What’s in a Facial?
I was online recently reading answers to skin care questions, and saw someone ask, “Does a BOG Facial really do anything?”
This intrigued me because I had never heard of a BOG Facial. I’ve heard of Hydra Facials, Glo2 Facials, Chemical Peel Facials, Light Therapy Facials, Microdermabrasion, LED Facials, Lymphatic Massage Facials, and Vampire Facials. But never BOG Facials.
So I looked it up, and discovered the meaning of “BOG” is “basic, ordinary, generic.” And I thought, oh man. The facials I offer at Bella Mina don’t use any complicated machinery. So what makes them not BOG Facials?
Then I thought, my facials should have their own acronym — SCORBPRO — Simple, Clean, Organic, Relaxing, Body Positive, Results Oriented Facials. Doesn’t have the same ring to it, and it’s kind of hard to pronounce, but I’m proud to say the facials I offer enhance your natural beauty in a calm atmosphere without the need for invasive procedures. It’s easy to create facials with this mindset when you have the right combination of products paired with the skill and determination to apply them with the most relaxing, soothing massage strokes.
So I thought I’d break down the types of facials I offer and the products I use in what may become a somewhat lengthy but informative newsletter.
TYPES OF FACIALS:
SEA MINERAL FACIAL: This is an express facial designed to both relax and achieve goals in a short amount of time. I customize it based on your needs, and it includes cleansing, exfoliation, steam, and either extraction or product application & facial massage.
CHERRY GLYCOLIC ACID BRIGHTENING FACIAL: After cleansing, exfoliation and steam, a 15% solution of Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Cherry Pulp are applied to the face for a few minutes and then removed, followed by calming serums. This facial is especially designed to retexture and stimulate collagen and elastin production and is also beneficial for acne scarring. Please don’t be scared by the term “acid”! Our skin has a natural pH of about 5.5 on a scale of 1-12, 1 being purely acidic and 12 being purely alkaline. So our skin is already slightly acidic, and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) such as glycolic (from sugarcane) and lactic (from milk) acids remove dead skin and stimulate the production of new, healthy skin. Be aware though that if you have sensitive skin another option will be best for you, since this facial has a bit of tingle to it and can leave your skin red for a few minutes afterwards; if you book this but tell me or I learn through skin analysis that your skin is sensitive, don’t worry, I will choose a gentler mask for you.
GUA SHA GLOW FACIAL: A facial especially designed to aid the flow of lymph and boost circulation. Sometimes our skin gets puffy and congested, and facial massage using lymph flow strokes combined with cool from the fridge Gua Sha tools can help get things moving again. The tools are smooth and heart-shaped and made of jade, and are gently glided over the skin in the direction of lymph flow, so it’s a very pleasant sensation in addition to being therapeutic. You still get the bells and whistles with this facial, including cleansing, exfoliation, steam, serums and a cucumber eye gel massaged into the under eye area.
JAPANESE LIFTING FACIAL - As you may have gleamed from my massage and spa day deals menu, I love to learn and incorporate techniques and styles from other countries and cultures. It’s kind of my thing. So I’m happy to include the Japanese Lifting Facial on my menu, based on Tsuboki Japanese facial massage techniques. A mini-facelift with no tools or machines necessary, I simply use Vitamin C Oil combined with Rosehips and Lily Oil in a facial massage that combats the effects of gravity. I pay special attention to where the skin needs lifting the most and apply the oil in circular, upward and kneading motions. As with all my 60 minute facials, cleansing, steam, serums, and arm & hand massage with warm hand wrap are included. If your skin is congested, too, mask and/or extractions can be included.
INDIAN STYLE TURMERIC FACIAL - I took a Champissage (Indian head massage) class a while back and have been fascinated with this style ever since. If you’ve ever watched a Youtube Indian Head Massage video, my Indian massages and facials incorporate this style, minus the abrasive looking stuff (apparently you can release micro muscles with hair pulling — pretty cool but I don’t do it), and also minus pouring buckets of oil directly onto people’s heads. The style is vigorous and boosts circulation, relieves tension, and works dirt and oil out of the skin. I incorporate herbal and turmeric products for a deliciously spicy-sweet anti-inflammatory facial.
