the benefits of

The skin is a key indicator of stress, dehydration and poor health. Elements that can affect the quality of skin include diet, pollution, sun exposure and how it is looked after. It is the largest organ of the body and is critical for protection, temperature regulation and removal of waste through sweating. 

The skin begins the ageing process at the point where the body stops growing - the age of 17 for women, and 19 for men. The production of sebum - the body’s natural moisturiser - is vital for keeping skin supple and hydrated, however the body produces less as it ages. The skin’s natural barrier is made up of dead skin cells, sweat and sebum, and is both bactericidal and fungicidal.

A surface layer of skin is shed every 5 days, and every four weeks the skin produces a whole new epidermis (outer layer). The epidermis is the part of the skin most impacted by the application of skincare products and this is where the most notable difference will be. 

This blog explores the various elements of a facial treatment and the benefits of each. We also talk a bit about the products we use and our recommendations for a simple skincare routine. 

Cleansing

Facials will incorporate two cleansers; the first is known as a ‘superficial cleanse’, which is oil-based to dissolve grease and surface level make-up from the skin. The second cleanse is water-based and will form a deeper cleanse to clear away any other remaining debris from the surface of the skin. 

Toning

The purpose of a toner is to cool and tighten the skin, closing the pores and restoring the natural acidic balance of the skin. This stage will also remove any traces of cleanser to make the skin prepped for the next stage of the treatment.

Exfoliating

This stage is crucial for removing dead skin cells and rejuvenating the skin, making it a better canvas for absorbing the upcoming products, like masks and massage oils. Fresh new skin cells are exposed, oxygen is encouraged to the surface of the skin, and hyperpigmentation can be improved. 

Steaming

This section involves a steam vapour unit being directed at the face from about a forearm distance away. Steaming opens up pores, increases blood and lymphatic circulation and relaxes facial muscles. 

Masks

Masks offer a variety of benefits depending on the skin concern being treated. For example, clay-based masks are often used to balance combination skin types, and soothing gel-based masks are better for skin with sensitivity. Masks are left to set for around 10 minutes, and only a thin layer should be used as anything in addition to this will not absorb into the skin and leads to waste of product.

Massaging

In longer facial treatments (60 mins+), massage is incorporated to further shed dead skin cells, encourage blood flow to the muscles, boost lymphatic drainage and maintain the skin’s natural barrier by stimulating sebum. This part of the treatment is incredibly relaxing as it also includes a neck and shoulder massage, melting away tension from these areas. Various massage strokes are used across the face to target the jaw muscles, eye area, cheekbones and the forehead.

Moisturising

Moisturisers mimic sebum, adding oil to the skin to retain hydration and keep it soft and supple. Moisturising also protects the skin from external damage, with many now included SPF UV filters. Depending on the skin type, either a moisture lotion or moisture cream will be used. Lotions consist of mostly water and a small amount of oil, making them suitable for oily skin and dehydrated skin. Creams contain a higher percentage of oil and are better suited for mature and dry skin types. 

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Aromatherapy ingredients

ethos studio is proud to use Eve Taylor products, a brand renowned for its quality aromatherapy products. The majority of facial treatments - except hypersensitive and pregnant clients - will include products infused with essential oils for an experience that’s not only excellent for skin, but one that is wonderful for the senses too. 

For normal/combination skin types, we use products with basil, jasmine and lavender. 

For dry and sensitive skin, you can expect ingredients such as eucalyptus, geranium and lavender.

How often should you get a facial treatment?

As we mentioned earlier in this blog, the skin of the face renews every four weeks, so we recommend treating yourself to a monthly facial.

What is the minimum routine needed to look after my skin?

Looking after your skin should always be about protecting the natural skin barrier - that combination of sebum, sweat and skin cells we talked about earlier - and so your daily routine doesn’t need to be anything complicated! 

Our recommendation is always simply:

• Cleanse each day in the evening - double cleansing is only needed if you have been wearing make-up 

• Tone

• Use a moisturiser suitable for your skin type 

• Exfoliate one-two times per week 

• Use a mask suitable for your skin type once per week 

• In the morning, cleanse skin with water only 

• Use eye cream or gel every day to protect the delicate eye area and prevent signs of ageing

• Wear SPF every day 

• Use a nourishing lip balm, ideally with SPF, as our lips do not have the natural moisturising barrier the rest of our skin does and so need additional protection to stay hydrated 

Beyond your skincare routine, for maximum skin health:

• Avoid smoking - this rapidly speeds up the ageing process!

• Drink plenty of water

• Incorporate lots of varieties of fruit and veg into your diet 

• Maintain a good exercise routine

For more details on our facial treatments, head over to the treatment menu.