Whether you're choosing a facial at an upscale resort spa or your neighborhood day spa, the choice is typically based on three elements: the experience and outcome; the products used on the skin; and the results afterward. Many people choose a facial treatment because it's a perceived indulgence and provides relaxation - something we can't get at home. And most choose a facial because they want to achieve brighter, healthier looking skin.

Difficulty: Moderate

Step One

The fact that there are so many different types of facials on the market makes it difficult to choose the right one for you. Often, different spas and brands give different names to the same or similar facials. In most cases, these treatments will make the same promises such as rejuvenate, refresh, rehydrate, revitalize, relax, renew, regenerate, and restore - to name a few. Words like "detoxify," "soothe," and "nourish" are also often promised outcomes to a facial.

Step Two

The bottom line is that you are seeking a treatment for your face that will improve the tone and health of the skin. Hopefully, your experience will leave you feeling more beautiful, relaxed and refreshed as well. In the end, all facials should render your skin cleaner, clearer, and softer.

Step Three

Regardless of the facial you choose, a facial treatment should include the basics of cleansing, toning and moisturizing. These are achieved through the use of creams, mineral essential masks, serums, tonics, and oils. What differentiates various facials from one another is how and how much of these products are applied.

Step Four

For those whose skin is dirty and clogged, choose a facial which offer deep cleansing. For instance, look treatments that offer exfoliating, heat, a deep cleansing mask; blackhead-removal, and oxygen jets. Other terms associated with this type of treatment include detox, refresh, revitalise, hydrogen, oxygen or ozone, and enzyme peel.

Step Five

If your skin is sensitive and sore; sallow or blotchy with breakouts, consider a facial which will soothe and balance it for an even skin tone. Exfoliation (to even out skin tone) and a moisturizing mask are two elements of a facial to balance skin tone. Soothing, sensitive, brightening, relieving, revitalise, regenerative, enzyme peel, and multi-vitamin are other terms associated with this facial.

Step Six

Mature women may discover their skin is wrinkly and drained. If you are seeking a facial that will make skin appear younger, lift and plump, then find a facial that features rich creams and a moisturizing mask. Facials that are also geared towards nourishing, hydrating and restoring are ideal for skin that is dry and losing its elasticity. Also, for those who want to look younger, choose facials that utilize collagen-based products, pressure point massage and cathiodermie (electric currents). Other treatments aimed at producing younger looking skin include anti-aging, age-defying, enzyme peel, anti-wrinkles, and electro-stimulation.

Step Seven

If you want to prevent skin problems, facials are also ideal for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. This can be achieved through any of the aforementioned facials, depending on skin type and need. Some women choose facials described as the mini-facial, express facial, and prescription facial.