How unpleasant is a facial supposed to be?
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free skin care · Thu Sep 01, 2011 12:21 pm

I guess I'm asking about the extractions process. There's this place in Vancouver which used to advertise cheap facials, so I remember going a few times and it was always sooo uncomfortable. The female techs weren't so bad... I got the impression that the pressure they were applying was necessary due to all my (former) congestion, although I was quite inflamed afterwards. But when the owner took over a couple of times , he was BRUTAL and I was literally in tears and worried that he'd break my nose during the process and that he'd caused bruising and damage by the end. I was so alarmed and confused... nice place (smelled so great!), the products seemed ok at the time... but I couldn't imagine someone interested in "healing" skin going about it in that manner. It seemed like he must have been angry at me (though I'm sure he wasn't & there was no reason to be) and because of the trauma at the time and the pain in my nose & cheeks afterwards I actually felt like I'd been beat up! There were some other uncomfortable issues with the staff anyway, so I stopped going soon after that and haven't gone for facials anywhere else since. They're a reputable place which has been in business for many years, so I just assumed this is what all facials are like, but I still wonder how people are able to tolerate it.

So my question - is pain to be expected during extractions? Is it normal to tear up when they do your nose? Is pressing to the point where your facial muscles underneath are bruised/painful for a couple of days considered common?

free skin care · Thu Sep 01, 2011 12:26 pm

I don't allow extractions. I think common sense tells me they make pores larger. why not just steam pores open and cleanse well?
Now if you have skin issues with acne and blackheads..I can see where you'd want those out.

But it does hurt..and pinch...and I don't need it or go for it. I love steam, masques, and facial massage for a relaxing wonderful experience.

free skin care · Thu Sep 01, 2011 2:39 pm

I get monthly facials, and the impression I have is that if done correctly you should not feel abused. My aesthetician first applies a lactic acid, then wipes it off, then turns on the steam for about 15 minutes - then the clogs are loose enough to where she applies only slight pressure to unclog - does not hurt. My skin is very sensitive & reddens easily but by the time she's done with me (massaging & masking) there is no sign of an extraction.

Thu Sep 01, 2011 6:31 pm

I have never had one of those, but I have read from others is that they often tend to be a little... how do we say this... UNCOMFORTABLE at moments.

But what you mentioned seems a little excessive.

free skin care · Thu Sep 01, 2011 6:55 pm

I don't recall any facials that were painful.
One lady I know she uses some kind of wand that has a electrical current to kill bacteria.

some people on here have a similar item they use at home.
it kind of zaps your skin a bit.

I just don't do facials as I do not enjoy them.
for anything like extractions I can do my own fine.
And usually if I have any congested looking skin- like usually on my nose I use a clay mask for at least 30 minutes to an hour and my pores look smaller and clean.

if your pores are really conjested the clay mask I have (badescu sulfur mask) many people say to use it as a spot tratment overnight and usually that works for me too.

but even the clay powder that is cheap is good to get rid of congested pores.

for me I find facials,getting nails done ect too stressful.
I already have tons of other appointments,dentist visits,other things that I just don't enjoy siting there.

The only things I like are getting a haircut and colour and a massage!

free skin care · Thu Sep 01, 2011 7:32 pm

I don't have any painful experience after facial treatment outside. I enjoy the facial massage only.

free skin care · Thu Sep 01, 2011 10:18 pm

depending on the product and the technique it can be very painful and what you described is normal for what i have received though very old school. nowadays you can have serums or creams that loosen some of the sebum so extractions are less painful. also going around that time of the month is more painful.

the only painless ones i ever had where Decleor where they put some serum first while steaming and then the extractions were easy.

Sun Sep 04, 2011 5:28 am

I used to get monthly facials and the extractions didn't hurt me at all. The place I went to uses stream and other products to open up the pores and soften the blackheads so it only takes gentle pressure the get them out.

free skin care · Sun Sep 04, 2011 10:20 am

You definitely shouldn't be bruised, I'd find a new esty. I don't get facials often because I do my own extractions (I do it better and way more gentle in my opinion), but when I do they steam the pores open like missfritz said, and its really not bad at all. I had one use a galvanic machine thingy to partially expel the junk in my pores.

Sun Sep 04, 2011 10:29 am

Quote:

There were some other uncomfortable issues with the staff anyway,

Now I am curious about that as well...

free skin care · Sun Sep 04, 2011 10:36 am

I had an extraction for the first time about 4 months ago; it was in an institution owned by a plastic surgeon, although it was an aesthetician who actually performed the extraction. And I wouldn't do it again ever. It did hurt, especially when she insisted in some areas, but for me the worst part is that is accentuated my blemishes and irritated my face to the point it looked like a pizza. I don't know if it was that particular aesthetician that didn't do a great job or if it's natural to look like that after a facial but I quite decided on this process: never again!

free skin care · Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:42 am

I used to get these kinds of facials -- the extraction kind, before I got rid of the gunk bothering my face.

I used to think they were going to bend my nose or break it with all the pushing they would do on it. This wasn't nice at all.

