Facials are a classic for the ultimate skincare and the good-old salon sessions have received few software updates these past few years. Instead of slathering creams on scrubs and gels with a massage, there is a solid and result-driven plan in place. With a touch of Hollywood, international beauty trends and an advancement of Indian salons, the facials have become more goal oriented and highly equipped with all the right tools and technicians. The facial treatments are no longer a celeb-privy thing but easily and efficiently available to all skincare junkies. The multi faceted, advanced facial treatments work to give you multifold results, from cleansing, brightening to age reversing your skin, there is something for all. We onboarded the pioneering experts Sana Dhanani, Founder of The White Door India and Sinead Henry, Senior International Trainer (APAC), Biologique Recherche to share with us a breakdown on the best facials, celebrity favourites, future trends and all the necessary information you cannot miss out, before stepping out for your treatment and achieving the skin of your dreams.
Ahead is our interaction with Sana Dhanani, taking us through all things advanced facials:
Thoughts On Advanced Facials: From Hollywood, Tiktok To Indian Beauty Space
Over the past couple of years, I’ve witnessed the gap between what’s trending in the West and in India diminish considerably. We are no longer waiting for technology to come to us; instead, we have access to the best technology, products, and technicians. The client has evolved as well; they are well-traveled, well-informed, and far more experimental than they were a few years ago.
As an industry, we are becoming more skin-focused and moving away from cosmetic surgery to alter one’s appearance. There has been so much advancement in the beauty industry that we now understand the importance of using the right tools, products, techniques, and expertise to achieve more long-term sustained results for clients. While trends on TikTok and other beauty platforms come and go, the focus on having a customized skincare routine remains sacrosanct at this time.
The Upcoming Salon-Based Facial Treatment Trends
Facials that incorporate LED-light therapy, micro-current devices, micro-puncture treatments, sculpting, and lifting tools are becoming increasingly popular. Facials are now being structured to be multifaceted, addressing multiple skin issues in a single session. The goal is to create a more long-term skin program that the client can maintain through follow-up sessions and a customized skin ritual, rather than simply improving the vibrancy and health of the skin for a couple of days post-treatment.
Another trend we’ve seen gain a lot of interest is lymphatic drainage facial massages with a focus on lifting and sculpting the face. With the right technique and training, these facials are extremely helpful to increase blood circulation, ease muscle tension and help drain the lymph nodes, and decrease swelling and puffiness.
At-Home Tools vs Salon Treatments
For clients who desire healthy, well-maintained skin in the future, both must work in perfect harmony. A good at-home routine will only enhance the outcome that they get when they come in for their weekly upkeep or monthly spa rituals. There is a significant difference when it comes to administering more technical treatments at home; this necessitates a particular skill set and technique, access to the right products, and the necessary pre and post-treatment care to ensure that no real harm is done.
While clients prefer a basic cleanse or mask as an at-home ritual, the experience of working with a technician who has complete knowledge, technical expertise, and a history of working with skin cannot be replaced.
Celebrity Loved Treatments
“Celebrities appreciate experimenting with advanced facials in their spare time; the Biologique Recherche facials are popular with celebrities all over the world, and India is no exception. Most celebrities indulge in facials prior to the red carpet to give them that instant glow and to create the perfect base for their makeup. The Red Carpet Facial is without a doubt our most popular facial.
We’ve also seen them come in for facial sculpting massages as maintenance, which is a non-invasive way to get that lifted appearance before a big event. The in-chair face contouring massage is a hot favourite in this regard. It usually depends on how much time they have before a shoot, personal function, red carpet, or movie premiere; the services we would recommend to them would be largely be based on their skin journey and the most effective approach for achieving their skin goals”, tells Sinead Henry, Senior International Trainer for Biologique Recherche (APAC).
The Biologique Recherche’s New Launch At The White Door India
The latest launch at The White Door India is the Biologique Recherche Micro Puncture Lab (MPL) facial. This facial is intended for stressed, deficient, or dehydrated skin, as well as mature skin with visible lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, and sun damage. A .25 needle is used to make micro punctures to your skin to stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production.
“Micro-puncture is a virtually painless aesthetic procedure that involves micro-perforations that are made with micro-puncture needles. These are tiny channels through which the Biologique Recherche serum, which contains over 56 active ingredients, is infused. You will notice firmer skin, a more refined complexion, and an enhanced youthful glow as a result. It’s a great way to age gracefully and a natural alternative to botox, bringing vitality and illumination to the face”, adds Henry.
On The Idea Behind & Journey Of The White Door India
Telling us all about her baby, Dhanani shares, “The White Door India began operations five years ago with the objective of becoming the country’s first luxury spa located outside of a five-star hotel. I worked to curate the finest bespoke services in line with international hygiene standards and technical expertise, as well as source high-end, globally acclaimed beauty products from around the world. My goal was to create a space dedicated to all things beauty and wellness, in Mumbai.
The White Door India’s most recent initiative, the House of Talent brings globally recognized talent to the country to serve our clientele. Our roster includes celebrity artists and acclaimed wellness professionals who are flown down to the spa to consult with our clients, each month. We opened our second location in Worli in the Summer of 2020 and have now proceeded to re-envision our Bandra outpost with a more expansive space”.
Things To Keep In Mind Before Getting Your First Advanced Treatment
“You need to always be open with your skin technician about your past skin history, any allergies or skin issues must be declared before attempting an advanced facial. We would recommend doing a consultation with a skin specialist to determine the best facial for your skin type as well as going over your expectations from the service. Keep away from actives for at least 48 hours prior to the service, and keep the same for 24-48 hours post the service. In some cases, multiple sessions are recommended to reverse skin damage and to best manage client expectations.
We usually recommend a minimum of three sessions, in a gap of fifteen days post which, the client can switch to monthly sessions for maintenance. It is always recommended to never hold back from asking all your questions to the skin specialist, this will only help you achieve the best possible outcome from the experience. Lastly, post-care is the most important, sunscreen and extensive sun exposure is not recommended post these facials”, explains Henry.