Facial Definition & Meaning: What Does Facial Treatment Mean (Define Dictionary)

Do you suffer from acne? Sensitive skin?

Or maybe you just want to do everything in your power to get rid of those pesky lines and wrinkles?

The truth is, there are now thousands of procedures & products that can help treat, and in some cases, prevent the many skin-related issues that we try and rid ourselves of on a daily basis. 

One of these many procedures is the good old facial. Popular worldwide, this treatment option now comes in all shapes and sizes with new variations being designed on a yearly basis.

But, what is a facial? What does it do to our dermis? And can it really treat the various skin conditions, like acne and wrinkles, that ail us today?

Let’s take a closer look at the facial definition, where the term comes from, and most importantly, what it can do for you and your complexion. 

Definition of Facial

So, our word of the day is: facial. The dictionary definition of facial is simple. The English adjective refers to a beauty treatment that cleans and improves your skin tone and texture with the use of creams, serums, lotions, massage therapy, and in some cases, specific devices. 

But, the adjective facial shouldn't be confused with the English word facial expression or the word facial recognition, both of which have their individuals meanings in the dictionary. The adjective facial expression refers to a form of non-verbal communication. Examples of facial expressions include frowning, smiling, and squinting, just to name a few. You could use this term in a sentence such as: "his facial expression shows he is not impressed", for example.

Facial recognition technology, on the other hand, is a type of biometric software that scans the human face. It maps a person's facial features and stores the data it gathers as a faceprint. In short, it's a form of technology that is used to identify a person.

Our word of the day, facial, comes from the medieval Latin faciālis. It can be used in various ways but an example sentence would look something like this: "the facial I got last week has left me with a smooth and soft complexion".

While the English dictionary will give you various meanings of this adjective, it is actually a form of treatment that improves the condition and appearance of your complexion so that you can experience red carpet radiance that your makeup kit can’t give you!

What Is a Facial Good For?

Now that you know the definition of the English word facial, let's take a closer look at what this procedure can do. Well, you know a face facial can improve your complexion but does that apply to everyone?

In truth, the results depend entirely on your skin type and condition as well as the type of facial you get. Generally speaking, most facial treatments will provide you with a cleaner, smoother, more balanced, and hydrated dermis. Some also target specific concerns such as acne scars, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and more.

Something you can be sure of is that pretty much every single facial will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. They also all include a cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing process. Let’s delve a little deeper into the details...

What Can You Expect During a Facial?

As you now know, your facial will depend largely on the condition of your dermis and your individual beauty goals. Each facial treatment should be clearly explained so that you can make the best decision for your needs. However, if you’re still not sure, have a chat with your esthetician, dermatologist, or spa therapist. They’ll be able to tell you which treatment will suit you best. 

Generally, you can expect the following steps to be taken during your face facial:

Preparation 

Your esthetician or therapist will start by setting the mood for you to completely relax and indulge in a little ‘you’ time. Expect candles, essential oils, a cozy bathrobe, and a nice refreshment upon arrival. 

They’ll then cover your hair with a protective band and remove any skincare products on your face before they get started. 

Skincare Products 

Depending on your specific skin type, your therapist will start applying a variety of products to your face. They will apply a variety of products that cleanses, exfoliates, tones, and hydrates your dermis. They may also apply a face mask. 

Face masks are a great way to target various ailments. These masks come infused with different ingredients and penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis to leave you feeling rejuvenated in a matter of minutes. 

At Taut, we strongly believe in the power of a good face mask which is why we created our Taut Collagen Mask. Made with luxurious hydrolyzed marine collagen broken down into nano-sized molecules, as well as vitamin C, a co-factor of collagen, our mask is specifically formulated to target a dull-looking dermis. 

But, that’s not all! We’ve included a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid, a moisture magnet that hydrates and nourishes the dermis, and squalene from olives which helps restore your natural oil, leaving your face looking and feeling luminous and supple. 

A Face Massage 

The majority of facial treatments typically involve some form of massage. Aside from helping you achieve a deeper sense of relaxation, massage therapy can actually improve tone and texture. This form of manipulation stimulates the facial muscles, promotes blood circulation, and also reduces puffiness.

Equipment and Devices 

Potions, lotions, and a little massage therapy can work wonders on the face. But, sometimes, they’re just not enough! There are now a huge variety of devices that use different techniques to target specific ailments. 

A microdermabrasion facial provides a deep cleansing and a deeper level of exfoliation by blasting tiny crystals onto the dermis. A microcurrent facial improves muscle tone and circulation with low electrical current. And, an oxygen treatment pushes oxygen and serums into your dermis with the use of high-pressure jets.

These are just some examples of the types of facials you can expect to choose from. But, the opportunities are truly endless when it comes to these beauty procedures!

Who Can Get a Facial?

Facials can target a virtually endless list of concerns, no matter what age you are! While the verdict is still out on who can get this form of treatment, there is no right or wrong answer. Younger, clearer tones can benefit from treatments on special occasions to maintain a youthful and glowing dermis. 

