Save Face

We all believe that getting a facial is a great way to keep your skin healthy and glowing. But, does that still hold true? Tatiana Dias pores deeper

- Tatiana Dias

Bird poop, vampire blood, and snail slime—no, these aren’t ingredients in a gross horror film, but new-age beauty treatments that seem to tickle the fancy of many celebrities. Coming a long way, facials have gone from incorporating basic household ingredients to chemical peels, and have now become a go-to indulgence. Visiting a local salon for monthly grooming sessions has become common in many Indian households. According to a report by KPMG, the country’s beauty and wellness market is said to reach a whopping 80,370 crores by 2018. This only goes to show how much consumers are willing to spend on treatments for their hair and skin.

These days, skyrocketing pollution and stress levels tend to take a toll on our skin. And just like you’d detox your body every now and then, your skin too needs a thorough cleansing. A facial seems like the most rejuvenating and relaxing way to get back your natural radiance—but could it be causing more harm than good?

WHAT ARE FACIALS?

From the likes of Cleopatra to Kim Kardashian, a deep-cleansing facial has been the secret to glowing skin for centuries now—but, isn’t just a basic cleanse enough? “Our skin accumulates dead cells every day. Facials help get rid of dead skin, as well as tanning. They also hydrate the skin along with removing any impurities,” says Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, founder and medical director, ISAAC.

Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, director and consultant dermatologist, Skin Alive Dermatology and Aesthetics, elaborates, “Facials are skincare treatment procedures for the face that involve steam, exfoliation, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, and massages. They cleanse the skin deeply and help fight certain skin problems such as dryness and mild acne.”