ROSE CLAY PURIFYING FACIAL - This facial is ideal for people who have skin types like I do — mature and dry — and like me, if you enjoy a relaxing, sweet aromatherapeutic experience. I use all the rose and flower-based products for this facial, from botanical cleanser to Rose and Lily Oil with rosehips to Rose pH balancing spray to sea flower serums and finally my favorite, the Rose Clay Mask with kaolin clay to lift out dirt and sebum while hydrating and moisturizing. This is also one of the two facials I offer especially for sensitive skin.
BAMBOO TEA TREE DETOX FACIAL - A facial designed to balance oil production, remove dirt and debris and reveal a naturally glowing complexion. Stay clean and clear with non-comedogenic (that means not pore blocking) products and detox your skin with a black charcoal mask with bamboo and tea tree oils to not only lift excess oil and pollutants from the skin, but help regulate the amount of oil your skin produces. After steam, extractions of open and closed comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) with extraction spoon (picture a spoon that is hollowed out in the middle and very small, gentle yet effective) is performed as necessary. The Mermaid Milk Moisturizer used at the end is perfect for oily skin because of its sea minerals and small molecules that sink in without leaving residue.
GREEN TEA CALM SKIN FACIAL - In esthetician school, I learned that skin types include normal (blessed), combo (most common), dry (my skin type) and oily, and that dehydrated and sensitive are not called skin types but skin conditions. Still, we need facials that target these conditions and green tea is one of the best ingredients for this. Sensitive skin can easily become inflamed, red and irritated so I use only the gentlest products that are fragrance free while hydrating and balancing. (Technically, all my facial products are fragrance free because all the aromas come from plants, not synthetic [man-made] ingredients.) Sea buckthorn, algae, seaweed, sea kelp, and gentle botanicals combine with Green Tea Mask to reveal a clear and hydrated complexion, while combating redness and inflammation.
PUMPKIN PAPAYA ENZYME FACIAL - Also in esthetician school, we learned to do enzyme facials using a brown powder that had to be combined with water and created a sort of gritty paste that got rid of dead skin and smelled faintly of dirt. I thought, that’s kind of cool but when I have my own studio I’ll invest in something a little more pleasant. Pumpkin pulp contains an enzyme that exfoliates while regenerating healthy skin cells, and combined with gentle papaya enzyme makes for a heavenly aroma. Like the cherry mask, this one isn’t best for sensitive skin, but is fantastic if you want to moisturize and retexture your skin and can stand a little tingling sensation on your skin (it fades pretty quickly). Soothing and hydrating gels and serums are used afterwards so you leave with calm and refreshed skin.
RED SEAWEED AGE DEFYING FACIAL - I think word use is important, so I like to avoid the term “anti-aging,” as if the beauty industry should be against something that inevitably happens to all of us and is not at all inherently bad (hello, wisdom and life experience and the lines to show it happened to us). I also know a lot of us (myself included) wouldn’t mind having a little more buoyancy and suppleness in our skin, so this facial delivers with omega fatty acids, probiotics and a soothing, gel based and not too tingly fruit acid peel mask to boost collagen and elastin production. Finish with a sea fruit radiance balm that is silky smooth and sinks in deep to deliver moisture and appreciate, at every age and stage of life, the natural beauty of your complexion.
FRENCH CLAY BACIAL (back facial) - I designed this as a relaxing experience that is like a long back massage with steam and lovely products that is also productive for clean and clear skin. If you’re having trouble with clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules (acne, or in this case, bacne), don’t worry, I got your back (literally). After double cleansing, exfoliating and steam, I extract with gentle extraction spoon as necessary, and after massage with non pore blocking Vitamin E oil, a French Clay Mask is applied to lift out dirt and debris. You get a scalp, hand and arm massage while the mask is on, so it’s a relaxing experience through and through.
EUROPEAN BODY FACIAL - This is a technique I thought I had invented in my head the moment it occurred to be but alas, it was already a thing with a name. It’s a cleansing, steaming and moisturizing of the whole body instead of just the face, and I added Himalayan Salt Stones because the positive ions provide antioxidants and heated up, just feel really amazing. It’s a combination of aromatherapy, skin therapy and bliss.
Now, on to the facial products. I don’t use every single product in every facial, but instead incorporate a combination of them based on what service you booked and what your skin needs based on your skin analysis with magnifying light. All products are available for retail sale.
