Why men should consider the occasional facial (hint: you’ll look younger and get a better shave)

There’s a bit of a social stigma about us guys getting facials, isn’t there? A feeling that facials are only for women. But here’s the thing, the occasional men’s facial will not only improve the appearance of your skin, but help you to look younger, healthier, and even give you a smoother shave.

The other week, I got my 3rd facial ever. The first two, I admit, were a consequence of my own insecurity. The first, before reuniting with my long-distance girlfriend and I wanted to look my best, and the second, prior to a uniquely nerve-racking photoshoot! So when the opportunity came along for me to have a facial with Five Wellbeing Spa in Littleton, it was the first time I was going because I just wanted to. I wanted to give my skin some professional attention, but also because I remembered just how downright relaxing facials can be. 

Why should men consider getting a facial?

Aside from the simple fact that it’s incredibly relaxing and might even put you to sleep, allow me to present some more practical arguments.

Men’s skin tends to be a little thicker than women’s, and with larger pores. This can lead to more oily skin, breakouts, etc. You probably already know this. But what you might not know is that exfoliation (the removal of dead skin cells) is important as it can help to mitigate ingrown hairs and remove dead skin, thereby giving you a closer shave. [For those of us who have had the unfortunate experience of an ingrown hair, we know how important it is to mitigate this.] Furthermore, a solid boost of hydration will do your skin a huge favor. Think of this combination of exfoliation and hydration for your face like changing the oil in your car: once you make the time for it, you’re glad you did.

The process

As I’ve learned from my own experiences, each spa approaches facials in a slightly different manner. Professionals in the business have gone on to tell me how each esthetician (a trained professional that performs cosmetic skin treatments, such as facials, chemical peels, body treatments, waxing, etc.) has their own style and treatment biases.  Furthermore, some spas seem to be focused on getting you in and out quickly, whereas others are more about slowing down and offering a relaxing experience. 

My time at Five Wellbeing was very much the best of both worlds. I was given a cozy robe to change into, a beverage, and never felt rushed at all. And the treatment was top notch with my esthetician explaining everything she was doing along the way. 

Four key components

Regardless of the type of spa you visit, the key components of a facial usually tend to remain the same: cleansing/analyzing your skin, exfoliating, performing extractions to clean out clogged pores, and then moisturizing.

While all four of those steps are clearly good things for your skin, what I find most interesting is the first step, where a skilled professional is taking a close look at your skin and telling you how you can improve it. By the way, no need to worry, you’re eyes will be covered while your esthetician turns on a bright light to see all there is to see.

I think this is great. After all, one of the reasons I like going to my barber is to make sure that I am taking good care of my hair and looking my best. Same goes for my shoes, when I take them in for a shine; I have an opportunity to learn more about how I can keep the leather looking good. 

Therefore, I think it makes a lot of sense for us guys to learn how we can take better care of our skin and look better. Whether that equates to the purchase of high-end luxury cosmetic products or making simple changes during your morning routine is entirely up to you. Also, if you have acne-prone skin, an esthetician is like having a coach in your corner. That’s not a bad thing at all!

The men’s facial, myths busted

Are you ready to do your skin a favor and get a facial? I think you should give it a try, at least once. And check your worries at the door. Here are a few misconceptions that I had, but quickly learned they weren’t true at all:

Myth #1: Guys probably don’t get facials at the spa you’re about to schedule an appointment with and you don’t want to be the first.

While the ladies still outnumber the guys for facial treatments, I highly doubt you’ll be the first guy to walk into the spa. Plenty of guys get facials, it just isn’t always part of our normal conversation with one another.

Myth #2: You’ll leave the spa smelling a little too feminine.

Some of the lotions and treatments might smell a bit botanical for our sandalwood/cedar disposition, but it’s not going to be anything too strong, in my personal experience. Nevertheless, maybe schedule your facial for after work to be on the safe side. 

Myth #3: Facials are just going to melt your face off!

What you’re probably thinking of is a chemical peel. I’ve never had one, and I don’t feel up to it, to be honest. But if you’re worried about this finding its way into your treatment regime, just ask the spa to substitute a more gentle process in place of it. 

Making it happen

So what do you think? Are you ready to see what all the fuss is about?

I think you should give it a try. Here’s what you do: the next time you’re going for a haircut, schedule a facial in the hours before. And maybe a sports massage if you think you can handle even more pampering.

If you feel like it might be a little hard to walk into a spa all on your own, going with a friend can really help. Consider inviting your girlfriend, wife, or partner. And don’t forget to shave beforehand. 

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I visited Five Wellbeing Studio and Spa, where they do their fair share of men’s facials. Contact them here for an appointment.

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Did you enjoy this article? I sure hope it helped to shed some light on the sometimes mysterious world of facials. You might also find value in my article on the pedicure, and why men should consider that as well.