Those above the age of 25 would benefit from treatments 1 or 2 times a month depending on the condition of their dermis. This is because these procedures can do everything from improving hormonal acne to reducing premature signs of aging. You may find they even kick blemishes and dullness to the curb!

Hormones can also cause other issues including unwanted facial hair. If you have unwanted facial hair, talk to your therapist about your options. While you can just pluck the hairs, they may suggest laser hair removal as a more permanent alternative.

In short, a treatment a month will help you maintain a flawless, younger-looking complexion while eliminating your skin woes and retaining your natural glow. 

What Are the Different Types of Treatments Available?

The list of different types of facial treatments is virtually endless. Some of these include:

Prescription

A prescription facial is no different from any other type of medical prescription. They are prescribed to you to target a specific concern you may have. This type of treatment typically involves an initial consultation with a qualified dermatologist who takes a closer look at the overall health of your dermis before choosing products and devices tailored to your individual needs. 

Balancing

A balancing facial is great for those with combination, acne-prone, or oily skin. Their predominant goal is to clear the dermis, removing impurities, and unblocking the pores before targeting overly oil areas to promote balance. 

Hydrating

As the name suggests, a hydrating facial hydrates the dermis. They’re best suited to those with dry skin and can also help those with a sporadically dehydrated dermis too. A popular hydrating treatment is the HydraFacial

Brightening

Suffering from dull-looking skin that’s lacking a little wanderlust? Brightening facials involve a deep exfoliation, buffing away dead cells to give your face that glow that you know and love. This deep exfoliation is combined with specialist creams that help remove dead skin cells, even out skin tone, and boost radiance.

Anti-Aging

Whether you suffer from age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, or have sun-damaged skin, an anti-aging facial can help restore your youthful glow. Anti-aging facials vary from one spa to the next, however, you can expect your therapist to use some form of massage technique to help lift and firm your face, restoring elasticity.

You may find they suggest you opt for a gentle peel as well as a hydrating cream or serum. These all help the dermis look and feel plumper. 

Looking for a natural botanical-based hydrating serum that promotes radiance, firmness, and clarity? Our Taut Intensive Recovery Face Serum may be just what you need! Formulated with seven botanical extracts packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this serum is designed to reinforce your dermis barrier while also repairing stressed and sun-damaged skin. 

Treatments for Sensitive Skin

Reactive skin can be a nuisance for many! Facials specifically designed for sensitive skin keep your reactions in mind, using only gentle skin care products. In fact, if you’ve been suffering from flareups and are not sure which ingredients are causing them, your therapist should be able to do a patch test before applying any products so that you don’t experience any reactions. 

These types of treatments don’t normally include harsh chemicals but rely on gentle exfoliates to avoid adverse reactions.

Things You Should Know Before You Go

Getting a facial is a relaxing experience that will make you feel like a million bucks. But, there may be some uncomfortable moments along the way! The first one is extractions. 

Extractions can cause some discomfort. Yes, it may be tempting to pick away at your pimples and blackheads from the comforts of your bathroom mirror but there is a reason this process should be left to the experts. DIY extractions can lead to scarring so no matter how tempting it is, leave this to your therapist!

Another thing you should know is that you may experience some redness. That’s right, not all treatments leave you with a beautiful glowing complexion from the get-go. Procedures that use treatments like chemical peels or those that require the use of machines can cause some short-term redness. If you have particularly bad acne, the extraction may also cause some redness and puffiness. 

Don’t worry, this only lasts about 24 hours! Within a couple of days of your treatment, you should start seeing some noticeable improvements in your overall skin health. 

Enhance Your Results With Taut!

A facial can help you achieve some incredible results but, did you know that the best way to maintain these results is with the right skincare routine? More importantly, did you know that your skincare routine shouldn’t be limited to the products you put on your face? 

That’s right, beauty truly does come from within and the products you ingest have just as much of an effect on your complexion as those you put on your face. That’s where the Taut Collagen Anti-Oxy Foxy Kit comes in!

Featuring our Taut Collagen Intense Transformation Program and Masquelier’s French Pine Bark Extract, this kit offers restorative properties combined with 3-way protection. Better yet, you’ll enjoy a healthy complexion while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Providing you with a 13,000mg dose of marine hydrolyzed collagen from wild-caught Red Snapper as well as an optimal dose of vitamin C, a nutrient that stimulates collagen production, our Premium Collagen Advanced promotes plump, supple, and luminous skin. 

Combined with hyaluronic acid, this delicious drink provides deep hydration and nourishment while also protecting your dermis and collagen from free radical damage with the help of grape seed extract. 

But, the protection doesn’t stop there! Masquelier’s French Pine Bark strengthens blood vessels, improves circulation, and minimizes the appearance of varicose veins while also protecting collagen fibers!

Got questions? Contact our team today and we’ll be happy to help!