Analysis

• Before any part of the facial cleansing process is started, your skin is analyzed. With the help of a bright light, the esthetician will check for blackheads, pimples and clogged pores.
  
  

First Cleansing

• A first cleansing is performed to clear the skin of surface dirt. Water is applied to your face and an appropriate cleanser is evenly distributed. Cotton pads or sponges are used to remove the cleanser until all traces are gone. Toner is applied with a cotton sponge to complete this portion of the cleansing process.
  
  

Exfoliation

• To remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and to allow for better access to the pores for the purpose of extraction of dried oils and debris, a mild exfoliating cleanser may be applied to the skin. Your skin is gently rubbed with the exfoliating cleanser and then it is washed off.
  
  

Steam and Massage

• Steam opens the pores, while massage brings dirt and debris to the surface of the skin. Massage also loosens the matter within the pores so that extraction is easy. Cold cream is applied so the esthetician's fingers can glide across your skin during the facial massage. After 15 to 20 minutes of massage, the cold cream is removed with warm, wet cotton pads. No toner is applied, as the alcohol in toner closes the pores and makes extraction difficult.
  
  

Extractions

• While the pores are still open, the esthetician will attempt to force the dirt and debris from the clogged pores by applying pressure to the area surrounding the clogged pore or blackhead. If pimples are present, cotton is wrapped around the index fingers and light pressure is applied to the area around the pimple to force out any pus. The esthetician may or may not use a lancet (a sterilized needle) to pierce the head of the pimple. A pimple should only be cleansed when it clearly has a white head on it.
  
  

Final Cleansing

• After all extractions are done, a cotton pad saturated with toner is used to cleanse the skin of any remaining dirt and debris.