I have been trained in facials since 2008 and do around 5 facials per week, so I think I'm pretty confident in doing them, but I work by myself and don't have anyone around to ask for advice.. basically I (if I say so myself!) am really good at doing extractions.. I use a mixture of my hands and an extraction tool for the harder-to-get blackheads and areas, and the majority of the time I think I manage to get 90% of blackheads out. I also really enjoy doing extractions which I think helps. However, in an hour facial I often find there's not enough time to get the whole face clear of blackheads.. I start with the nose, then chin, then cheeks and behind ears if needed and lastly forehead.. does everyone else do all of this within an hour? I often find theres only a few mins left for massaging etc.. Should I just concentrate on certain areas?

I also find that some clients' skin dries up very quickly after being steamed, meaning I start extracting on the nose and by the time I get to the chin it's already too dry to get anything out.. the pores have closed up. Is there a solution for this?

And LASTLY (lol, thanks for sticking with me!) I have several clients with pores that are very large and no matter how long I spend extracting, the pores keep 'filling up' so to speak.. is there anything I or the clients can do to help?

Help!! Thanks guys!

Why don't you offer 75min or 90 min facial? My most popular facial treatment time is 90mins. This way i don't cut any corners, thorough extraction work, full massage time and some other skin treatments.

I would explain to the client that more time is need to address their skin concerns. If they are on a budget and only want an hour, then you need to priortise the treatment and explain you would need to reduce massage time or something else.

After steam, if the skin dries out, spritz the skin with a hydrating toner before you start extraction.

Clients with enlarges pores, you need to work with them on their cleansing routine, take a look at with products they are using at home which may contribute to the problem. A more hydrated skin will also help plump fill out the skin to create a smoother skin and as a result less enlarged pores.

Thanks for the advice! re 90 min facial, do you explain to the client before they come for a facial that they may need longer or do you do it during a consultation before starting the facial? And do you do the consultation before they are on the couch or once they are already undressed and ready for treatment? My worst thing would be if someone thought I was trying to scam them once I had them through the door.. I always worry about this!

And is there a hydrating toner you can recommend? The skincare product I use is Natural Elements.. obv not one of the main Dermalogica/Elemis type makes but as I work on my own I can't afford to use that class of product. And actually - don't know if anyone has used Natural Elements - but they're gorgeous products! However they dont have a specific 'hydrating'n toner.. do you think the one they supply for dry skin would be suitable? Maybe I should be asking the company this

As for the enlarged pore clients.. is there a specific 'type' of product I should recommend to them? e.g. using moisturisor day and night and reapplying during the day? Or using a facial oil with their moisturisor?

Sorry for all the questions!

Hi,

Yes, I agree with curly bamboo - you just need to get them to commit to longer.

I work like you and find I can easily spend 20mins+ on just the extractions. I do a 45minute (which is probably the equivalent of a standard 1hr facial) and then go all the way up to 90mins. I used to find that people were expecting an awful lot out of 45minutes (and me being a bit soft, ended up giving it to them) but it just got silly so now I'm quite clear that the basic 45' facial does not include extractions. I just don't go there.

If you work honestly and with respect people will know that you have their best interests at heart and you're not out to con them so don't worry about that aspect.

If someone books in for the first time tell them it needs to be a 75 min appt so that you can really look at their skin (and do extractions if necessary). You could always say that if you find you need less time you won't keep them unnecessarily - or give them the choice of having that time dedicated to extra lovely massage. Once you start doing longer for less they just expect it and it's very difficult to then charge more, so book them in for longer right from the off. If they've got lovely clear skin you can always sell them a quicker option next time, but tell them they'll lose out on some of the massage or whatever

Sorry can't advise on your products but wrt skin drying before you get around to certain areas I guess you could use a small cloth from a towel caddy just to warm the area up again.

I always start extractions on the forehead as it tends to be dryer in terms of skin condition and in terms of being the furthest away from the steam, work anti clockwise around the face and finish on the nose. I can't say I ever find it difficult to do the nose even if it is a while after the steaming.

Sorry, I did go on, but HTH.