What Is an Anti-Aging Facial?

An anti-aging facial is very similar to a basic facial, but the ingredients specifically target the visible signs of aging, repair the damage that can make skin look older, and promote a more youthful appearance. One of the major goals of most facials of this type is to stimulate collagen production, which will make the skin look healthy and firm, and will decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Someone can have an anti-aging facial professionally done at a beauty salon or spa, or she can give herself the facial at home. While there are many anti-aging skin products available commercially, many prefer using homemade facials made using a few basic ingredients found in a grocery store or drugstore.

A professional anti-aging facial will involve many steps, and can take much longer than a facial done at home. The first thing an esthetician, or skincare specialist, will do is study the skin closely and evaluate the specific issues the client is dealing with, such as wrinkles, dry skin and age spots. Next, the skin is usually exfoliated to remove dead skin cells, unclogs pores and helps to stimulates collagen production. After a facial message to stimulate the skin, an anti-aging facial mask is applied. Finally, the treatment is concluded with the application of various anti-aging skin care products, including specially formulated toners and moisturizers.

Doing an anti-aging facial at home costs less than having it done at a spa or salon, but some feel at-home facials aren’t as effective. The quickest and easiest way to do an at-home facial is to buy the facial commercially. Many people prefer an at-home facial so they can choose ingredients that will target their specific skincare needs. One of the disadvantages of homemade facials is that they don’t contain the preservatives many commercial products do, and any facial that hasn’t been used will have to be discarded.

It is possible to make an effective homemade facial using ingredients found at any grocery store as long as one knows the effect each ingredient will have. For example, egg whites help to tighten the skin, while whole eggs nourish the skin and help prevent wrinkles. Bananas and yogurt help to hydrate and moisturize the skin, while honey makes the skin better able to retain moisture. Essential oils, some of which can be found in many drugstores, also make good anti-aging facial ingredients. Fennel oil can smooth wrinkles, while borage oil helps to prevent them.