Venues offering Facial

A facial (also called skin care or face care) is a professional treatment that begins with an assessment of skin type and continues through cleansing, exfoliation, steam, extraction, mask, serum and moisturising steps. The content of the steps and the products used vary with skin type: different programmes are used for oily, dry, combination, sensitive and mature skin.

In a spa setting, a facial is often booked on the same visit as a hammam, sauna or massage. Most of the listed venues are hotel spas and day spas in Istanbul, particularly in Beşiktaş; there are also facilities offering facials in Ankara, Antalya and Muğla.

A facial step by step

A facial is done lying on your back in a treatment chair or on a bed. Your hair is held back with a band; if the neck and décolletage are also being treated, you may be asked to undress your upper body and cover yourself with a towel. A typical session runs in this order:

1. Make-up removal and skin analysis: the therapist assesses your skin type, sensitivities and concerns.
2. Deep cleansing and exfoliation: dead cells are removed with a mechanical (granular) or enzymatic product.
3. Steam: the skin is softened to prepare it for cleansing.
4. Extraction: blackheads are cleared if needed; this step may be skipped for sensitive skin.
5. Mask: a soothing, moisturising or targeted mask is applied; in most programmes the face, neck and décolletage are also massaged at this stage.
6. The treatment is finished with serum, eye-area care, moisturiser and sunscreen.

If a product causes a burning or stinging sensation during the treatment, tell the therapist straight away; the product can be changed or that step skipped.

Duration and frequency

A facial takes 45-75 minutes; basic programmes are at the shorter end, while those with massage and an extra mask are at the longer end. Because of the skin's renewal cycle, having one every 4-6 weeks is recommended; more frequent treatment, especially treatment that includes exfoliation, can weaken the skin's barrier. For intensive programmes aimed at a specific concern, the therapist decides the interval and number of sessions according to how your skin responds.

Aftercare and realistic expectations

Straight after a facial the skin looks cleaner, softer and more hydrated. This effect is not permanent; it is maintained with a regular routine at home. A single session should not be expected to remove structural problems such as wrinkles, pigmentation marks or acne scars. The skin may be red for a few hours; this is normal. It is recommended not to wear make-up on the day of the treatment, to protect the skin from the sun for 24-48 hours and to stop using exfoliating and retinol products for a few days. If extraction was done, temporary redness and small scabs may appear.

Who should postpone, and when to see a dermatologist

A facial is a cosmetic treatment, not a dermatology service. For cystic acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, suspicious moles and lesions that do not heal, see a dermatologist. If you are taking, or have recently taken, a treatment such as isotretinoin (Roaccutane), treatments involving exfoliation and extraction are inadvisable; consult your doctor.

The treatment is postponed in cases of active herpes (cold sores), sunburn, open wounds, active inflamed acne and recent cosmetic procedures. Retinoids and some acid-containing products are not used during pregnancy, so if you are pregnant, mention it when making your appointment. Tell them if you are allergic to any of the products used; a patch test may be requested for sensitive skin.

Facials, body treatments and body scrubs

A facial covers only the face, neck and décolletage. A body treatment applies a similar approach to the body, bringing together exfoliation, mask, massage and moisturising steps. A body scrub, on the other hand, focuses on a single step: removing dead skin with a granular mixture. Because facial skin is thinner and more sensitive than the skin of the body, the coarse-grained mixtures used on the body are not applied to the face. Before a wedding, a facial is often part of bridal packages; to allow for possible redness and scabbing, it is recommended to schedule it at least a week before the wedding.

What affects the price, and what to ask when booking

The price of a facial is determined by the length of the session, the brand and ingredients of the products used, device support such as ultrasound or LED, and whether steps such as extraction, an extra mask and massage are included. At hotel spas and day spas, whether the treatment includes use of the wet area also affects the cost; packages taken with a hammam are priced differently from services booked separately. Details are in the guide to what determines spa prices. When booking, you could ask:

• Is a skin analysis done before the treatment, and is the programme chosen according to skin type?
• What brands and ingredients are used; can a patch test be done?
• Are extraction, mask and massage included in the treatment?
• Who carries out the treatment, and what training do they have?
• Is the treatment offered together with use of the hammam, sauna or pool?