HOLISTIC FACIALS

What is the difference between a holistic facial and a beauty facial?  For a holistic facial the therapist will blend essential oils for the individual client's skin type. These essential oils can then be added to a base cleanser and toner for the cleansing stage and to a carrier oil for a massage of the face, neck and upper shoulders. So the whole range of products used during the facial are tailored and naturally sourced for each person.  Rosewater and orange flower water etc can  also used to tone and refresh the skin after cleansing.
Generally a facial consists of a superficial cleanse, a deep cleanse, a toner, an exfoliator, a face mask and  a massage including pressure points. During a beauty facial  the therapist would use toner to remove the massage oil and then apply moisturising creams to the face and usually a separate one around the eye area. A holistic massage usually stops at the blended massage oil stage as this is then allowed to soak into the skin for maximum benefit of the blended oils to the skin.
Besides cleansing and moisturising the skin, a facial has many more benefits. It is probably one of the more  relaxing holistic treatments as problem areas such as tightness in the neck and shoulders are relieved during the massage. Circulation of blood to the skin is also boosted during the facial. Sinus problems and headaches can be relieved by using the pressure points on the face and scalp.  The scalp is also massaged during a facial, which can boost blood supply to the hair follicles.
Exfoliating is also very beneficial and the act of sloughing off the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin stimulates the cell renewal at a deeper level of the skin's structure creating a rejuvenating effect.
A holistic therapist would choose natural products for  the exfoliator and the face mask, such as oatmeal and clay. Products for the client to use at home are also made on request and a beauty regime is recommended depending on age and skin type.