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Super Contributor
Posts: 350
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

If you've had a Professional Spa Facial, was your experience like mine? A facial in the dark??

Hello!

I've only had 3 professional spa facials over the years because I'm super picky about what skincare touches my face and I like to purchase treatment products/devices and do them at home.

I recently went for a spa facial, however, and my experience was very different from my previous 2. It has been a number of years though since I've gone somewhere for a facial so I'm curious what your experiences have been.

I went to what is perceived as the premier salon & spa in my area and had a strange experience imo! The facialist 1st turned on the bright light with large magnifying glass that she looked through to examine my skin. She did this for about 2 minutes and then turned the light off. There was a battery powered fake candle turned on in the room but other than that no light for the entire facial! It was basically in the dark. {#emotions_dlg.confused1} She did ask me about my skin before she selected the products she was going to use.

The facialist applied maybe 7 or so products, 1 right after the other, and never told me what she was applying. So, I did ask her what she was using. I left completely underwhelmed with how my skin looked. None of the products did anything noticeable & they all felt like creams or lotions gently applied one right after the other. I felt like it looked better before the facial.

I've never had a facial basically in the dark! I guess if I'm going to pay for a facial I want someone examining every single one of my pores with the light & magnifying glass the entire time!!

What have your facial experiences been like? Was mine unusual?

Thanks! Smiley Happy

Frequent Contributor
Posts: 111
Registered: ‎10-14-2014

Re: If you've had a Professional Spa Facial, was your experience like mine? A facial in the dark??

Hi there! My facial that I got a few weeks ago sounds about like yours and I won't go back. She did not even know what rosacea is. I could not believe it!! I had to explain it. When I called for the appointment they said that she's very good and will apply cooling products,all natural. It didn't irritate my skin but it certainly didn't do much or even feel that good. And yes it was pretty dark in the room. Next time I will go back to dermatologist as it was about the same price and a much better facial!! Live and learn as the saying goes!!
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 111
Registered: ‎10-14-2014

Re: If you've had a Professional Spa Facial, was your experience like mine? A facial in the dark??

Hi there! My facial that I got a few weeks ago sounds about like yours and I won't go back. She did not even know what rosacea is. I could not believe it!! I had to explain it. When I called for the appointment they said that she's very good and will apply cooling products,all natural. It didn't irritate my skin but it certainly didn't do much or even feel that good. And yes it was pretty dark in the room. Next time I will go back to dermatologist as it was about the same price and a much better facial!! Live and learn as the saying goes!!
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 111
Registered: ‎10-14-2014

Re: If you've had a Professional Spa Facial, was your experience like mine? A facial in the dark??

SORRY-- double post!
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,454
Registered: ‎01-13-2013

Re: If you've had a Professional Spa Facial, was your experience like mine? A facial in the dark??

That's rather strange, to say the least. When the light went out, I would be questioning what was fixing to happen!

We just got back from my daughter having microdermabrasion, but it was performed with lights on. {#emotions_dlg.w00t}

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,415
Registered: ‎11-25-2011

Re: If you've had a Professional Spa Facial, was your experience like mine? A facial in the dark??

Giggle....I would love to see Brewhaha weigh in on this...!

Super Contributor
Posts: 958
Registered: ‎02-06-2014

Re: If you've had a Professional Spa Facial, was your experience like mine? A facial in the dark??

love to see that as well.

Super Contributor
Posts: 358
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: If you've had a Professional Spa Facial, was your experience like mine? A facial in the dark??

You experience sounds like most facials I've had at spas and vacation resorts. I don't think it's meant to be a medically therapeutic treatment, but rather a pampering experience.

For every facial I have had, I have disrobed as for a massage and situated myself under the linens/blanket on the treatment table. When the practitioner returns she generally spends a few minutes examining the skin under a very bright light and asking me about my skin. Then the light is turned off, a steam generator is positioned near the face and in a dim (but not totally dark environment, about the same as for a massage) the facial takes place.

I like the relaxing effect; every facial I"ve had includes massage of arms & shoulders and product on decolletage, hands, elbows. I tend not to talk much and prefer if the therapist is quiet as well. Sometimes they will leave the room briefly if a product needs to sit on the skin for any length of time.

Works for me!

Super Contributor
Posts: 340
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: If you've had a Professional Spa Facial, was your experience like mine? A facial in the dark??

Ive had about 3 facials at the day spa. I didn't look any different. She turned the lights down, but it wasn't dark. Its nice for relaxing, but for results, I rather go to a dermatologist and get a laser or a deep exfoliation.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,000
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: If you've had a Professional Spa Facial, was your experience like mine? A facial in the dark??

On 12/18/2014 Cinder63 said:

You experience sounds like most facials I've had at spas and vacation resorts. I don't think it's meant to be a medically therapeutic treatment, but rather a pampering experience.

For every facial I have had, I have disrobed as for a massage and situated myself under the linens/blanket on the treatment table. When the practitioner returns she generally spends a few minutes examining the skin under a very bright light and asking me about my skin. Then the light is turned off, a steam generator is positioned near the face and in a dim (but not totally dark environment, about the same as for a massage) the facial takes place.

I like the relaxing effect; every facial I"ve had includes massage of arms & shoulders and product on decolletage, hands, elbows. I tend not to talk much and prefer if the therapist is quiet as well. Sometimes they will leave the room briefly if a product needs to sit on the skin for any length of time.

Works for me!

My experiences have been pretty similar to yours. I will say afterwards my skin looks very clear, smooth, and hydrated. I think the relaxing effect is one of the real benefits of having a facial.