The Truth About Facials

There is nothing that annoys me more (ok, maybe not nothing) than the suggestion that someone should get a facial as a means of relaxation or pampering. The point of a real facial people is not to be pampered, not to be relaxed, not to indulge. The point of a real facial is to clean out your gunk filled pores (aka extractions)! A true cleaning of pores involves serious, oft times excruciating, but necessary pain. (A small price to pay for healthy luminescent skin -yes?) Any serious facial goer knows that one can not be seen in public for the first 24 hours post facial. The problem in this age of a spa on every corner, is that innocent consumers are tricked into believing that a facial is nothing but sheer indulgence. Thus most facials offered today do not focus on the extractions. Instead, the focus is on the mask and the massage. Ji is here to save you from wasting precious time and money on superfluous facials.

More important than any product, regular facials are key to getting that healthy luminescent glow for which we all strive. I learned this about nine years ago, when I first started getting facials. Some important background info on Ji may be helpful here. My whole life I have been tortured with problematic skin. I tried every prescription pill or cream available for many years. Accutane, the supposed "cure" for acne - did it twice. Nothing, let me repeat that... NOTHING worked to change my skin the way that regular facials did. But for a few moments of infidelity here and there, I have been faithful to my aesthetician Ela, owner of Allure Day Spa on 55th between Lexington and Third Ave. in midtown. (Digits: 212.644.5500.)

For the most dramatic improvement in your skin, you should at first go every four weeks, religiously. After you see the improvement, it is not necessary to go as religiously every four weeks. Every six to ten weeks depending on your personal needs, should suffice. I am now at the point where I only go about once every three months. That is, unless an important occasion is upcoming, then I will go every four weeks up to said occasion.

When I first started with Ela, she explained to me why facials are so important. The process of regularly cleaning out your pores prevents build up of gunk (dirt, oils etc.) Build up causes dullness, breakouts and all other anti-luminescent qualities. Additionally, with regular cleaning, your pores actually shrink and function better. That is, the oil will flow freely out of your pores, which is a good thing. It's good because you don't want it getting stuck in your pores, drying up and causing a blemish. Makes sense -yes?

Regarding my dear Ela. Her politics are all wrong but don't make that stop you from loving her. She'll clean out your pores better than anyone else period. When she's done with you, you will at first look like you were beaten up. But have no fear my friends, after nine years of going to her, never a scar. (Which by the way, I can not say about other facialists I have been too.) And after about 24 hours, your skin will be more luminescent than ever before. I have sent many people to Ela and every person who sees her is absolutely delighted with the results. (Nota bene, Allure's waxing and nail services are very good too but skip any of the hair services.)

I have been to other spas throughout the city that are known for facials such as Mario Badescu, Bliss etc. None compare, with the exception of Amore Pacific Spa in Soho. AP is a far behind second to Ela in their extractions. However, the facial experience at AP is so relaxing and the products top notch, that in between seeing Ela, I go to AP for the sheer pampering.

So there you have it friends. The cold hard truth about facials is out now. If I've done my part to help just one of you not be fooled into getting a facial for relaxation purposes, then I have done my part.