Sorry to break it to you, but no matter how attentive, experienced and/or well-researched you are at maintaining your face, you will never be as capable as someone that does it for a living. Which is why—ideally once a month but, more realistically, a few times a year—you need to bring your mug in for a tune-up with a licensed professional.
Now, before you get started with that “But guys don’t get facials!” bullshit, let us remind you that the year is 2016. If manbuns can be mainstream and the cutting edge of hair trends can be pastel pink locks, then one little spa day ain’t gonna do squat to harm your robust masculinty. Should you need further convincing, though, here are seven more reasons why you need to suck it up and see a trained skin-magician.
1. Because a pro can empty your pores like no one else. Sure, you’ve got an idea about how to deal with clogged pores and blackheads. But when it comes to getting skin that's as blemish-free as possible, nobody beats an aesthetician. With years of experience and training, plus a set of expert tools you can’t get your hands on at home, they’re able to handle clogged pores and blackheads with ease.
2. Because breakouts won’t stand a chance. Got an acne issue that won’t clear up? A facial can work wonders in that department, since aestheticians and dermatologists are well-versed in the proper method of popping pimples, helping to reduce risk of scarring and irritation. Aside from that though, they can provide targeted treatments, like masks and exfoliation, to prevent future outbreaks, so that your skin can stay clearer for longer.
3. Because you couldn’t moisturize better if you tried. Here’s the thing about skin: no matter how well you remember to moisturize, it’ll always benefit from a bit of intensive hydration. And that’s exactly what’s going to happen when you go get a facial. After analyzing your skin type, your aesthetician will treat you with the exact attention it requires, nourishing skin with moisture while balancing out factors like oil content so that you walk away with your best possible complexion.
4. Because who doesn’t want smoother skin? Even if your facial specialist isn’t using high-tech techniques like lasers or chemical peels, a solid facial will always come with some measure of high-grade exfoliation, removing a layer of dead cells from your face to leave you looking refreshed and suddenly younger. How could that ever be a bad thing?
5. Because you’ll get a massage...with benefits. No, not that kind. (Get your mind out of the gutter, friend! And up in the well-moisturized air!) What we’re talking about is the massage to your face and neck that comes with almost every facial. Besides feeling nice as hell, this necessary step helps increase blood flow to the area, clearing out toxins and toning skin and facial muscles.
6. Because knowledge is power. Not sure why your skin has been looking weird lately? Well, a good facialist can help with that, as they’re trained to figure out what’s going on with problem skin and attend to it. They’ll also teach you how to manage similar issues when they arise, so that you don’t have to wait till your next appointment for relief.
7. Because it’s relaxing as hell. Thirty minutes to an hour of lying comfortably with your eyes closed, while another person does everything in their power—including massages and facemasks—to make sure you emerge more handsome? You’re a liar if you say that doesn’t sound lovely.