FACIAL PRODUCTS:
BROWN & COCONUT BOTANICAL CLEANSER: A facial cleanser with organic botanical flowers, aloe, juniper, gotu kola and French green clay, it has a pleasant floral aroma, and effectively lifts dirt and oil from the skin. For all skin types and especially good for balancing oil production.
EARTH HARBOR SUNSHINE DEW: This Vitamin C oil cleanser is designed especially for lifting stubborn debris from the skin and is really good at removing makeup. Great for dry skin.
EARTH HARBOR AHOY LOVE: Also for all skin types but especially for dry or sensitive skin, a gentle cream cleanser made of red seaweed, hibiscus, and a touch of eucalyptus. I love a cleanser that has the added benefit of antioxidants, so for my dry and mature skin this is my current choice and I love love LOVE the scent.
EARTH HARBOR CITRINE SEA EXFOLIANT: The sea salt and turmeric and the gritty texture make this the deepest exfoliant for getting rid of dead skin, and I use this one for the most stubborn oil and debris.
BROWN AND COCONUT ROSE POWDER: This rose, hibiscus and oat powder is mixed with water to form a gentle exfoliating paste, and is ideal for ridding the skin of excess debris with a pleasant floral aroma.
SERVELLO SEA KELP EXFOLIANT: The perfect exfoliant for sensitive skin, I just discovered this product and I’m so glad I did because the beads are so gentle they can be used on any skin type. This exfoliant feels like soft pearls floating across your skin, and has a faint scent of an ocean breeze.
TIDAL ROSE TONER: A pH balancing spray that hydrates and brings the skin back to a healthy 5.5 on the pH scale with quartz rose water, seaweed and white tea extract. This toner is great for all skin types and is ideal after cleanser which can make the skin more alkaline.
HONEY SPICE BODY OIL: I use this oil for neck, decollate and shoulder massage during steaming. You can use this oil over your entire body, and I use it at home after a shower when I’m still damp to let it sink in. It contains coconut, grapeseed, and avocado oils with Vitamin E to moisturize and hydrate, with the pleasant aroma of honey.
RODAIS PINK PISTILIS OIL: A hydrating and moisturizing oil that can be used every day and is ideal for all skin types. I use this for facial massages as its Ecuadorian and Bulgarian rose plus orchid oil not only smell like a beautiful flower garden but refine texture and reduce inflammation; sugar cane also improves elasticity and prevents moisture loss.
CALYPSO VITAMIN C OIL: I also use this oil for facial massage especially for men or those who don’t like floral scents, as it has only a light citrus scent. Vitamin C reduces hyperpigmentation so is good for age spots and dark circles under the eyes, while chia seeds and sea buckthorn provide antioxidants. This oil also contains cranberry extract to brighten the complexion.
BLACK MAGIC MASK: For combination to oily skin, the bamboo, charcoal and bentonite clay draws impurities from the skin, while tea tree and olive oil leaf balance and rid the skin of bacteria. This mask is especially good for acne and acne-prone skin as it clears the pores and I often use this mask in conjunction with extractions to leave the skin clean and clear.
GREEN SEA MASK: A clarifying and refreshing mask with kelp and spirulina, sea minerals that calm the skin and reduce redness and inflammation. French green clay removes toxins gently. This mask has the light fresh scent of grass and ocean waves.
PINK ROSE MASK: With rose hips, rose clay and kaolin clay, this mask evens the skin tone, increases circulation and oxygen content of the skin, and soothes and regenerates skin cells. It’s ideal for dry, mature or sensitive skin, so this is my go-to, plus the scent makes me feel like I’m in a bed of roses.
TURMERIC MASK: This mask was especially designed for myelinated, oily and combination skin, and brightens the complexion while reducing dark patches and evens out skin tone. The licorice and lemon reduce hyperpigmentation, while turmeric, honey and aloe reduce inflammation and calm the skin. Kaolin clay also rids the skin of excess oil and debris. This is my go-to mask for the Indian Style Facial and has to be removed thoroughly and vigorously, but the addition of gentle scrubbing further gets rid of the skin’s toxins while increasing circulation for a glowing complexion.
