The Facts about facials for your skin...

Do you really think that facials really good for your skin?

You get a facial at a fancy spa, feeling like you've taken a dip in the fountain of youth and when you rave about it to your friends they tell you it doesn't make you look that great. Disappointed? There is no denying that facials make one feel good, but the million dollar question is, are they really worth all the fuss?

Let's face it, everything is not as it seems. Here's debunking 5 most common myths on facials to help you know that there's more to the picture than you can actually see. Was it really worth your money or did it go down the drain.

Myth 1-Facials tighten pores

There is nothing in the world that can tighten pores, NOTHING, though slapping some items on your face can give the appearance of smaller pores. Applying a mixture of egg whites on the face seems to have the effect of smaller pores, but sadly it is a temporary fix too. Though folks involved in the facial business will be fuming, the truth is that though some facials do work wonders for the skin, most of them do not and just offer short term effects.

Myths 2 -Facials are the secret to younger looking skin

Facials and younger looking skin, no way, unless you are talking about the advanced chemical peels and galvanic facials (which employ electrical stimulations) there is no link between facials and younger looking skin. Although they do help to slough off dead cells, but that does not mean that they make you look younger. Leaving the glycolic peels and chemical facials aside, most beauty experts will bet their bottom dollar that most facials just give the temporary feeling of goodness and nothing. 

Myth 3-Facials make your skin glow

Now, there's some truth to it. Facials do make your skin glow but again, only temporarily. Facials cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate your skin giving you the glow that will stay with you for about 3 or 4 days at the most.

Myth 4 -They have no side effects

If you are a big fan of facials you wouldn't want to read this. Getting a facial very often might scar your face. Shocked? (Perhaps, this is why they say that the truth is always bitter!) If you give yourself in the hands of an untrained esthetician you might have to hurry to a dermatologist. Women with sensitive skin may be prone to breakouts and getting a facial done by an untrained esthetician might leave you with bruised and scarred skin. So, always make sure that whoever takes the charge of running their fingers on your face knows how it's done. Only a well trained esthetician should be trusted.

Myth 5-You need to go to a spa for the perfect facial

For the perfect facial you do not need to expend a lot of money. You can get almost the same results in the comfort of your home. However, for the advanced facials you would need to pay a visit to a good spa and shell out some money.

Most spas make tall claims that there facials can give you glow and make up stuff like this, but in this age of instant gratification it would be wise to weigh all pros and cons and then take the final plunge. Moreover, most spas do not cater exclusively to your skin's needs and are all the same. But if you are able to find a spa that takes into account what type of skin you have and the level of your skin's sensitivity then be assured you've bagged a great deal.

Face-friendly food 5: Dark leafy greens
Spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, and swiss chard are all great examples of dark leafy greens that are fantastic for maintaining healthy skin. It's all to do with their super levels of antioxidant, vitamins A, C, E and the mineral iron - which is essential for keeping your blood healthy and your skin bright. If you are not a great lover of greens you can always add them to a smoothie or sneak watercress, rocket or baby spinach into salads and sarnies to ensure you get your fill.

Myth 1-Facials tighten pores

There is nothing in the world that can tighten pores, NOTHING, though slapping some items on your face can give the appearance of smaller pores. Applying a mixture of egg whites on 

Face-friendly food 7: Extra virgin olive oil
Integral to the Mediterranean diet, extra virgin olive oil can help nourish your skin from the inside out. High levels of the antioxidant vitamin E and source of the 'good fats' are what makes extra virgin olive oil so skin-beneficial. If you don't already, try using it in place of your regular cooking oil and include a drizzle on salads, pasta and pizza. 

Face-friendly food 2: Wholegrains
Wholegrains are a facial super food as they are fantastic for your digestion, and when your body is working to get rid of waste and toxins efficiently it shows on your skin. Go for brown or wholemeal pasta, rice and breads to get your wholegrains as well increase your intake of fiber. These foods not only boost digestion transit they are also great sources of iron and another skin-loving nutrient, vitamin B as well as helping you to feel full and satiated

Face-friendly food 6: Beans

It's the existence of isoflaves - potent antioxidants that make beans a fabulous face-friendly food. Antioxidants are great because they reduce the free radicals in your body (which cause aging) and make you look and feel great. And black beans, chickpeas, lentils and soybeans are good choices of beans/legumes to incorporate into your diet.

Face-friendly food 3: Cucumber
Okay, so you can slice off a couple of rounds and pop them on your eyes too, but the nutritional properties of cucumber make them a skin-friendly food to eat as well. Cucumber has high water content and staying hydrated has to be one of the golden rules when it comes to good nutrition for your skin. Boost your cucumber intake by including them as crudités, in salads and even in drinks - cucumber whizzed up with yogurt, mint and a dash of milk makes a delicious Lassi.

Face-friendly food 1: Berries
Berries act as the perfect healthy skin pick 'n' mix as they provide the perfect combo of antioxidants and vitamins C and E in an easy pick-up package. Vitamin C is really face-friendly as it helps produce collagen, the facial framework tissue which keeps your complexion plump and smooth. Blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries are some of our favorites and easy as to get into your daily diet, but make sure they are eaten fresh and unheated; you'll get the most antioxidants and vitamins that way.

Face-friendly food 2: Salmon
Oily fish is super skin-friendly as its rich in the essential lipids (fats) that the skin needs to be healthy. The fatty acid Omega 3 is your friend when it comes to maintaining a healthy and young-looking complexion as it maintains skin elasticity and works to keep cell membranes healthy. Other examples of oily fish include trout, mackerel, tuna, anchovies and sardines.