Are facials worth the money?

A good facialist will make your skin look and feel great after just one treatment, although long-term benefits will be non-existent if you smoke, sunbathe, drink toomuch and have a poor diet. Expert opinions are conflicting, as a facial won't stop the ageing process, but it will help take care of your skin as part of your daily regime. A facial will also deep cleanse and hydrate your skin probably better than you can do yourself. You'll also leave the salon feeling relaxed and refreshed, too, which is good for your well being, as well as your skin.

What the experts say work?

We all love to be pampered and the luxury of a facial is second to none, but do they have any long-term effects on our skin and are they worth the money?Every month, Sue McNeill investigates the latest products and treatments, and asks if they're worth the investment...

Dr Susan Mayou, cosmetic dermatologist at The Cadogan Clinic (www.cadoganclinic.com, 020 7901 8500)

‘There really isn't much science behind how a facial works. Skin will have a more thorough cleanse, as a facialist will be able to reach those hard-to-see areas around the face. But, unfortunately, a facial can't prevent ageing.'

Dr Aamer Khan, a founding director of The Harley Street Medical Skin Clinic, specialising in Cosmetic Medicine

(www.harleystreetskin.co.uk)

‘It's hard to say if [facials] can do anything, but there's medical proof that if you use glycolic acid in a facial on a regular basis, it reduces the risk of skin cancer. What is also in favour is the feel good factor. In addition, massage in a facial increases blood supply and encourages lymphatic drainage, which eliminates toxins. Any long-term benefits include increasing blood supply, reducing toxins and stress and increasing endorphins (which make you happy) through touch.'

Vanda Serrador, at Urban Skin in London

(www.urban-skin.com, 020 7493 8521)

‘Facials have really improved over the last few years and have become more effective, offering real results. Having a facial in a professional salon is crucial. Like a personal trainer, your therapist has the experience, techniques and products to care for your skin, and these cannot be replicated at home.'

How to find the right facial for you

Shop around before you book a treatment. The Good Spa Guide (www.goodspaguide.co.uk) offers tips and advice and can also help find the right salon at the right price for you, thanks to its easy-to-use search engine.

■ When booking a treatment, ask for a consultation with the therapist beforehand.

■ Before splashing out on a range of products, ask for samples to try at home.

Reputable salons will be happy to give these to you, so you can continue that spa feeling with products at home.

■ Don't be shy about asking to have your treatment done in silence. Although a good therapist will usually ask if you want peace and quiet.

■ Time is money. It may have been fine for therapists to leave you alone to relax in the old days, but today's professional salons should be making the most of your time by offering a hand or foot massage, while your facial works its magic.

■ A course of treatments doesn't necessarily have to be a hard-sell strategy, but ensure you aren't talked into spending more because you're feeling pressured.

Your questions answered

Whenever I have a facial I find the blackhead removal painful. Is it necessary?

‘A good and thorough extraction session is the crux of any facial,' explains Sharon Dhiman, lead esthetician at Bliss London's salon. ‘Not only will the removal of blackheads increase the penetration of any treatment products that are applied, it will keep the pores from stretching wider and help prevent the bacteria build-up that can lead to acne.'

I have a daily skincare regime for my face, but how often should I go for a facial?

The more the merrier seems to be the rule, but if you can afford to have one treatment every one to two months, that should be plenty. If not, make vouchers top of your gift -list for Christmas and birthday, and spread them out throughout the year.

Quick fix

Don't forget that twice-weekly gentle exfoliation will help keep skin looking fresh, if time and money constraints mean that a spa facial is not within your remit. Massage away dead skin cells to increase circulation in the skin, too.