CHERRY GLYCOLIC MASK: The combination of cherry pulp, glycolic acid (from sugar) and lactic acid (from milk) eat away at dead skin cells while triggering the skin to create new, healthy cells. Estheticians use AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) masks that are only 10-30% concentration, while medical estheticians generally use 30-50% concentrations. This one is 15%, so the tingling isn’t too bad — higher concentrations can sting and leave the skin red for much longer. For me, because I don’t have sensitive skin I don’t feel the tingle and my skin doesn’t get red, but some people do feel it and the skin stays red for several minutes after it’s removed. This mask only stays on for four minutes and I follow it with calming products.
PUMPKIN PAPAYA ENZYME MASK: Pumpkin enzyme isn’t as strong as AHA but the results are similar. Pumpkins and papayas have enzymes that can be isolated and applied to the skin to remove dead skin cells and promote the regeneration of healthy cells. There can be a little tingling with this mask too, so I also follow it with calming products. The scent is reminiscent of fall and fields of pumpkin.
CLOUDBURST GEL HYDRATOR: After the Rose pH balancing toner, I apply this cool gel following masks as its aloe, sea kelp and gotu kola soothe, hydrate and reduce redness. It also contains clarifying botanicals, hyaluronic acid and probiotics to keep the skin microbiome healthy and hydrate without the heavy feeling of more condensed moisturizers.
RODAIS BLINKER: This is a cucumber under eye serum designed specifically to reduce puffiness, soothe and reduce discoloration. This is a vital product for me as I often wake up with puffy eyes, so I take my time to massage this serum around my eyes in the direction of lymph flow. You can also put this in the fridge and its cooling effect will further reduce puffiness.
MERMAID MILK: This matcha and spirulina moisturizer is ideal for oily to combination skin types. Yes, even if your skin is oily, you should moisturize! Moisturizing oily skin will help balance and regulate oil production and if your skin is dry or dehydrated, your skin will try to compensate by increasing oil output. So this moisturizer with sea minerals provides just enough moisture that your skin will feel balanced enough to not produce more oil. I can tell this is a great oily skin moisturizer because when I use it on my dry skin, its small molecules are absorbed in seconds and my skin screams for something more.
SIREN SILK: This moisturizer is ideal for dry skin like mine, and contains samphire, a form of sea retinol to deeply hydrate, plus peptides and sea fennel to resurface and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has concentrated Vitamins A, C, E and aloe, and has a light seaside scent.
MERMAID MOON: Plant ceramides and bakutchiol even skin tone and lock in hydration while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I take my time to massage this rich cream all around my eye area to visibly reduce smile lines. It also contains squalene and blue tansy for added antioxidants and moisture.
NYMPH NECTAR: This is the thing my skin screams for especially when it’s dry, and once I tried it I didn’t know how I ever lived without it. It has a thick, rich texture and is perfect for mature and dry skin. It contains soothing sea fruit, mango and kokum butter, plus moringa, a tropical fruit and you can feel all these delicately sink into the skin and deeply moisturize, reduce lines and wrinkles, and create a lovely glow. I use this near last in the facial for dry skin types to leave my clients a dewy complexion, and on myself I put a thick layer on at night and massage it in until it’s all absorbed.
TURMERIC FACE CREME: Another great choice for dry and mature skin, I’ve been using this in the evening and my complexion has been increasingly bright, while the appearance of my smile lines has been reduced. I take a small chunk (it’s got a thick texture, which I love) and massage it into my skin in small circles while I’m watching television. It’s the best addition to my routine. The earthy scent is very faint, as it’s got no added fragrance, it’s only scented faintly by the turmeric which reduces inflammation and hyperpigmentation, and the triple butters — cocoa, shea and mango — for added moisture.
SEA KISS: This plumping lip balm contains shea, jojoba and melon seed oil for smooth, hydrated lips without the stickiness, and prevents moisture loss.
I hope this has been an informative read for you, and that you’re as excited as I am for your next facial. I love, love, LOVE doing facials because I get to massage lovely scented products into people’s skin and not only help you relax, but get the results you’re looking for. (Bonus, I also get to sit down, which is a nice break for me and the reason I charge less for facials than for massages).
So please book your next facial with me and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Seriously, if I get a barrage of facial questions following this post I really won’t mind, because I love talking skin health. If you want I can explain each product as I apply it, or you can zone out and relax. If you want product recommendations I’m happy to do that, but if you’re already loving what you’ve got at home that’s fine too.
Cheers to your health and beauty, and if you’ve made it this far, thanks so much for reading! I look forward to seeing you at the studio.
