What is a European Facial? Uncover how this popular skin treatment enhances the skin and all its amazing benefits.
A consistent skin-care routine is essential to keep your skin in good condition and help keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. It is also beneficial to have professional treatments such as a regular facial, which promotes smooth and healthy skin and helps improve issues such as acne and ageing.
Facials are a favourite treatment of many due to their relaxing and rejuvenating elements. There are many different types of facials in the beauty world, and choosing one will depend on your requirements and any specific skin concerns.
If you are looking for a multi-tasking treatment, a European facial is the ideal option. This popular treatment helps to improve the skin’s overall appearance and offers a range of amazing benefits, so let’s delve into ‘What is a European Facial?‘ and how it transforms the skin.
What is a European Facial?
A European facial is a popular treatment focusing on the face and neck to promote radiant and youthful skin. The facial includes deep cleansing of the face, exfoliation, and manual extractions (this is optional.)
The treatment offers many benefits to the skin and tackles clogged pores, blemishes, age spots, fine lines, and uneven skin tones. A European facial lasts around one hour and includes a face, neck and shoulder massage.
What to Expect at a European Facial: Step-by-Step

Photo by Gustavo Fring
Deep Cleanse
A European facial is a multi-step process starting with a deep cleansing treatment to the face and decolletage area. This thorough cleansing removes any build-up oil, bacteria, make-up and other toxins that contribute to acne and premature ageing.
The practitioner should perform a skin analysis post-cleanse, and getting your treatments done by a qualified professional is advised as they have the knowledge and experience to assess your skin correctly.
Skin Analysis
The practitioner will analyse your skin under a magnifying glass and discuss any specific skin issues, what you want to achieve from the treatment, what skin care products you use, and determine your skin type. They will also look for skin issues such as blackheads, sun damage or ageing and customise skin care products based on the results.
Exfoliation
The exfoliation process is the next step to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface to achieve a smooth and glowing complexion. The practitioner will use a gentle exfoliation product such as a pumpkin enzyme mask or scrub. Learn more about the power of enzymes for the skin right here.
Steam and Extraction
Steam will then be applied to open and soften the pores and prepare the skin for extractions, where the practitioner will gently remove blackheads and impurities from the skin.
The extraction process purifies the skin and prevents further breakouts, and some European facials include a high-frequency therapy. This non-invasive machine uses mild electric currents to rejuvenate the skin, kill bacteria, reduce inflammation and stimulate the skin’s natural healing process.
Facial Massage
A relaxing face massage is enjoyable but also a significant part of a European facial that removes toxins from the skin by improving blood flow, promoting youthful and brighter skin.
The Benefits of a Facial Massage

Facial Mask
A face mask is applied to the face and neck, and while its ingredients get to work, the practitioner may perform a calming neck, chest and shoulder massage. The mask is removed after 10-15 minutes, and any redness from previous extractions should have calmed down.
Moisturiser and SPF
Moisturiser is the final step of a European facial and seals all the benefits of this treatment, leaving the skin feeling soft and supple, followed by an SPF to protect the skin from direct sunlight and harmful UV rays.
8 Benefits of a European Facial
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Hydrating
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Promotes Younger Looking Skin
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Unclogs the Pores
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Evens Out Skin Tone
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Reduces Fine Lines
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Fade Ageing Spots
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Improves Blood Circulation
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Releases Tension in the Facial Muscles
Is a European Facial Suitable for All Skin Types?

A European facial treatment suits most skin types, but Dr David Halpern, a certified plastic surgeon, advises people with active acne or other serious skin conditions to avoid it. If unsure, have a skin professional check your suitability at a consultation.
How Often Should I Get a Facial?
How often to get a facial depends on individual factors such as skin type, particular skin concerns, goals and which treatment you are undergoing.
Skin cell turnover regenerates every 28 days, and experts generally advise getting a facial every 4-6 weeks, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Collective Skincare explains on their blog that age and a specific skin type have different requirements to consider. For example, someone who is acne-prone may benefit from more frequent facials than someone with combination skin, but you can double-check this at your consultation.
What To Do After a Facial
It is also essential to take care of your skin post-facial, and this includes:
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Drinking plenty of water to help flush out toxins and keep hydrated
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Avoiding make-up for the rest of the day
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Don’t wash you face or apply skincare for 4-6 hours
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Don’t use any exfoliants or products with retinol, vitamin C or ones that could irritate the skin for at least two to three days.
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Make sure your pillows, bedding and make-up brushes are clean before use.
A European Facial’ is a hard-working treatment combining a deep cleanse, exfoliation, extraction, and massage tailored to meet your skin’s requirements. Whether you need to treat specific skin concerns or want a relaxing experience and a radiant and glowing complexion, a European facial is a fantastic option to indulge your skin.
Disclaimer: All the content published on www.thestylecadet.com is solely for information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consider seeking the advice of your doctor, qualified healthcare provider or dermatologist. The information, suggestions, or remedies mentioned in this article are provided without warranty of any kind, whether expressed or implied.