Goodbye, Splotchy Skin: How to Get the Perfect Facial

Skin care facials aren't just day-spa luxuries anymore. Women can now get facials at dermatologists' offices, hair salons and even gyms! Not every facial is a great experience, though. Sometimes you're left pink and splotchy; other times it just doesn't feel good ?- maybe you're not quite prepared for extractions or are put off by a too-tingly mask on your face. What is the perfect facial? It should be comfortable, relaxing and absolutely custom-tailored to suit your specific skin type and needs.

Here, some tips on how to get one.

•  Your aesthetician should ask a lot of questions and do an analysis of your skin before touching your face.

•  She should describe a menu of facials and make a recommendation based on the condition of your skin. If you have a lot of blackheads, for example you might be suggested a deep-cleansing facial that includes foaming cleansers, steam and extractions. If your skin is very dry and sun damaged, she might suggest an anti-aging facial that features thick, rich emulsions and products that contain antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.

•  Know your skin type. Is your skin dry? Dehydrated? Oily? Are you sensitive to products? Do you get breakouts? All this information will help the aesthetician determine the right products to work with.

•  Be truthful about the products you use. Your aesthetician will be able to tell a lot about your habits when she looks at your skin through a magnifying lamp. But she also needs to know the specifics: Do you use glycolic acids, retinols or other drugs for your skin? Do you get peels, go for Botox injections or have other procedures done?