Is a facial worth it?

[Anonymous]

I've never had one, but have one scheduled with a friend. I'm not too interested in it, really, and am feeling bad about spending the money on it. I have been working out a lot and could *really* use a massage, so I'd rather put the money toward that.

Aren't facials kind of pointless unless you plan to get them regularly?

[Anonymous]

In the same way that massages are pointless unless you get them regularly. THey feel awesome while they're doing it - very soothing and relaxing. And your face will probably feel great for a day. But then the effects wear off, just like every masseuse will tell you to go in at least once a month (yeah, right!)

Personally, I love facials. Even better than massages. BUt to each her own...If you want a massage, why not book that instead?

[Anonymous]

Sooo worth it!

Yes, it is better if you get them more often, but it can still do great things for your skin. Also they may give you free samples of some good products.

I would love to get one 3-4 times a year but realistically, once per year is what I aim for! For Christmas and birthdays my family knows the best thing to do for me is to get me a gift certificate for a facial or massage...love the pampering.

Have fun and enjoy!

[Anonymous]

I love when DH is in the mood for one too.

[Anonymous]

I usually see smoother skin/ smaller pores for around a week. It seems like having one every month would be fabulous for cumulative effect. When I was working, I did one 4x/ year. Now that I have no money of my own, I have no plans to do one at all.

[Anonymous]

Yes yes yes oh god yes.

Also, yes.

Did I mention yes?

Oftentimes I find it more relaxing than a massage. A good day spa will give you aromatherapy, soft music and lighting, and soothing neck and hand massage as part of a complete facial. The pore cleansing and toning can't be beat. You look and feel younger and healthier, and it gets the city grime out of your face.

Only bummer is when they try to sell you products. These are ALWAYS expensive and you really don't want them until you've seen how your face reacted anyway.

Live it up; you won't regret it.

[Anonymous]

I am going to go against popular opinion and say get the massage instead of the facial. Personally I don't like facials-- I'm not a big fan of people touching my face or peering into every flaw on my face, and often after a facial my face will break out from all of the "attention." Plus sometimes you get the over-eager masseuse who will want to pick at your pores/blackheads/etc. even when you ask them not to (this digging around always causes me to break out). I have yet to see any major improvement post-facial.

That said, I LOVE a good massage. And a good massage will include a rubdown of one's head/face/neck area (which is the only part of the facial I ever enjoyed).

[Anonymous]

I agree with 10:40. Of course, if you like facials and find them relaxing, you should go ahead and get one. IMO they don't improve the skin - if that's what you're looking for, go with prescription retinoids (like Retin-A or similar), sunscreen every day, and a good vitamin C serum.

I say go for the massage, but I'm biased because that would be my preference too!

[Anonymous]

I was skeptical about a facial being worth it too, but when I got a gift card for one and got it done... I was really surprised. I had no idea that it could make my face look so clear and get rid of blackheads (I didn't even know they were blackheads-I assumed my nose had large pores) and make my face feel so smooth and radiant. It was wonderful, and even after months, the pores on my nose look a lot smaller and there are a few blackheads, but much less than before.

[Anonymous]

I maybe be in the minority, and maybe it is because I have only had 2 facials...
I have pretty nice skin, and no blackheads, so I didn't think it was worth it at all. Even the person doing is said something like OMG, your pores are so small. They didn't "do" too much to me, and I didn't see any change. So, maybe it depends on your skin. Or maybe I didn't have a "good" facial--but both were part of packages from nice salons...
??

[Anonymous]

If you don't mind steam close to your face (to open pores) and someone extracting blackheads from your skin (this can be a bit painful), there really is no reason not to get a facial. Of course, it would be best if it was something you could do regularly, but if you find it relaxing, it can be a nice way to clean out your skin.

[Anonymous]

I'd opt for a massage - get what you want.

[Anonymous]

I agree with 10:40. Get the massage!

[Anonymous]

Oh god I LOVE facials. So relaxing and there are massage elements to it (at least the good ones): neck, scalp, shoulders, hands. You look so refreshed afterwards. I prefer the facials to the massages (though it is close b/c both are fab).

But of course get what you prefer.

[Anonymous]

I prefer a light chemical peel and then a facial. The chemical peel removes a layer of skin and then the facial cleanses and removes ALL of the blackheads. It also removes discoloration. It really does wonders. I literally have a hollywood red carpet glow afterwards.

I emphasize a light peel. You can do stronger ones that are like mini facelifts, but I'm only 31 and hope not to need the stronger one for 14yrs.