that infuse the skin tissue with water and oil – such ingredients as glycerine, Hyaluronic acid, that saturate or retain water in the skin cells and emollients and oils that soften your skin and help to stop the evaporation of important skin moisture and the development of scaly skin.
  • Microdermabrasion Revitalising 60 min FacialsA 60 minute Facial incorporating the beneficial benefits of a 15 minute Diamond Microdermabrasion and a Revitalising Facial – giving skin a thorough deep exfoliation followed by a luxurious massage and then a rich Infusion of a combination of Vitamins A C E, CoQ10 serum, Anti-Oxidants and Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serums. Your skin will feel incredibly clean and smooth; and wonderfully plumped and hydrated – a great Spring Clean.
  • Pigmentation 60 min Facialsmay include Microdermabrasion or an AHA chemical peel and importantly Anti-Pigmentation products to slow or prevent the development of Hyper-Pigmentation plus vitamins and other hydrating products to improve the general health of your skin.
  • Anti-Aging 60 min Facialmay include any of the above treatment steps. A luxurious facial containing a big selection of ingredients, each to stimulate the regeneration of the skin cells using products rich in Anti – Oxidants, Peptides, Amino Acids and Powerful Vitamins to fight Free Radicals that are the major cause of Ageing and Hyperpigmentation. We can also incorporate AHA / BHA Peel, Microdermabrasion, Ultrasound Infusion and Targeted IPL Pulses to Specific Areas around the face (see below). We also recommend our Dermal Needling Treatment as a dramatic Anti-Aging Rejuvenating Procedure.
  • Targeted IPL Rejuvenation 60 min+ FacialThis Facial adds IPL Pulses to a Revitalising Facial Skin Rejuvenation can be achieved using the amazing IPL Light  – The Intense Pulsed Light flashes can be applied all over the face, neck and décolleté or just to specific areas of the face to encourage the stimulation of collagen regeneration and the improvement in the moisturisation of the skin. Fine lines, Roseacea (Redness, Chapped dry skin, Acneic skin condition) and Pigmentation are common concerns treated with IPL.

Special Note – Peels are often categorised as facials

Chemical Peels 30 minutes $60 - $80 - $120

  • A Peel is a mini Facial concentrating on the application of a chemical or solution to cause your skin to exfoliate at a faster than normal rate that results in a cleaner, clearer, smoother complexion.
  • Chemical Peels utilise the power of fruit / natural acids to encourage peeling or exfoliation of the top layers of the epidermis (skin). 
  • Peels are quick small procedures requiring approximately 30 minutes and can be incorporated into other facials. 
  • Simple peels can actually enhance the absorption of active ingredients applied after. 
  • We also specialise in a variety of different types and strengths of Peels.

Common Skin Treatment Acids include

  • AHA – Alpha Hydroxy Acids   BHA – Beta Hydroxy Acid
  • Glycolic Acid (AHA from Sugar Cane – Glucose)
  • Lactic Acid (AHA commonly found in yoghurt – dairy)
  • Malic Acid (AHA from Apples)
  • Tartaric Acid (AHA from Grapes)
  • Acetic Acid (AHA from vinegar)
  • Salicylic Acid (BHA from plants herbs)
  • Jessner’s Acids combine AHA’s Lactic Acid with BHA Salicylic Acid & Resorcinol
  • TCA = Tri-Chloro- Acetic Acid (Intensive layered Chemical Peel)
 
AHA or AHA/BHA Peel Light Peel $60
Enzyme Peel Light Peel $60
BHA Salicylic Layered Peel Medium Peel $80
Jessner Layered Peel Medium Peel $120
TCA Layered Peel Medium Peel $120

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS USED IN FACIALS

When we perform a facial or skin treatment we always carry out a quick skin analysis to determine what the skin requires to repair or stimulate improvement in its texture (smoothness vs. roughness), moisture content or colour (pigmentation) or the skin firmness.

We have a variety of products with various ingredients capable of treating all sorts of skin concerns.

Examples are:

  • Vitamins A, B 3, B 5 , C, E, F
  • Hyaluronic Acid – powerful humectant hydrator
  • Powerful Natural Antioxidants (anti-inflammatories) -Co Enzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • AHA and BHA = Fruit/ Natural acids – Glycolic acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, TCA (Tri Chloro Acetic Acid)
  • Anti-pigmentation ingredients – Liquorice extract, Kojic Acid, Mulberry Extract, Azelaic Acid, Arbutin, Niacinamide (Vit B3), Vit C, Hydro Resorcinol, (not Hydroquinone)
  • Emollients, clays, humectants, oils, Enzymes,
  • Peptides – Matrixyl 3000, Argireline

By understanding the properties of the active ingredients we use, either individually or in combination, Facials can be beneficial in the treatment of many skin concerns.

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Let us take you on a journey…after all you deserve it and the only permission you need is your own…

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