And afterward I'd be red. Then the pimples and things would start up all over again, so it was a vicious cycle and I couldn't get to any kind of clean, satisfying finish with it.

Let me give some suggested reading to the ladies, and gentlemen, suffering facial blemishes. Read up on liver, colon, kidney cleansing at places like curezone. And read up on Borax (yes, the laundry booster) at earthclinic.

free skin care · Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:46 am

It should never be uncomfortably painful, so you should definitely find a new spa to go to

free skin care · Sun Sep 04, 2011 11:48 pm

Pluto wrote:

I used to get these kinds of facials -- the extraction kind, before I got rid of the gunk bothering my face.

I used to think they were going to bend my nose or break it with all the pushing they would do on it. This wasn't nice at all.

And afterward I'd be red. Then the pimples and things would start up all over again, so it was a vicious cycle and I couldn't get to any kind of clean, satisfying finish with it.

Let me give some suggested reading to the ladies, and gentlemen, suffering facial blemishes. Read up on liver, colon, kidney cleansing at places like curezone. And read up on Borax (yes, the laundry booster) at earthclinic.

I know enough about health and you can't really cleanse your kidneys and liver that much on your own.
If you want to know if you have any kidney or liver issues you should go to your doctor and he can do a full blood analysis- you should have this done yearly anyways.

I actually have to have this done more often as I have very serious problems with my iron levels and also bleed very easily.
(and that really sucks).

if you happen to have some kind of kidney or liver deficiency your doctor should be able to reccomend some kind of treatment.

or maybe see a homeopathic person after your blood tests.

Mon Sep 05, 2011 4:55 am

Quote:

or maybe see a homeopathic person after your blood tests.

Oh please. Homeopathics has been proven to be as useful in medicine as christian miracle-workers.

Never ceases to amaze me how silly the western world can get, even in this day & age.

free skin care · Tue Sep 06, 2011 3:12 am

Never had a painful facial as I don't allow extractions as well! You never know how clean the tools are even though they insist they do sterilise the tools. Had been to a spa where they reuse the bedspread as well as the bathrobe Sad

Filthy. And the spa is in an upmarket mall using Decleor and the like, not some dingy alley.

Had bad massages before in Phuket though. The masseuse pulled on each of my fingers without enough lubrication and it felt like my skin was tearing! You know how they claim pain is part of the package so I bore with it only to realise after that it was poor technique and not some beneficial pain. Stupid me, I know.

Tue Sep 06, 2011 12:06 pm

I've always ended up in tears during extractions, even with different spas/estheticians. I've chosen to go the oil cleansing, acid exfoliation, and clay extraction method instead for maintenance.

I did have a DOT laser treatment and some photorejuvenation done maybe a year after my last facial. The doctor commented that I was much more sensitive to pain than average so it may be partially dependent on the individual. I found it interesting that my dentist has the opposite impression - he's thrilled that I can sit through a novocaine injection without flinching. So apparently body parts can even vary within the individual.

free skin care · Tue Sep 06, 2011 11:41 pm

Tri-foliant wrote:

Quote:

or maybe see a homeopathic person after your blood tests.

Oh please. Homeopathics has been proven to be as useful in medicine as christian miracle-workers.

Never ceases to amaze me how silly the western world can get, even in this day & age.

Well, I've never been to a homeopath. My aunt goes often and it is covered by her health insurance at work (from the school board)- so I think maybe they are helpful.

I know for me my issues are too complicated for any homeopathy.
But my aunt did seem to have some help for the issues she was dealing with.

free skin care · Wed Sep 07, 2011 1:25 am

Ottawa Shopper wrote:

Tri-foliant wrote:

Quote:

or maybe see a homeopathic person after your blood tests.

Oh please. Homeopathics has been proven to be as useful in medicine as christian miracle-workers.

Never ceases to amaze me how silly the western world can get, even in this day & age.

Well, I've never been to a homeopath. My aunt goes often and it is covered by her health insurance at work (from the school board)- so I think maybe they are helpful.

I know for me my issues are too complicated for any homeopathy.
But my aunt did seem to have some help for the issues she was dealing with.

So lucky to have it covered! I pay for it myself and I have had great results dealing with stress and emotions after a bad relationship. My dog also tried it after he was not able to walk for two weeks and everyone told me to put him down. After a week on a remedy he started to walk again and lived for another four months before the cancer got to him. So I guess he faked being paralyzed and faked walking again. He had a tumour in his rectum that got so big that he could not walk but I could tell in his eyes he was not ready to leave yet.

I also am using it on my dad who is terminally ill. I know it wont cure him but it has helped alot with his weakness and lack of interest in food as well as memory. He was not eating for weeks, just bits here and there and improved after his remedy.

