Fine Lines

4 ASCP Fine Lines A S K E S T Y E M I L Y By Emily Morgan Associated Skin Care Professionals emorgan@ascpskincare.com It's All About You How to make sure a skin care treatment is completely comfortable I would love for my husband to come in for a facial, but he insists it's "too girly." What can I do to encourage him to try it out? A: As much as it may perplex and frustrate us as to why our male companions are so resistant to getting a power wash on their face (that's a manly term right?), they do have some legitimate concerns that you want to be aware of before dragging them by their ears to the spa. After all, he average male is not likely going to feel the most comfortable walking into a spa that is adorned in sparkles, fluffy pink pillows, and flowers. No one wants to walk into a place for the first time and immediately feel like a spectacle to be ogled. Check out salons in the area to see if there is one with a more gender-neutral vibe. Even better, find a location that offers male-specific services. You can also offer some basic education on how important it is to take care of your skin. Just as nutrition and working out are important for your physical health, receiving a professional facial is important for your skin's health. If your guy received a facial before and did not enjoy it (thought the extraction process was too painful, the chemical peel burned too badly, he was too hot, too cold), he is going to be resistant experiencing that again. But estheticians can customize the facial experience to be nothing but enjoyable. For example, if he doesn't like extractions, the estie can deep clean a different way. Doesn't like hot towels? Who needs them, anyway, right? Assure your husband that it's OK (and encouraged!) for him to tell his esthetician his concerns and what he likes (and does not like) during facial services. That way, his skin care services can be adjusted accordingly. Use these tips to help him be more receptive to the idea of getting a facial and increase the likeliness that he will take more steps to improve his overall skin health. I went in for my first facial about a month ago and the esthetician asked me to get undressed from the waist up and put on a smock. It felt a little weird to be that exposed for a face treatment. Is that normal? A: Yes. Everything about the situation is normal. While it is true that most of your facial treatments will be focused on the face, there are several steps of a facial that may include the neck and décolleté. For example, it's common to apply several products to the entire area (not just the face)—especially if significant signs of aging or acne are present. Aside from the treatments, asking you to change into alternative dressings also prevents excess product from getting onto your clothing. Your esthetician may also treat you to a relaxing massage. The basic Swedish facial massage, taught to nearly all estheticians, typically includes the neck, shoulders, décolleté, and even the upper back (and who doesn't want that?). That said, if you prefer to stay dressed in your regular clothes, it is absolutely OK. You don't have to explain yourself. Just let your esthetician know you prefer not to change, and they will adjust your treatment, as needed. Your esthetician may explain that they will need to leave out certain steps (i.e., massage, etc.), and you can simply inform them that you understand but would like to proceed without getting changed. Your esthetician will likely tuck a towel or two into the collar of your shirt to prevent water and products from touching your clothes, but then you are good to go for the rest of your treatment— and you will walk away feeling great! Have a question for Esty Emily? Email her at estyemily@ascpskincare.com.

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