Put Your Best Face Forward

Learn why facials are an essential part of your healthy lifestyle

Whether it's a rewarding sunrise hike, mastering a new sushi recipe or curling up with a great new read, it feels good to take time for nurturing activities that help us recharge and reconnect. Stress-relieving spa treatments are other excellent ways to enhance your well-being, and the good news is you should begin to do it more often - to better your health.

While you might think there isn't enough time for regular spa treatments, Howard Murad, M.D., founder of Murad Inc., says you should schedule facials just like you do regular exercise or wellness exams.

"Facials should not be considered a luxury; they have necessary health benefits," he says. "Not to
mention, the obvious benefit of facials is that you are able to relax and take time for yourself. That's critical to your overall health."

How It Works

It's important you practice good skincare at home, but a facial isn't the same. What is different from your day-to-day regimen is that during a facial your skin is bathed in higher concentrations of powerful vitamins and antioxidants. Your skin needs these regularly.

"For example, compared to your treatment product at home, during the facial those ingredients are two to three times as strong. And they are able to penetrate better because your skin is softened," says Dr. Murad.

Making Time

With all your daily obligations, meetings and responsibilities, it might seem difficult to pack another appointment into your month. But your skin needs it.

"People generally associate facials with pampering or special occasions," says Dr. Murad. "But
we need to change that way of thinking. Begin associating facials with health instead."

In addition to the obvious skin benefits, spa facials offer total body benefits. "We have to understand that the entire body is connected. Treating your face and the healing power of touch affect every organ and every system in your body," Dr. Murad says.

The Great Outdoors

Every day you are exposed to elements in the environment that wreak havoc on your
complexion. "Regular facials cleanse and treat the skin to maximize your barrier function. Without that protection, you are more susceptible to inflammatory damage," Dr. Murad says.

At a Massage Envy Spa, you can request a specific facial called the Environmental Shield Vitamin C
Infusion Facial Treatment, which reduces signs of aging and helps protect your skin from outside
elements, such as pollution, sunlight and wind, and everyday stress.

Maximize Your Experience

"Prior to your facial, make healthy lifestyle choices such as eating fruits and vegetables, exercising and getting plenty of sleep. You'll be able to reap more benefits of your facial," says Dr. Murad.

When you arrive for your appointment, be prepared to communicate with your esthetician about your most pressing skin concern. Whether it's wrinkles, acne, sun damage or simply stress, your esthetician can recommend the best facial for you.

Make the most of your spa experience by scheduling a massage before your facial so you can enjoy
head-to-toe relaxation. And as soon as you step into Massage Envy, put your stressors aside and forget your to-do list.

Remember that facials are just one element of your healthy lifestyle. "You need to take time to
go spend time with friends, meditate, take a class you've been excited for but have been putting off - anything that brings you joy and happiness. These things will fill you with deep satisfaction and a passion for life that will keep you not only looking but feeling younger."

-By Julie Wlodychak