Dont dismiss your issues as complicated until you have tried it. The longer you wait the more time it takes to deal with stuff as there are more layers built up. You have a great homeopathy clinic in Ottawa called Heilkunst. Check it out and they have student clinics.

free skin care · Sat Sep 10, 2011 11:06 am

I've known many people who've had seemingly magical success with homeopathy. I'm not sure how people can completely disregard an entire field of study & one used by millions around the world!
I haven't found it helpful for me personally, but I was told by a acupuncturist I tried recently that some body types are just resistant to these "gentler" means of treatment - and I may well be one. It was disappointing to hear, but he could still be wrong. *hopeful*

Anyway, thank you for your feedback everyone! Its not the case anymore, but I used to have (not the worst skin) but extremely stubborn congestion, so I'm inclined to think that a certain amount of force may have been necessary. Also, you may be right and preparatory products have probably improved since then.

However, it was so traumatic that I almost regretted bringing it up after I wrote here (hence my delay coming back to it). I remember crying out in pain during the treatments with the owner and he didn't stop, and being too upset to regain my full speaking voice as I paid my bill. I honestly felt like I'd been battered and abused for the days afterwards, and even kind of ashamed because I was so down on myself because of the condition of my skin, like I somehow deserved it. A truly awful experience. and I sincerely hope that other people (with temporary self-esteem issues?) aren't having the same experience there and enduring it.

The issues with the staff... nothing unprofessional or significant, just small things. I tipped really well, especially since it was already a good deal but I thought it rude that one of the aestheticians discussed with me how people don't tip enough (during our first session). And I think the receptionist was just a bit bitter in general and not having a pleasant life experience, so sometimes terse & scowling (before catching herself), which doesn't make people feel too comfortable when they're after a relaxing spa experience.

Deep breath! Happier days now.
And I may brave another pro facial somewhere else soon. Smile

Sat Sep 10, 2011 1:06 pm

Quote:

I'm not sure how people can completely disregard an entire field of study & one used by millions around the world!

Of course we can completely disregard anything that's been proven obtuse and goes against common sense.

James Randi has offered a million dollars to anyone who's been able to show even the vaguest improvement by anything using homeopathy. He's been offering this contest year after year.

EVERY clinical trial has failed in this "field".

Let me repeat this, EVERY trial has failed to show any curing benefit what-so-ever. It is a placeabo, nothing else.

Unfortunately, people still prefer to believe in this junk, just like reflexology, etc. today for the simple reason that there are millions of people in asia who still believe in this type of 'junk' as well. This does not mean Santaclaws is real though.

To see the REAL study into homeopathy, I suggest these links:

Good lecture by James:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWE1tH93G9U

Dawkins explains it decent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoUHDhPJdEs

free skin care · Tue Sep 13, 2011 7:48 am

Tri-foliant (I gather that's your company?), it sounds like you're not looking to discuss or explore with us here, but to instruct.

I've known reasonable people who've been ill, and then suddenly were not, and they only thing they did differently was seek homeopathic treatment. Some were "believers" and some were not. All I know is that somehow it worked for them. Would I advise someone to blow their life savings or avoid a doctor and treat a serious illness with homeopathy? No. Would I say its worth a shot for run of the mill ailments if they find it affordable? Sure.

This is a far-reaching forum where a lot of different schools of thought are happily tolerated & considered so please keep your comments less sarcastic and condescending. If you're looking for a more pointed debate on what's scientifically proven vs bs, try the Ageless threads, the harsher tone of some of those may be more up your alley.

Tue Sep 13, 2011 6:52 pm

LOL, no. Trifoliant is not my company. It is a product under Swisstec which is medical grade. Every dermatologist is quite familiar with the line.

I assure you, it has more credibility than homeopathy placebos, or the easter-buny for that matter.

Tue Sep 27, 2011 5:36 pm

I love extractions - its my favourite part of the facial. Some people think I'm odd...

When I get extractions around my nose, I tend to sneeze quite a bit. I find this area the most uncomfortable. You definitely should not be bruising - that is a big sign that you should be going elsewhere.

My lady cleans her tools with hospital grade cleansers and uses a new needle to puncture the pore for every facial.

free skin care · Tue Sep 27, 2011 7:42 pm

misspisces wrote:

I love extractions - its my favourite part of the facial. Some people think I'm odd...

When I get extractions around my nose, I tend to sneeze quite a bit. I find this area the most uncomfortable. You definitely should not be bruising - that is a big sign that you should be going elsewhere.

My lady cleans her tools with hospital grade cleansers and uses a new needle to puncture the pore for every facial.

You mean they actually pierce you skin with a needle?
And some people reuse those needles?
that does not sound good?

What is "hospital grade" cleansers?
many times I have had blood taken or other things and they clean with alcohol- same for tools. or else Iodine or another liquid that is clear and forget the name of.

I think some homeopathy can work.
I remember earlier this year I tried a homeopathic Arnica supplement for bruising and after 1 dose had a lot of problems.
the supplement thinned my blood too much,so when I went to have blood taken I was stuck holding my arm 1+ hour- which is NOT normal for me.
I don't see how I could have "faked" that reaction as you can't tell your blood to be thicker or thinner just like that.

I doubt I would go to an actual homeopath because it seems most formulas they use are with mixed ingredients and I always have problems with supplements that are with a lot of ingredients-there always seems to be something in the formula I can not or should not use.

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