It happens to the best of us - we wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and immediately notice the emergence of new wrinkles or sun damage that seemingly popped up overnight. As fast as we can, we jump on our computers and immediately start scouring the internet for the best possible remedies for aging but are unsure of what will actually work.

Our advice: skip the stress and make an appointment with a skin care expert like a dermatologist or esthetician who can offer you proper guidance. Before any facial treatment, an expert will take time to evaluate your skin and choose products and procedures best suited for you. Without proper advice, you may end up wasting money buying the “latest and greatest” products that aren't worth the hype. Below are five skin-glowing benefits of treating your visage to regular professional facials.

1. Slows Down the Aging Process

Prevent premature aging by treating your skin (and body in general) with tender loving care. This means sticking to a healthy diet full of antioxidants, having a personalized skin care regimen, wearing sunscreen and incorporating regular professional facials into your schedule.

As we age, collagen becomes more prone to breaking down and its production diminishes. This results in a loss of elasticity and the appearance of aging. Taking action to prevent the loss of this protein is essential to delay these effects. Professional facial treatments like chemical peels, face packs, masks, serums and creams enriched with botanical extracts may help prevent degradation and some may even stimulate the production of collagen by reaching deeper layers of your skin (look for ingredients like Retinol, aka vitamin A). Ask your esthetician which will be most beneficial for you. 

2. Exfoliates Skin

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells from your skin’s surface. When cells die and pile up, your skin can become rough and dry. While you can exfoliate your skin using a scrub at home, a professional facial may result in better skin-brightening results. The use of high-quality chemical peels thoroughly cleanses the skin’s surface, revealing a healthy and glowing layer of skin.

3. Improves Circulation

Improved circulation may result in a more youthful appearance by making anti-inflammatory cells (white blood cells), and oxygen-rich red blood cells more available to your skins healing/re-building processes.

4. Detoxifies Skin

Exposure to environmental toxicants is inevitable. Unfortunately, these chemicals can wreak havoc on your skin by clogging pores and increasing the production of tissue-damaging free radicals. Regular professional facials along with a consistent skin care regimen can help mitigate the effects of environmental exposures. Therapists use ingredients like antioxidant-rich creams, sea salt, herbal extracts, and oils to protect and give you more radiant looking skin. 

How Often Should You Get a Facial?

Skin Type:If you have oily skin that’s prone to acne and breakouts, try a facial treatment every two weeks to calm down the skin. And in the case of combination, dry, or normal skin, once every month is sufficient.

Skin Condition:Do you have blackheads or dull skin? Acne and hyperpigmentation? The frequency of your facial treatments depends on the problem you have.

Skin Care Goals:If you want beautiful, younger looking skin for a lifetime or if you have concerns about your skin's appearance, you should follow the facial routine suggested by your esthetician religiously. During your mid-twenties is a great time to start a regular professional skincare routine.

Budget:If you have a tight budget, try getting a facial done quarterly.

Precautionary Measures to Take 

• Go to a trusted esthetician or dermatologist for your facial. Professional knowledge of skin types, skin issues, treatments, and products is of utmost importance. Don’t trust just anyone with your chemical peel.
• Always talk to your provider and inform him/her if you have any product allergies. If you are taking medication or using any topical solutions, make sure to consult a doctor and inform your esthetician before applying any other product to your face.
• If you are pregnant or if any particular ingredient is not suitable for you, inform the esthetician immediately.
• Do not undergo a facial procedure if you have bruises, cuts, or burns on your face. Wait for them to heal first.
• Avoid going out in the sun just after getting a facial. Make sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and/or an umbrella for at least a week following your facial.

Lori Vargas, Spa Vargas Wellness founder, entrepreneur, spa consultant, mother, Ironman triathlete

Lori Vargas founded Spa Vargas Wellness in 2001 and currently has 3 locations in the Chicagoland area. Since then, she founded Vargas Consulting with projects that include Hilton, Sheraton, Wyndham, and Key Lime Cove, and in 2009, the International Massage and Spa Academy. Based on her experience in the spa industry, the curriculum focuses on educating students to become business minded nurturing massage therapists. As a mother of two boys, Lori strives to create a balanced life and is always in the pursuit of living in the present. “My children have become my inspiration, and I am grateful to them for the happiness they have brought to my life. Of course, we have a dog, two cats, two parakeets and three fish, so our home is not a tranquil environment!